King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:1 Mean?

Matthew 5:1 in the King James Version says “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Matthew 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus ascends a mountain to teach, deliberately evoking Moses on Sinai. However, Jesus speaks with His own authority as the divine Lawgiver, not merely as a prophet. The 'disciples' here include both the Twelve and a broader circle of followers. This sermon establishes the constitution and character of the Kingdom of Heaven.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mountains held special significance in Jewish teaching tradition. Moses received the Law on Sinai, and rabbinic teachers often sat to deliver authoritative instruction. By teaching from a mountain, Jesus positions Himself as the new Moses giving the new covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's authority to teach compare to human religious teachers and authorities?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus sat down to teach His disciples rather than addressing the crowds first?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ἰδὼν1 of 16

seeing

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 16

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς3 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλους4 of 16

the multitudes

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἀνέβη5 of 16

he went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς6 of 16

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ7 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄρος8 of 16

a mountain

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

καὶ9 of 16

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καθίσαντος10 of 16

when he was set

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

αὐτοῦ·11 of 16

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

προσῆλθον12 of 16

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῦ·13 of 16

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ15 of 16

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ·16 of 16

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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