Matthew 5:2

KJV

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he opened {G455} his {G846} mouth {G4750}, and taught {G1321} them {G846}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

and he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

Berean Standard Bible

and He began to teach them, saying:

American Standard Version

and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:2 serves as the solemn and deliberate introduction to Jesus' most extensive and foundational discourse, known as the Sermon on the Mount. This verse meticulously sets the stage for a profound teaching session, signaling that what follows is not casual conversation but an authoritative and weighty declaration of the principles governing life in the Kingdom of Heaven, delivered by Jesus to His gathered disciples and the surrounding multitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - Setting the Stage for the Sermon on the Mount"), which depicts Jesus ascending a mountain, with His disciples drawing near and a great crowd assembling. The deliberate act of "opening His mouth" in [Matthew 5:2](/matthew/5-2 "Matthew 5:2 - Jesus Begins to Teach") signifies the commencement of a formal, significant, and extensive teaching. It is the very beginning of Jesus' public teaching ministry in Matthew's Gospel, establishing the tone and authority for the subsequent chapters, particularly the revolutionary teachings of the [Beatitudes](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes") and the deeper exposition of the Law that follows in [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount, Part 1").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Jesus teaching from a mountain carries profound historical and theological resonance for a Jewish audience, immediately evoking parallels with Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). This subtly positions Jesus not merely as another rabbi, but as a new and greater Lawgiver, or at least the definitive interpreter of God's will. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a teacher "opening his mouth" was an idiom that conveyed the initiation of a formal, weighty, and often lengthy discourse, distinct from casual conversation. The audience, comprising both His inner circle of disciples and a larger, curious multitude, underscores the universal relevance of His message, intended for both committed followers and those seeking truth.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 5:2](/matthew/5-2 "Matthew 5:2 - Jesus Begins to Teach") introduces several crucial themes that permeate the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **Divine Authority** as a teacher; unlike the scribes and Pharisees, He speaks with an inherent power that would later astonish the crowds ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Intentional Instruction**, indicating that Jesus was not merely conversing but deliberately imparting foundational principles for righteous living and understanding the Kingdom of God. This deliberate action acts as a **Preparation for Revelation**, signaling to the listeners that radical and transformative truths about God's character and His kingdom are about to be unveiled, beginning with the counter-cultural declarations of the [Beatitudes](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** From the root meaning "to open up," this word signifies a deliberate act of unsealing or making accessible. In this context, it's not a casual opening but the initiation of a significant, formal discourse, emphasizing the intentionality and gravity of Jesus' subsequent words.
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma'_):** While literally referring to the physical mouth, in biblical idiom, "mouth" often represents the source of speech, wisdom, and authority. When combined with "opened," it forms an idiomatic expression for beginning a solemn or important declaration, highlighting the weight and significance of the words about to be uttered.
* **taught (Greek, _didáskō'_):** This verb means "to teach" in a broad, comprehensive sense, implying systematic instruction. It denotes the imparting of knowledge, principles, and doctrine. Here, it underscores Jesus' role as a master teacher, delivering authoritative and foundational truths rather than mere opinions or suggestions.
* **saying (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb means "to lay forth" or "to relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. It emphasizes that Jesus' teaching was not random or extemporaneous but a structured and purposeful communication, a formal declaration of truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he opened his mouth,"**: This phrase is a significant biblical idiom, not merely a literal description of Jesus beginning to speak. It signals the commencement of a formal, weighty, and authoritative discourse. It prepares the listeners for profound and deliberate instruction, setting a tone of solemnity and importance for the teachings that follow. This is not casual conversation but a divine pronouncement.
* **"and taught them,"**: This clause identifies Jesus' primary action and role in this moment: that of a teacher. The verb "taught" (Greek: _didáskō_) implies systematic instruction and the imparting of truth. It highlights Jesus' authority and His intentionality in conveying foundational principles to His audience, encompassing both His disciples and the broader crowd. His teaching was purposeful, designed to transform understanding and behavior.
* **"saying,"**: This word further emphasizes the nature of what is to follow as a direct, articulated message. It acts as a direct introduction to the content of Jesus' discourse, indicating that the subsequent words are His precise and authoritative declarations. It transitions from the act of teaching to the actual content of the teaching, preparing the listener for the profound truths of the Sermon on the Mount.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "opened his mouth" is a powerful **Idiom** in biblical literature, consistently used to introduce a formal, weighty, or significant discourse (e.g., [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - Peter Opens His Mouth")). This idiom immediately elevates the subsequent words beyond casual conversation, imbuing them with solemnity and authority. The setting on a mountain serves as **Symbolism**, intentionally evoking the imagery of Mount Sinai and Moses receiving the Law ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). This **Typology** subtly positions Jesus as the new and greater Lawgiver, or the definitive interpreter of God's will, thereby establishing His supreme authority. The concise nature of the verse, acting as a direct preamble to the extensive Sermon, also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound and transformative truths that Jesus is about to reveal, setting the stage for one of the most impactful teachings in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:2 is profoundly significant as it introduces the definitive exposition of Kingdom ethics and the nature of true righteousness directly from the mouth of Jesus. It underscores the divine origin and authority of Jesus' teachings, establishing Him not merely as a wise sage but as the ultimate revealer of God's will. The deliberate act of "opening His mouth" signals a moment of profound theological revelation, where the very principles of the Kingdom of God are articulated for humanity. This verse sets the stage for understanding that Jesus' words are not suggestions but authoritative declarations, forming the foundation for discipleship and true spiritual life.

* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching")
* [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - Peter's Sermon Begins")
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:2, though brief, carries immense weight for contemporary believers. It calls us to approach the words of Jesus with the same reverence and anticipation as those who gathered on the mountain. Just as Jesus deliberately "opened His mouth" to impart foundational truths, we are called to deliberately open our hearts and minds to receive them. This verse reminds us that Jesus' teachings are not optional advice but divine instruction for living a life that reflects the values of God's Kingdom. It challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture and to truly listen, learn, and apply His authoritative words, recognizing that they are transformative principles for our lives, guiding us toward genuine righteousness and a deeper relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the deliberate and authoritative nature of Jesus' teaching in this verse change how you approach His words in Scripture?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more intentionally "open your mouth" to speak God's truth, or "open your ears" to hear it?**
* **What does the setting of Jesus teaching from a mountain, reminiscent of Moses, imply about the significance and authority of His message for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "he opened his mouth" used, instead of just "he spoke"?**

Answer: The phrase "he opened his mouth" (Greek: _anoígō to stóma_) is a specific biblical idiom used to introduce a formal, solemn, and significant discourse, rather than casual conversation. It signals that what follows is a weighty declaration, a profound teaching, or an important pronouncement. For example, in [Acts 8:35](/acts/8-35 "Acts 8:35 - Philip Opens His Mouth to Preach"), Philip "opened his mouth" to preach the good news about Jesus, and in [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - Peter Opens His Mouth to Preach"), Peter "opened his mouth" to deliver a pivotal sermon to Cornelius. This idiom emphasizes the deliberate and authoritative nature of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, preparing the audience for truths of immense spiritual importance.

**What is the significance of Jesus teaching from a mountain?**

Answer: The mountain setting in [Matthew 5:1](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1 - Setting the Stage for the Sermon on the Mount") carries profound symbolic and theological significance, especially for a Jewish audience. It deliberately evokes the imagery of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law from God ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). By teaching from a mountain, Jesus is subtly presented as a new and greater Moses, the definitive interpreter and fulfiller of God's Law. This highlights His divine authority and positions His teachings as the new covenant revelation, surpassing and fulfilling the old. It underscores that the Sermon on the Mount is not just moral advice but a foundational declaration of the principles of the Kingdom of God, delivered by the ultimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:2, by portraying Jesus as the authoritative teacher who "opened his mouth" to deliver the Sermon on the Mount, profoundly points to His unique identity as the Christ, the promised Messiah and ultimate revealer of God. Unlike the prophets of old who spoke "thus says the Lord," Jesus speaks with inherent, divine authority, fulfilling the prophecy of a prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses")) but with even greater power. His teachings are not merely interpretations of the Law but the very embodiment and re-articulation of God's righteous standards, revealing the heart of the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). The truths He declares, beginning with the Beatitudes ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")), are the very principles of the Kingdom He inaugurates through His life, death, and resurrection. Ultimately, the authority with which Jesus taught in [Matthew 5:2](/matthew/5-2 "Matthew 5:2 - Jesus Begins to Teach") is the same authority He later claims over all heaven and earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), confirming that His words are not just wise counsel but the life-giving truth of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

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

Acts 8:35

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Luke 6:20

¶ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:26

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Acts 10:34

¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Acts 18:14

And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,