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Bible verse
Matthew 5:14
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
What it means
Jesus tells ordinary followers who they now are: the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. This light is not our own achievement but the reflection of him who is the true Light shining in us. He gives us an identity before he gives us a task. Because we belong to him, our lives are meant to be visible, not to draw eyes to ourselves but to help a dark world find its way to Christ.
Matthew 5:14 at a glance
| Reference | Matthew 5:14 |
|---|---|
| Book | Matthew |
| Chapter to read it in | Matthew 5 |
| Topic | identity |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- Philippians 2:15
- John 8:12
- Ephesians 5:8-14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:5
- Proverbs 4:18
- John 12:36
- Romans 2:19-20
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
- John 5:35
- Revelation 21:14-27
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Matthew 5:14?
It is in Matthew, in Matthew 5. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Matthew 5:14?
Readers most often set it beside Philippians 2:15, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:5. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Matthew 5:14?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Lord Christ, you love the people of Matthew 5:14 more than we can. We bring you Matthew 5:14, identity. Let your Body in that place love one another and be one. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Where to begin this week.
- Read all of Matthew 5 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Matthew 5:14 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
