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

MATTHEW 5:2KJV
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Matthew 5:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:2 mean?

Matthew 5:2 describes Jesus beginning to teach a gathered crowd by speaking to them. The verse simply introduces the start of Jesus’ famous teachings, known as the Sermon on the Mount, by noting that he opened his mouth and began to instruct those listening.

Matthew 5:2 sets the scene: Jesus is with his disciples and a crowd on a hillside, and he is about to deliver important teachings. The phrase “he opened his mouth” is a way of highlighting that what Jesus is about to say is significant and meant to be listened to carefully. This verse serves as the introduction to a long section where Jesus explains the values and attitudes of his followers.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:2

  • ἤνοιξεν (ēnoixen, “opened”): This word emphasizes a deliberate action, suggesting that Jesus is about to say something important, not just making casual remarks.
  • ἐδίδασκεν (edidasken, “taught”): The Greek word here is often used for formal teaching or instruction, not just casual conversation. It signals that Jesus is acting as a teacher, offering authoritative guidance.

Why Matthew 5:2 matters

  • Matthew 5:2 marks the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, signaling to the reader that what follows is a major teaching moment in Jesus’ ministry.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ role as a teacher, which is a key theme throughout the Gospel of Matthew.
  • By noting that Jesus “opened his mouth,” the verse draws attention to the seriousness and weight of his words, preparing the listener for the important teachings that follow.

Where else these words appear

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

“taught” Greek G1321 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.