Matthew 7:28 kjv

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Matthew 7:28 nkjv

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching,

Matthew 7:28 niv

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

Matthew 7:28 esv

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,

Matthew 7:28 nlt

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

Matthew 7 verses

Matthew 7 28 Meaning

Matthew 7:28 records the immediate and profound reaction of the crowds after Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount. They were utterly amazed, not just by the content of His teaching, but by the extraordinary authority with which He spoke, a stark contrast to their usual teachers.

Matthew 7 28 Context

This verse immediately follows the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), Jesus' foundational discourse that expounded on the true nature of discipleship, the deeper meaning of God's Law, and righteous living within the Kingdom of Heaven. It serves as a narrative transition point, marking the end of a major teaching block. Historically and culturally, the Jewish people were accustomed to religious instruction from scribes and Pharisees, who typically based their authority on interpretations of prior rabbis and inherited traditions. Jesus' teaching, however, delivered with unparalleled spiritual depth and an inherent, direct claim to divine authority, contrasted sharply with this traditional method. This verse, along with Matthew 7:29, highlights this critical distinction, foreshadowing the tension and opposition Jesus would encounter from religious leaders who adhered to human precepts rather than the living word of God.

Matthew 7 28 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (Καὶ ἐγένετο, kai egeneto): A common Semitic idiom used in Greek texts, serving as a narrative connector or transitional phrase. It signals a new development or consequence following the preceding events, drawing attention to the significance of what is about to be described.

• when Jesus had ended (ὅτε συνετέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, hote synetelesen ho Iesous): The verb synetelesen means "to complete," "to bring to an end," or "to fulfill." This indicates the finality and completeness of the Sermon on the Mount as a specific, integral discourse given by Jesus, highlighting its conclusion.

• these sayings (τοὺς λόγους τούτους, tous logous toutous): Refers specifically to the entire discourse contained in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, known as the Sermon on the Mount. Logos (λόγος) here encompasses a comprehensive teaching, discourse, or message, not merely individual words.

• the people (οἱ ὄχλοι, hoi ochloi): Denotes "the crowds" or "multitudes," signifying a large and diverse audience. Their collective and unified reaction underscores the wide-ranging and impactful nature of Jesus' teaching beyond just His closest disciples.

• were astonished (ἐξεπλήσσοντο, exeplessonto): From ekplesso (ἐκπλήσσω), this verb signifies an extreme state of being "struck out of one's senses," "utterly amazed," "astounded," or "overwhelmed with shock and wonder." It implies a deep emotional and mental impact, far surpassing simple surprise or interest, conveying a sense of profound awe that challenged their understanding.

• at his doctrine (ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ αὐτοῦ, epi tē didachē autou): Didachē (διδαχῇ) means "teaching," "instruction," or "doctrine." This term encapsulates not only the profound content and message Jesus delivered but also, crucially, the unparalleled manner, method, and inherent authority with which He conveyed His truth. It implies the totality of His unique pedagogical style and source.

• "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings": This phrase serves as a significant narrative punctuation mark. It emphasizes that Jesus intentionally delivered and concluded a major and coherent body of teaching, underscoring the completeness and importance of the Sermon on the Mount.

• "the people were astonished at his doctrine": This combined phrase captures the core of the verse: the powerful and unique impact Jesus had on His listeners. Their "astonishment" indicates not just intellectual processing, but a deeply impactful spiritual and emotional experience, rooted in the singular nature of Jesus' "doctrine" and His intrinsic authority in teaching it.

Matthew 7 28 Bonus section

The intense reaction of "astonishment" (ekplesso) by the crowds is consistently highlighted throughout the Gospels whenever Jesus delivers His powerful teachings or performs His mighty works (e.g., Mk 1:22, 6:2; Lk 2:48; 9:43). This repeated use underscores that Jesus' ministry fundamentally broke conventional molds. The people intuitively recognized that Jesus was operating on an entirely different level, possessed by a divine power and authority unseen in any other teacher. This verse is thus not just a statement of reaction but a critical confirmation of Jesus' divine distinctiveness, setting the stage for His continuing ministry where His inherent authority would be challenged by religious leaders but continually affirmed by those who truly heard Him.

Matthew 7 28 Commentary

Matthew 7:28 serves as a pivotal conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, immediately recording the profound and powerful impact of Jesus' teaching on the multitudes. The people's "astonishment" (ekplesso) transcends mere surprise; it signifies an overwhelming sense of shock and awe, indicative of a radical departure from anything they had previously experienced. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who delivered teachings based on rabbinic tradition and interpretations of their predecessors, Jesus spoke with inherent, self-evident authority. His words bore the undeniable stamp of divine truth, directly addressing the heart of the Law and human condition. This immediate, intense reaction prepares the reader for Matthew 7:29, which explicitly clarifies that Jesus taught with unique "authority" (exousia), setting Him apart from the traditional religious teachers. It was not just the profound what He taught, but the awe-inspiring how He taught, conveying a living, powerful, and transformative word that resonated deeply and compelled a fundamental reevaluation of truth.