Matthew 7:28

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

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} had ended {G4931} these {G5128} sayings {G3056}, the people {G3793} were astonished {G1605} at {G1909} his {G846} doctrine {G1322}:

When Yeshua had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at the way he taught,

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:

Commentary

Matthew 7:28 marks the powerful conclusion of Jesus' monumental Sermon on the Mount, capturing the immediate and profound reaction of the multitude to His revolutionary teachings. This verse serves as a bridge, transitioning from the content of the sermon to the audience's response, highlighting the unique impact of Jesus' ministry.

Context

This verse immediately follows the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. In this extended discourse, Jesus laid out the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, covering topics such as the Beatitudes, the true meaning of the Law, prayer, fasting, worry, judgment, and the critical choice between two paths and two foundations. The audience was primarily Jewish, accustomed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, which often emphasized oral traditions and interpretations of the Law. Jesus' teaching, however, was fundamentally different in both content and delivery.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unprecedented Authority: The core reason for the people's astonishment was Jesus' inherent authority (Greek: exousia). Unlike the scribes who quoted previous rabbis and traditions, Jesus spoke with a direct, divine authority, as one who truly knew and revealed God's will. This is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, Matthew 7:29.
  • The Power of His Doctrine: Jesus' "doctrine" (Greek: didache) refers to the content, method, and manner of His teaching. It was not merely academic or theoretical but deeply spiritual, practical, and convicting. His words cut through human traditions, revealing the heart of God's Law and calling for a radical transformation of life and thought.
  • Astonishment and Conviction: The people were not merely interested or impressed; they were "astonished" (Greek: ekplesso), a word implying being "struck out" or "struck with amazement," often suggesting a profound shock or awe. This reaction indicates that His message resonated deeply, challenging their preconceptions and perhaps even convicting them of their own spiritual state.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "astonished," ekplesso (แผฮบฯ€ฮปฮฎฯƒฯƒฯ‰), conveys a sense of being utterly overwhelmed, struck dumb by what is heard or seen. It is a stronger word than simply being surprised; it implies a profound impact that leaves one speechless or bewildered. The term "doctrine" (didache, ฮดฮนฮดฮฑฯ‡ฮฎ) encompasses the whole body of Jesus' instruction, emphasizing that His teaching was a cohesive and authoritative body of truth.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to consider their own response to Jesus' words. Are we merely familiar with the teachings of Christ, or are we genuinely astonished and transformed by their truth and authority? The astonishment of the crowd reminds us that Jesus' message is not just ancient history but a living, powerful word that continues to have the capacity to convict, amaze, and transform lives. It calls us to not just hear but to act on His words, building our lives on the solid foundation He provides, as He taught in Matthew 7:24-27.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:32

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

  • Mark 1:22

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

  • John 7:46

    The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

  • Mark 6:2

    And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

  • Luke 4:22

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

  • Matthew 13:53

    ยถ And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

  • Matthew 13:54

    And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?
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