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

MATTHEW 5:1KJV
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Matthew 5:1 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:1 mean?

Matthew 5:1 describes Jesus noticing a large crowd, then going up a mountain and sitting down, at which point his disciples approach him. This verse sets the scene for what is about to follow, showing that Jesus is preparing to teach his followers in a more focused way.

In this moment, Jesus is the speaker, and the disciples are the primary audience, though the crowd is also present. The setting on a mountain suggests a place apart from the busyness below, giving a sense of importance and solemnity to what Jesus is about to say. This verse introduces the famous "Sermon on the Mount," highlighting that the teachings to come are directed especially to those who have chosen to follow him closely.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:1

  • The word for "multitudes" is ὄχλους (ochlous), which means large crowds or groups of people. This emphasizes that Jesus was attracting significant attention and that his actions here respond to a public interest.
  • The phrase "went up into a mountain" uses the Greek ἀνέβη (anebē) for "went up" and ὄρος (oros) for "mountain." In the ancient world, mountains were often seen as places of revelation or important teaching, so this detail signals that something significant is about to happen.
  • The word "set" is ἐκάθισεν (ekathisen), meaning "he sat down." In Jewish tradition, teachers often sat to give formal instruction, so this signals that Jesus is about to teach in an authoritative way.

Why Matthew 5:1 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that what follows—the Sermon on the Mount—is a deliberate teaching moment, not a casual conversation, and is directed especially to Jesus' disciples.
  • The detail about Jesus sitting and the mountain setting connects his actions to the tradition of prophets and teachers in Israel, hinting at the weight and authority of his words.
  • Understanding the audience and setting helps clarify that while the crowd is present, the teachings are first aimed at those who are already following Jesus, which can shape how the following verses are read.

Where else these words appear

“set” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.