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

MATTHEW 7:28KJV
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Matthew 7:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:28 mean?

Matthew 7:28 describes how, after Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at what he taught. The verse highlights the strong impression Jesus’ words made on the people listening to him.

In this moment, Jesus has just completed what is often called the Sermon on the Mount, a long teaching to a large group of people. The verse notes the reaction of the crowd, showing that Jesus’ way of teaching stood out and deeply affected those who heard him.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:28

  • ἐξεπλήσσοντο (ex-eplēssonto, "were astonished"): This word carries the sense of being utterly amazed or overwhelmed, not just mildly surprised. It suggests the crowd felt a powerful, almost shocking impact from Jesus’ teaching.
  • διδαχή (didachē, "doctrine"): This Greek word means teaching or instruction, not just a set of beliefs. The focus is on the content and authority of what Jesus was saying, not just abstract ideas.

Why Matthew 7:28 matters

  • Matthew 7:28 makes clear that Jesus’ teaching was not ordinary; it left people deeply moved and even startled, which sets the stage for understanding his unique authority.
  • The verse marks a transition point, closing the Sermon on the Mount and showing its immediate effect on the listeners, which helps readers see the significance of what came before.
  • By highlighting the crowd’s astonishment, Matthew prepares the reader for the next verses, where the reason for their reaction—Jesus’ authority—is explained further.

Where else these words appear

“ended” Greek G4931 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
  • Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
  • Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

“astonished” Greek G1605 · used in 13 verses

  • 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?
  • 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 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
  • John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.