Matthew 5 1

Matthew 5:1 kjv

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

Matthew 5:1 nkjv

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

Matthew 5:1 niv

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

Matthew 5:1 esv

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

Matthew 5:1 nlt

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 1 Meaning

Matthew 5:1 sets the stage for the pivotal Sermon on the Mount, initiating Jesus' authoritative teaching ministry to His followers. It describes Jesus deliberately separating Himself from the large general crowds by ascending a mountain, where He then assumes the customary posture of a teacher by sitting. His immediate audience, at this moment of direct instruction, is identified as "His disciples," who gathered closely around Him. The verse establishes the physical and relational context for the subsequent declaration of kingdom principles, distinguishing between those drawn by spectacle and those drawn by a desire for instruction.

Matthew 5 1 Context

Matthew 5:1 serves as the crucial transition point between Jesus' preliminary ministry and the unfolding of His Kingdom's ethical and spiritual framework. In Matthew 4, Jesus begins His public ministry: His baptism, temptation, calling of disciples, and initial proclamation ("Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"). The preceding verses (Matt 4:23-25) describe Jesus traversing Galilee, teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness. This activity drew "great multitudes" from across the region – Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. These crowds were a mix of the curious, the sick seeking healing, and those generally interested in His teachings. However, Matthew 5:1 signifies a deliberate change in setting and focus. Jesus moves from addressing the general public in towns to withdrawing with a specific intention: to instruct "His disciples" more intimately. This distinction sets the tone for the Sermon on the Mount, implying that while the multitudes were present and could hear, the message was primarily directed at those who had committed to learning from Him, calling them to a higher standard of living and faith within the Kingdom of God. The ascent to the mountain subtly evokes parallels with Moses ascending Mount Sinai to receive the Law, positioning Jesus as the authoritative New Lawgiver, delivering new covenant principles to His people.

Matthew 5 1 Word analysis

• And seeing: Greek: ἰδὼν (idōn). This is an aorist participle, meaning "having seen" or "when He saw." It implies a deliberate and discerning act of observation, not just a casual glance. Jesus didn't just stumble upon the multitudes; He consciously took note of them and their presence. This discernment likely led to His decision regarding where and to whom He would speak.
• the multitudes: Greek: τοὺς ὄχλους (tous ochlous). Refers to the large, diverse crowds that had been following Jesus (Matt 4:25). These were common people, a mixed group ranging from curious onlookers to those seeking healing, to genuine seekers of truth. They represent humanity at large, not necessarily committed followers at this point.
• He went up: Greek: ἀνέβη (anebē). An aorist active indicative, signifying a definitive, completed action: "He ascended" or "He went up." This was a purposeful, physical ascent, separating Him from the immediate crush of the crowds on lower ground.
• on the mountain: Greek: εἰς τὸ ὄρος (eis to oros). "Into the mountain" or "to the mountain." The definite article "the" (τὸ) does not necessarily imply a single, specifically named mountain known to all, but rather "the mountain region" or "a mountain," distinguishing it as a particular type of place for solemn instruction. Its symbolic significance is profound, echoing Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:3) and establishing Jesus as a greater Lawgiver. Mountains in biblical narrative often represent places of divine encounter, revelation, and prayer (e.g., Matt 14:23; Lk 9:28).
• and when He was seated: Greek: καὶ καθίσαντος αὐτοῦ (kai kathisantos autou). Literally "and He having sat down." This describes the traditional posture of an authoritative teacher or rabbi in ancient Jewish culture (Lk 4:20; Jn 8:2). By sitting, Jesus assumed the position of a master ready to deliver weighty and profound instruction, inviting His listeners to adopt the posture of eager learners. It suggests solemnity, deliberation, and an intention for a sustained period of teaching.
• His disciples: Greek: οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ (hoi mathētai autou). "His learners" or "His pupils." While including the inner circle of the twelve apostles (who had been recently called, Matt 4:18-22), "disciples" here likely refers to a broader group of committed followers who recognized Jesus' authority and desired to be taught by Him, actively coming to Him for instruction. They were distinct from the general "multitudes."
• came to Him: Implies a conscious act of drawing near, an active pursuit of learning. The disciples showed initiative and a desire to be taught directly by Jesus, separating themselves from the general crowd's distance. They were ready to receive direct instruction.

Matthew 5 1 Bonus section

The distinction between "multitudes" and "disciples" is crucial here; while the Sermon was surely overheard by many, its specific demands are addressed to those willing to become dedicated followers. The Sermon itself (Matthew 5-7) functions as the 'Constitution of the Kingdom,' outlining the character, conduct, and commitment expected of those who would live under Christ's kingship. The ascent "up on the mountain" can also be interpreted as a spiritual elevation – Jesus leading His true followers to a higher place of revelation and understanding than the general populace could comprehend or accept without committed discipleship.

Matthew 5 1 Commentary

Matthew 5:1 provides the foundational context for the Sermon on the Mount, the most extensive discourse of Jesus recorded in the Gospels. It reveals Jesus' intentional pedagogical approach. By seeing the "multitudes" and then ascending "the mountain," Jesus distinguishes His primary audience for this sermon from the casual crowd. The mountain locale symbolically resonates with Sinai, portraying Jesus as the authoritative revealer of God's will, establishing Him as the greater Moses. His subsequent act of "sitting down" underscores this authority, as it was the traditional posture of a rabbi ready to deliver significant instruction. This setting signifies a transition from general proclamation and healing to intensive instruction. The true recipients of the Sermon, those called to the deeper principles of the Kingdom, are explicitly identified as "His disciples"—a group of committed learners who actively "came to Him," indicating their earnest desire for understanding. This implies that while the sermon was audible to the wider audience, its true depth and challenge were directed at those prepared to align their lives with Jesus' radical teachings of the Kingdom of God, inviting them into a transformative spiritual discipleship.