Matthew 5 14

Matthew 5:14 kjv

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:14 nkjv

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14 niv

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14 esv

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14 nlt

"You are the light of the world ? like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 14 Meaning

Matthew 5:14 declares that disciples of Jesus are the essential "light of the world," possessing a unique divine purpose to illuminate, guide, and expose spiritual darkness. Furthermore, it states that believers, acting as a collective body, are akin to a "city set on a hill," signifying their inherent visibility and unavoidable public witness. This verse conveys that the identity and actions of true followers of Christ are not meant to be hidden but are to be openly manifest, drawing attention not to themselves but to God and His kingdom.

Matthew 5 14 Context

Matthew 5:14 is an integral part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), His foundational teaching on the ethics and character of His Kingdom. It immediately follows the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-12), which describe the inner spiritual qualities of those who belong to the Kingdom, and "You are the salt of the earth" (Matt 5:13). Both the salt and light metaphors define the disciple's identity and active purpose in the world. As salt is a preservative and adds flavor, light illuminates and exposes. This verse clarifies that the blessed character described in the Beatitudes is not to be lived in obscurity but publicly, as a testament to God's transforming power. It sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the fulfillment of the Law (Matt 5:17-48) and the demonstration of true righteousness (Matt 6:1-18), underscoring that disciples' transformed lives serve as a public witness to the divine principles of the Kingdom.

Matthew 5 14 Word analysis

• You (ὑμεῖς - hymeis): Plural pronoun, specifically addressing the disciples present and by extension, all who would follow Jesus Christ. It’s a direct declaration of identity bestowed by Christ, not a command to become something they are not already.
• are (ἐστὲ - este): Present indicative verb. This signifies a current, existing reality. It’s a statement of who they inherently are by virtue of their relationship with Jesus, rather than a goal they must strive for or achieve.
• the light (τὸ φῶς - to phōs): The definite article "the" indicates uniqueness and prominence. "Light" in biblical contexts often signifies truth, holiness, moral purity, spiritual illumination, and guidance. Believers are not a light source on their own, but reflections of the true, ultimate Light, Jesus Christ (Jn 8:12). Their role is to dissipate moral and spiritual darkness, exposing error and evil.
• of the world (τοῦ κόσμου - tou kosmou): Refers to the physical earth and its inhabitants, often understood in the Gospels as humanity living in spiritual darkness or alienation from God. This defines the vast scope and essential sphere of influence for believers – they are meant to impact global society, not retreat from it.
• A city (πόλις - polis): An established, typically walled settlement; a community. This metaphor shifts from the individual's inner spiritual quality ("light") to the collective identity and visibility of the community of believers, the Church. A city implies structure, common purpose, and a distinct way of life.
• set (κειμένη - keimenē): Passive participle, meaning "lying" or "situated." It denotes a fixed, enduring position. The city's placement is deliberate, not accidental, making its visibility unavoidable.
• on a hill (ἐπὶ ὄρους - epi orous): Refers to high ground. Geographically, cities built on hills were naturally prominent, serving as landmarks visible from great distances. This highlights the inherent, inescapable visibility of the community of God's people.
• cannot (οὐ δύναται - ou dynatai): A strong negative expression, "not able." It indicates the absolute impossibility of the stated action. It's not merely difficult, but contrary to their very nature and positioning to be unseen.
• be hidden (κρυβῆναι - krybēnai): To be concealed, kept secret, or obscured from view. This emphasizes the public nature of Christian life and witness. Their influence and testimony are designed to be evident.

Words-group analysis

• "You are the light of the world": This powerful declaration defines the believer's core identity and fundamental purpose. They are conduits through whom God's truth and goodness radiate into a fallen world, offering hope and clarity amidst spiritual obscurity. It implies active manifestation of divine truth, rather than passive absorption.
• "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden": This vivid metaphor illustrates the inescapable public nature of the community of faith. The Church, as a visible embodiment of God's kingdom principles, is intrinsically noticeable. Its existence and distinct way of life are designed to stand out against the backdrop of the world, making its presence and principles undeniable and visible to all observers. This reinforces the idea that their purpose requires visibility.

Matthew 5 14 Bonus section

• The dual imagery of "light" (individual) and "city" (collective) emphasizes that Christian witness is both personal and communal. Individual lives reflect Christ, while the gathered church provides a visible, alternative society and testament to God’s design.
• This declaration inherently refutes any tendency toward secret discipleship or spiritual isolation. A Christian's life, lived authentically, will naturally be noticeable and impactful, contrasting with the moral and spiritual shadows of the world.
• The "city on a hill" may evoke prophecies concerning Jerusalem or Mount Zion in the Old Testament as the spiritual center to which all nations would eventually stream (Isa 2:2-3, Mic 4:1-2), suggesting that the Christian community is the present-day fulfillment of that prophetic destiny.
• Being "the light" suggests actively challenging and dissipating darkness, not merely existing alongside it. It implies an evangelistic and transforming influence on culture.

Matthew 5 14 Commentary

Matthew 5:14 is a profound declaration of the disciple's identity and calling. Jesus moves from stating the internal blessedness of the Beatitudes to the outward expression of a transformed life. Being "the light of the world" means disciples are called to illuminate truth, expose sin, and guide others out of spiritual darkness, just as Jesus Himself is the ultimate Light. This light is not sourced from within the believers themselves, but is a reflection of Christ's character and truth shining through their lives and witness.

The image of "a city set on a hill" speaks to the collective witness of the Church. It is not meant to be a hidden sect or an isolated spiritual enclave. Instead, the community of believers is intended to be a highly visible entity, a model society living according to distinct kingdom principles that naturally attract attention and provoke inquiry. Their unity, love, justice, and purity become a beacon. The very nature of this identity—being light and a city on a hill—precludes anonymity or secrecy; to try to hide would be to deny their God-given purpose and to obscure the truth they are meant to embody. The imperative is clear: live out your faith publicly, not for self-glorification, but so that others, seeing your distinctive character and good deeds, will give glory to God (Matt 5:16). Practical application involves transparently living out biblical values in all spheres of life, whether in business, family, or social interaction, serving as an undeniable witness to Christ’s transforming power.