Here are three contrasting interpretations of our text for today: Mark 9:50:
- “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50, New International Version)
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s virtues and preserving peace and harmony among people. It suggests that individuals should strive to be like salt, which adds flavor and preserves things, while also encouraging peaceful relationships.
- “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50, English Standard Version)
This interpretation emphasizes the need for individuals to maintain their effectiveness and influence in the world. If salt loses its saltiness, it becomes useless for seasoning. Similarly, people should strive to retain their impact and contribute to peaceful coexistence with others.
- “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” (Mark 9:50, King James Version)
In this version, the emphasis is on personal responsibility and inner qualities. It suggests that individuals should have the qualities of salt within themselves, maintaining their distinctive essence. Furthermore, it encourages fostering peaceful relationships and unity among people.
These three interpretations provide contrasting nuances while conveying the overall message of preserving one’s virtues, influence, and inner qualities, and promoting peace and harmony with others.
Intentional Faith 