Matthew 5:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} seeing {G1492} the multitudes {G3793}, he went up {G305} into {G1519} a mountain {G3735}: and {G2532} when he {G846} was set {G2523}, his {G846} disciples {G3101} came {G4334} unto him {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Seeing the crowds, Yeshua walked up the hill. After he sat down, his talmidim came to him,

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him,

American Standard Version

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:1 serves as the pivotal introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus' most profound and comprehensive discourses in the Gospels. It describes Jesus' deliberate withdrawal from the vast crowds that followed Him, ascending a mountain, and then seating Himself to teach His disciples. This verse sets the stage for a foundational teaching moment, signaling a shift from general public ministry to an intimate, authoritative instruction intended for those committed to following Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 5:1 immediately follows a period of intense and widespread ministry by Jesus throughout Galilee, as detailed in [Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee"). During this time, Jesus was "teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Galilean Ministry")). This extensive work drew "great multitudes" from diverse regions, including Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan ([Matthew 4:25](/matthew/4-25 "Matthew 4:25 - Multitudes Follow Jesus")). The transition in [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - Jesus Ascends the Mountain") from "seeing the multitudes" to teaching specifically His "disciples" marks a significant shift from broad public engagement to focused, intentional instruction for His committed followers, preparing them for the deeper truths of the Kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of going "up into a mountain" and sitting down was deeply significant in ancient Jewish culture. Rabbis and authoritative teachers typically sat when delivering formal instruction, signifying their authority and the solemnity of the teaching. This posture distinguished a formal discourse from casual conversation. Mountains themselves held profound theological significance in the Old Testament, often serving as places of divine revelation and covenant-making, most notably [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses at Mount Sinai") where Moses received the Law. By choosing a mountain, Jesus evokes this imagery, subtly presenting Himself as a new Lawgiver, delivering the principles of the new covenant and the Kingdom of Heaven. The presence of both "multitudes" and "disciples" highlights the dual nature of Jesus' ministry: broad outreach to all, but specific, intensive training for those called to deeper commitment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that permeate the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Discipleship**, highlighting that while many followed Jesus, a select group of disciples were being prepared for a deeper understanding and application of His teachings. Secondly, it emphasizes Jesus' **Authority** as a teacher, conveyed through His deliberate actions of ascending and sitting, a posture of rabbinic instruction. This authority is further underscored by the content of the Sermon itself, which often contrasts Jesus' teaching with traditional interpretations of the Law ([Matthew 5:21-48](/matthew/5-21-48 "Matthew 5:21-48 - Jesus' Teachings on the Law")). Finally, the **Symbolism of the Mountain** connects Jesus' ministry to Old Testament revelation, particularly the giving of the Law, positioning Jesus not as one who abolishes the Law but one who fulfills and reinterprets it in light of the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seeing (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb signifies more than just a casual glance; it implies a perceptive understanding or awareness. Jesus "saw" the multitudes not merely as a physical presence but understood their spiritual need and the context of His ministry among them. This perceptive seeing prompts His subsequent action.
* **Went up (Greek, _anabaínō_):** This word denotes an ascent, a deliberate movement upwards. It is not a casual stroll but a purposeful action to gain elevation. In this context, it suggests Jesus' intentional withdrawal from the clamor of the crowds to a more secluded and elevated place, suitable for focused teaching.
* **Set (Greek, _kathízō_):** This verb means "to seat down" or "to sit." It refers to the specific posture adopted by ancient teachers and rabbis when commencing formal instruction. Jesus' act of sitting down signifies the beginning of an authoritative and solemn discourse, indicating His readiness to impart profound truth.
* **Disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," a disciple is a learner or pupil. This term emphasizes the relationship between Jesus and His followers—they are not just admirers or casual listeners, but committed students who have chosen to draw near and receive His instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And seeing the multitudes,"**: This clause establishes the immediate context: Jesus' awareness of the vast numbers of people who had gathered around Him, drawn by His healing and preaching ministry. It highlights the scale of His popularity and the widespread interest in His message.
* **"he went up into a mountain:"**: This describes Jesus' deliberate action of withdrawing from the crowds and ascending to an elevated position. This physical movement signifies a purposeful separation and the choice of a specific, symbolic location for His teaching.
* **"and when he was set,"**: This phrase indicates Jesus' posture. His act of sitting down was the customary stance of a rabbi or authoritative teacher, signaling the commencement of a formal, weighty instruction. It conveys His authority and the solemnity of the impending discourse.
* **"his disciples came unto him:"**: This specifies the primary audience for the Sermon on the Mount. While multitudes were present, it was Jesus' committed followers, His disciples, who drew near to Him, indicating their readiness to receive His intimate and foundational teachings.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:1 effectively employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "mountain" serving as a powerful symbolic backdrop. Echoing [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses at Mount Sinai"), where Moses received the Law, Jesus' ascent to a mountain positions Him as the new Lawgiver, delivering the Kingdom's constitution. This creates a **Typological Connection** between Moses and Jesus, presenting Jesus as the greater prophet and the fulfillment of the Law. The **Contrast** between "multitudes" and "disciples" highlights the shift in audience and purpose, moving from general evangelism to focused discipleship training. Furthermore, Jesus' deliberate actions—"went up" and "was set"—demonstrate **Intentionality**, emphasizing the profound significance and authority of the teaching that is about to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:1 serves as the gateway to the Sermon on the Mount, a discourse that lays out the ethical and spiritual demands of the Kingdom of God, revealing the heart of God's righteous expectations for His people. It is not merely a collection of moral precepts but a radical call to a transformed life, rooted in a transformed heart. The setting on the mountain, reminiscent of Mount Sinai, powerfully connects Jesus' teaching to the Mosaic Law, yet simultaneously elevates it, presenting Jesus as the ultimate interpreter and fulfiller of God's will. This moment marks the inauguration of a new covenant teaching, where the spirit of the law is emphasized over mere external adherence, inviting believers into a deeper, more profound relationship with God and one another.

