It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

LUKE 14:35KJV
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Luke 14:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:35 mean?

Luke 14:35 says that something which has lost its usefulness is not good for anything—not for the land, not even for the dunghill—so people throw it away. Jesus ends by urging those who are able to understand to pay close attention to what he is saying.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, finishing a teaching about the cost of following him by comparing people to salt that has lost its flavor. The point is that just as flavorless salt is useless, so too is a disciple who does not truly follow. The final phrase, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," is a call for the listeners to really think about and grasp the seriousness of his words.

The Greek behind Luke 14:35

  • γῆ (gē, "land"): This word means the earth or soil. Jesus is saying the useless salt is not even good for improving the ground, highlighting its total lack of value.
  • κοπρία (kopria, "dunghill"): This means a heap of manure or refuse. Even as fertilizer or waste, the salt is worthless, which emphasizes the complete loss of purpose.
  • ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, "cast out"): This word means to throw out or discard. The action is deliberate—useless salt is actively removed, not just ignored.
  • ὦτα (ōta, "ears") and ἀκούω (akouō, "hear"): These words stress the importance of truly listening and understanding, not just hearing the words but grasping their meaning.

Why Luke 14:35 matters

  • Luke 14:35 clarifies that Jesus is not just talking about minor failure, but about total loss of purpose—his warning is serious and absolute.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus challenges people to count the cost of discipleship, showing that following him is not a casual commitment.
  • The strong language about being "cast out" helps the reader see that Jesus expects real, lasting change in those who follow him, not just outward association.

Where else these words appear

“dunghill” Greek G2874 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

“fit” Greek G2111 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
  • Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

“neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  • Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.