Matthew 5:2
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 5:2
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "he opened his mouth" isn't just about speaking; it's a Hebraic idiom signaling a solemn, deliberate, and purposeful beginning to a significant teaching. It suggests Jesus intentionally set himself apart to deliver a foundational message, framing this discourse as more than a casual remark but a divinely appointed pronouncement.
Jesus has just healed the sick and now, seeing the vast crowds following Him, He goes up a mountain to teach. This isn't just a casual chat; the phrase "he opened his mouth" signifies a deliberate, solemn beginning to His most extensive teaching recorded in Matthew, setting the stage for the entire Sermon on the Mount. While the disciples were the primary audience, the crowds were also present, setting the scene for both intimate instruction and public proclamation of the core principles of God's kingdom.
Why does Matthew specifically mention Jesus 'opening his mouth'? It’s more than just starting to speak; it’s a profound invitation.
When Matthew writes, 'And he opened his mouth and taught them,' he's using a phrase that signals intentionality and solemnity. This isn't a casual remark; it's the start of something significant. Think of it like a grand overture before a symphony or a deliberate setup for a pivotal announcement.
This phrasing echoes the Old Testament and conveys that Jesus is speaking with purpose, not by chance. It highlights the weight and authority behind His words, marking this as a moment of profound divine instruction. It's a signal that what follows is carefully prepared and meant to be deeply considered.
Who was Jesus teaching here? It wasn't just a broadcast to the masses, but a focused instruction for those drawing near.
The word 'taught' (didaskō) here implies more than just lecturing; it suggests instruction given to those who are in a posture of learning and following. While the crowds were present and amazed, Jesus' immediate audience was primarily His disciples.
This isn't to say the crowds were excluded—they were certainly listening and astonished. But the nature of the discourse, as indicated by the chosen verb, points to a specific intent: to disciple those who had already taken steps toward Him. It's an intimate, foundational lesson for the 'members of His kingdom,' delivered in the presence of others.
Understand the original words
anoigō to stoma · Greek Verb phrase
A Semitic idiom used to introduce a formal, solemn, or divinely inspired pronouncement or teaching.
didaskō · Greek Verb
The act of providing instruction, explaining Scripture, or imparting the truths of God's kingdom to others.
The phrase 'opened his mouth' is a Hebraic idiom signaling a deliberate and solemn teaching, emphasizing that this discourse was not casual but a foundational proclamation of the values of God's kingdom, intended for his disciples but also heard by the surrounding crowds.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public teaching and healing ministry in Galilee after his baptism and temptation.
c. AD 28
Growing Crowds Follow Jesus
Large crowds are drawn to Jesus' teachings and miracles, following him from place to place.
c. AD 29
Sermon on the Mount Delivered
Jesus withdraws to a mountainside to teach his disciples and the gathered crowds, laying out the core principles of his kingdom.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry Intensifies
As Jesus' popularity grows, so does opposition from religious leaders, setting the stage for his confrontation with them.
This Old Testament passage uses the same descriptive 'opened his mouth' phrase to mark a pivotal moment when God's prophet was commissioned to speak God's word with divine authority.
Psalm 78:2This psalm anticipates a time when a prophetic voice would 'open his mouth in parables' to speak ancient mysteries, a fulfillment seen in Jesus' teaching ministry starting here.
Acts 10:34Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses the identical phrase 'opened his mouth' to signify a divinely appointed teaching moment, showing this was a recognizable mark of authoritative proclamation.
Luke 6:20This passage describes Jesus directing his attention and teaching towards his disciples, paralleling Matthew's account and highlighting the intimate, foundational nature of this sermon.
pulpitMatthew 5:2: "And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,"
Verse 2. - And he opened his mouth. Frequent in the Old Testament; e.g. Job 3:1. A Hebraism, indicating that the words spoken are not the utterance of chance, but of set will and purpose. In the Gospels (in this sense) only Matthew 13:35 (from Psalm 78:2, LXX.); also in Acts 8:35 (Philip); 10:34 (Peter); 18:14 (Paul); Revelation 13:6 (the beast); cf. 2 Corinthians 6. II, of perfect frankness of expression, and Ephesians 6:19, perh…
meyerMatthew 5:2: "And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,"
Matthew 5:2 . Ἀνοίγειν τὸ στόμα ] after פָּתַח פֶּה ; Vorstius, de Hebraismis, p. 703 ff. Individual instances also amongst classical writers; Aristophanes, Av. 1720; Aeschylus, Prom. 612; Lucian. Philops. 33. This phrase belongs to the distinctly descriptive style of narrative, and denotes of itself nothing else than the opening of the mouth to speak, where the connection alone indicates whether in this descriptive element the em…
The phrase "he opened his mouth" isn't just about speaking; it's a Hebraic idiom signaling a solemn, deliberate, and purposeful beginning to a significant teaching. It suggests Jesus intentionally set himself apart to deliver a foundational message, framing this discourse as more than a casual remark but a divinely appointed pronouncement.
Jesus has just healed the sick and now, seeing the vast crowds following Him, He goes up a mountain to teach. This isn't just a casual chat; the phrase "he opened his mouth" signifies a deliberate, solemn beginning to His most extensive teaching recorded in Matthew, setting the stage for the entire Sermon on the Mount. While the disciples were the primary audience, the crowds were also present, setting the scene for both intimate instruction and public proclamation of the core principles of God's kingdom.
Jesus has just healed the sick and now, seeing the vast crowds following Him, He goes up a mountain to teach. This isn't just a casual chat; the phrase "he opened his mouth" signifies a deliberate, solemn beginning to His most extensive teaching recorded in Matthew, setting the stage for the entire Sermon on the Mount. While the disciples were the primary audience, the crowds were also present, setting the scene for both intimate instruction and public proclamation of the core principles of God's kingdom.
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"And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:" — The phrase "he opened his mouth" isn't just about speaking; it's a Hebraic idiom signaling a solemn, deliberate, and purposeful beginning to a significant teaching. It suggests Jesus intentionally se…