* [Exodus 19:3](/exodus/19-3 "Exodus 19:3 - Moses Ascends Mount Sinai")
* [Luke 6:17](/luke/6-17 "Luke 6:17 - Jesus Teaches on a Level Place")
* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Jesus deliberately withdrew to a quiet, elevated place to teach, and His disciples intentionally drew near, we are called to cultivate a similar intentionality in our pursuit of spiritual truth. In a world filled with distractions and clamor, we must actively seek out spaces—whether physical or spiritual—where we can quiet our hearts and minds to truly listen to God's Word. This verse reminds us that while God's grace is extended to all ("the multitudes"), there is a distinct call to deeper discipleship—a willingness to draw near, to commit, and to submit to the authoritative instruction of Jesus, our ultimate Teacher. This act of drawing near signifies a readiness to move beyond casual interest to a transformative engagement with His kingdom principles, allowing them to shape our character and conduct, leading to a life of profound obedience and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How intentional am I in seeking out opportunities to learn from Jesus, my ultimate Teacher?**
* **In what ways do I need to "draw near" to Jesus, moving beyond being part of the "multitude" to a deeper level of discipleship?**
* **What distractions or "multitudes" in my life prevent me from ascending to a place of focused spiritual learning and reflection?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus go up into a mountain to teach?**

Answer: Jesus' ascent to a mountain to teach was deeply symbolic and practical. Symbolically, it evoked the imagery of [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses at Mount Sinai"), where Moses received the Law, positioning Jesus as the new Lawgiver delivering the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Practically, it provided a natural amphitheater, allowing His voice to carry to a larger audience, and offered a degree of separation from the pressing crowds, creating a more intimate setting for His disciples.

**Who were "his disciples" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the term "disciples" can broadly refer to anyone who followed Jesus, in this context, it primarily refers to the inner circle of His committed followers, including the twelve apostles He had recently called ([Matthew 4:18-22](/matthew/4-18-22 "Matthew 4:18-22 - The Calling of the First Disciples")). These were individuals who had chosen to leave their former lives and dedicate themselves to learning from and serving Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount was primarily intended for their instruction and training.

**What is the significance of Jesus being "set" or seated when He taught?**

Answer: In ancient Jewish culture, the posture of sitting was the traditional stance of a rabbi or teacher when delivering formal instruction. It conveyed authority, solemnity, and the commencement of a significant discourse. By being "set," Jesus was signaling that He was about to impart authoritative and foundational truths, not merely engaging in casual conversation. This posture underscores the weighty and profound nature of the Sermon on the Mount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:1, introducing the Sermon on the Mount, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is not merely a teacher of the Law, but the very embodiment and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Just as Moses mediated the old covenant from Sinai, Jesus, the greater Moses and the Son of God, inaugurates the new covenant from this mountain, revealing the true heart of God's righteousness. The principles He teaches are not external rules but flow from His own perfect character and His kingdom. He is the one who perfectly lives out the Beatitudes, exemplifies radical love for enemies, and demonstrates complete trust in the Father. The "mountain" becomes a new Zion, from which the King of Kings proclaims the constitution of His eternal kingdom. His authority to teach, underscored by His seated posture, is not derived but inherent, for He speaks as God incarnate, the very Word made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, the Sermon on the Mount, initiated in [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - Jesus Ascends the Mountain"), is not merely a set of ethical guidelines but a revelation of the nature of the Kingdom and the character of its King, calling His followers to be conformed to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 3:13

¶ And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth [unto him] whom he would: and they came unto him.

Matthew 15:29

¶ And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

Mark 4:1

¶ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

John 6:2

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

John 6:3

And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

Mark 3:20

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

Matthew 4:25

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.