Matthew 5:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye {G5210} are {G2075} the light {G5457} of the world {G2889}. A city {G4172} that is set {G2749} on {G1883} an hill {G3735} cannot {G3756}{G1410} be hid {G2928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus declares to His disciples that they are "the light of the world," a profound statement of identity and purpose that follows the Beatitudes and the metaphor of salt. This declaration establishes believers not merely as individuals who possess light, but as the very embodiment of light in a world shrouded in spiritual darkness. He reinforces this truth with the vivid imagery of "a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid," emphasizing the inherent visibility and inescapable influence of God's people, whose lives are meant to illuminate truth, expose sin, and guide others toward God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 5:14 is an integral part of Jesus's foundational discourse, the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), delivered to His disciples and a large crowd. It immediately follows the Beatitudes ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")), which describe the character and blessedness of those who belong to God's kingdom. Following this, Jesus uses two powerful metaphors to describe the kingdom citizen's role in the world: first, as [the salt of the earth](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13 - Believers as the Salt of the Earth"), preserving and flavoring; and second, as the light of the world, illuminating and guiding. This progression moves from internal blessedness and character to external responsibility and influence, setting the stage for the ethical demands and kingdom principles that follow in the rest of the sermon. The declaration of identity in [Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You Are the Light of the World") is thus a direct consequence of the character described in the Beatitudes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for the Sermon on the Mount was likely a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, a region dotted with towns and villages. The imagery of "a city that is set on an hill" would have been immediately relatable and profoundly resonant for Jesus's audience. Many ancient towns in Judea and Galilee, such as Safed or Jerusalem, were strategically built on elevated positions for defense, making them prominent landmarks visible for miles around, especially at night when their lights would shine brightly. This common architectural and geographical reality underscored the inescapable visibility of such a city. Furthermore, in Jewish thought, light was often associated with divine revelation, truth, and God's presence (e.g., [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")), while darkness represented ignorance, sin, and evil. Jesus's declaration thus tapped into deeply ingrained cultural and religious understandings, elevating His followers to a position of profound spiritual significance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes the **identity and purpose of believers** as active agents of God's kingdom, not passive recipients. They are not merely *to have* light but *to be* light, reflecting the divine light of Christ into a fallen world, a theme echoed in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Secondly, it highlights the **inherent visibility and inescapable influence** of a life lived for God. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, the transformed lives of believers are meant to be seen, drawing attention to God rather than themselves, as further explained in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **witness and evangelism**, implying that the purpose of this visibility is to illuminate truth, expose darkness, and guide others to God, fulfilling the Great Commission found later in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **light (Greek, _phōs'_):** This term (G5457) refers to luminousness in its widest application—natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative. In biblical contexts, *phōs* frequently signifies truth, revelation, purity, and the very nature of God Himself. When Jesus declares His disciples to be "the light," He is not merely suggesting they possess some illumination but that their very being, transformed by Him, embodies the truth and moral purity that dispels spiritual darkness.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This word (G2889) denotes an orderly arrangement or decoration, but by implication, it refers to the world in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, often viewed as fallen and alienated from God. In Matthew 5:14, *kósmos* emphasizes the global scope of the disciples' mission—their light is for all humanity, not just a select group or a specific locality.
* **city (Greek, _pólis'_):** This term (G4172) refers to a town, properly with walls, of greater or lesser size. In this context, it evokes an image of a prominent, established community, often a center of life and influence. The "city on a hill" metaphor underscores the collective identity and public nature of the disciples' calling, implying that their corporate life and witness are meant to be a visible beacon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye are the light of the world."**: This is a powerful, declarative statement of identity. Jesus does not command His disciples to *become* light, but affirms what they *already are* by virtue of their relationship with Him. Just as Jesus Himself is the ultimate Light ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), His followers, indwelt by His Spirit, are called to reflect that divine light. This "light" encompasses truth, righteousness, holiness, and the very presence of God, intended to penetrate and transform the spiritual darkness of the world.
* **"A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."**: This clause serves as an illustrative simile, reinforcing the truth of the preceding declaration. It emphasizes the inherent, unavoidable visibility of those who are the "light of the world." A city built on an elevated position is naturally conspicuous; its presence and its lights (especially at night) are impossible to conceal. Similarly, the lives of believers, marked by the character of the Beatitudes, are meant to be distinct and observable, making their faith and its transformative power evident to all. This implies that attempts to hide one's faith or live in obscurity are contrary to God's design for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where Jesus directly states, "Ye are the light of the world." This is not a comparison using "like" or "as," but a direct identification, asserting that believers embody the essence of light. This metaphor immediately establishes their intrinsic nature and purpose. Following this, Jesus uses a **Simile** (or an extended metaphor) with the phrase, "A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." This comparison illustrates the quality of visibility inherent in being the "light of the world," making the abstract concept of spiritual light tangible and relatable. The phrase "cannot be hid" also contains an element of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute impossibility of concealing something so naturally prominent, thereby underscoring the inescapable public nature of the Christian witness. These devices combine to create a vivid and memorable image that powerfully communicates the disciples' identity, responsibility, and inevitable impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:14 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian identity and mission. It declares that believers are not merely individuals who possess light, but are, by divine appointment, the very embodiment of God's truth, righteousness, and grace in a world lost in spiritual darkness. This light is not self-generated but is a reflection of Christ, the true Light of the World. Our purpose, therefore, is to illuminate, expose, and guide, making the invisible God visible through our lives. This calling demands a public, unhidden faith that actively engages with the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through character, conduct, and communication. Our visibility is not for self-glory but for the glory of God, drawing others to Him.

* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shining as Lights in the World")
* [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")
* [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1-3 "Isaiah 60:1-3 - Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:14 is a direct and empowering call to intentional living for every follower of Christ. It challenges us to embrace our God-given identity as "light" and to live in a way that naturally dispels darkness, both spiritual and moral, in our spheres of influence. This means our lives, marked by integrity, compassion, and truth, should be distinct and discernible in a world often characterized by confusion and compromise. We are called to be moral compasses, upholding biblical standards not through self-righteousness, but through humble obedience that points to God's goodness. Our presence in our families, workplaces, communities, and online spaces should bring clarity, hope, and truth, drawing others to the source of all light. Recognizing that our lives are inherently visible as Christians should motivate us to live consistently with our calling, understanding that our conduct can either attract people to the Gospel or repel them. It's a reminder that our faith is not meant to be private or confined, but a public testimony to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently "hiding" your light, and what steps can you take to make it more visible?**
* **How does your daily conduct reflect your identity as "the light of the world" to those around you?**
* **What kind of "darkness" (e.g., injustice, despair, moral relativism) in your community or workplace is God calling you to illuminate with His truth?**
* **Considering the "city on a hill" imagery, how can your local church collectively shine as a beacon of light in its community?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for believers to be "the light of the world" if Jesus is also called "the Light of the World"?**

Answer: Jesus is uniquely "the Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) in an ultimate, inherent sense; He is the source of all light, truth, and revelation. Believers, on the other hand, are "the light of the world" in a derivative sense. We are illuminated by Him and called to reflect His light. Just as the moon has no light of its own but reflects the sun's light, so too Christians reflect the glory and truth of Christ. Our light is not our own, but His working through us. This means our purpose is to point to Him, to make His presence and truth known in a world that desperately needs it, as [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - In Him Was Life, and the Life Was the Light of Men") suggests, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the quintessential "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He is the true "city set on a hill," whose perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection fully revealed God's truth and glory to humanity. His light exposed the darkness of sin and offered the path to salvation ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). Believers become "the light of the world" only by being united with Him, drawing their very essence and purpose from His illuminating presence. As those who have been "called out of darkness into his marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light")), we are now tasked with reflecting that same light into a world still shrouded in spiritual night. Our ability to shine is not an inherent quality but a gracious impartation from Christ, enabling us to continue His mission of revealing God's kingdom and drawing all people to Himself ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light So Shine")). Thus, our identity as light is profoundly Christ-centered, a testament to His transformative power and ongoing work through His body, the Church.

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

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

John 8:12

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

1 Thessalonians 5:5

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

John 12:36

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.