Matthew 5:14: Light of the world

pigs	Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
fish	5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]
birds	5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]
sheep	5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

These ideas will be in the summary of the houses built on rock and sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed (mistranslated), omitted, etc. [top-down view]

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

This "city" of "many" is "on" the "mountain".

Is the "light" good or bad?
Is being "hid" good or bad?

If I tell you that the "city" on "on" the "mountain", why do I need to tell you that it is "set" "on" the "mountain"? What is the difference?

A city set on a mountain ...
A city on a mountain ...

Is going on the "mountain" good or bad?

More: The coming of epiphany

Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [kjv]

τι υμιν δοκει εαν γενηται τινι ανθρωπω εκατον προβατα και πλανηθη εν εξ αυτων ουχι αφησει τα ενενηκοντα εννεα επι τα ορη και πορευθεις ζητει το πλανωμενον [gnt]

100=99+1

The Greek says "man" and not "shepherd". In the parables, Jesus uses (and then explains) the code word "man" to refer to "Jesus as God".

The Greek says "on/onto" the "mountains".

Why is the "hundred" important? Might it somehow relate to the Roman "centurions"?
Are the 99 in danger when the "man" "leaves"? The Greek for "leave" is that of "let go" or "forgive".

How does Jesus reinforces the "ninety and nine" to avoid the "one cookie rule"?

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

More: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox

More: Matthew 18:12-14 Sheep astray on a mountain of definitions

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: [kjv]

πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]

7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]

και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]

Do you see any connection to the following?

Pigs and salt and earth and foolish blooms.
Fish and city/many and light and mountains/definitions
Birds and candles/candlesticks and light and a house

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

House on rock of Christ:

Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [kjv]

και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν [gnt]

House on sand of man:

7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]

και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]

The "rain", "rivers" and "wind" "falls" on the "house" built on the "rock". However, the "rain", "rivers" and "wind" "cut off" (different word) the "house" built on "sand". The ancient Greek word "προσκόπτω" ≈ "cut towards/off". The "house" is "cut off". Perhaps they "cut off" themselves as in separating themselves from the love of Christ - as the lost sheep that goes on the mountain.

Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]

The "house" built on "rock" does not "fall". However, the "house" built on "sand" is "cut off" and has a "great" (size or number) "fall". The ancient Greek word "πτῶσις" ≈ "falling" and, in grammar, is a case or inflection. The ancient Greek word "πίπτω" ≈ "fall". A related word is "πτωχός" ≈ "beggar" and means, literally, one who has fallen. Jesus often refers to the "poor" as those who are "fallen" and need the "Gospel" or "Good News" which is the source of the English word "evangelical".

Might there be a play on words of the "great" "fall" with the "many" or "city" in the (false) "house" on the "mountain" following the (false) "light" who need the "Good News" but, due to "birds" and "pigs" (who work for the "birds") get "cut off" and never got to hear (or were misled about) that "Good News"?

More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

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Here is a build summary of the steps.

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [kjv]

8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [kjv]

Some pastors will make the bold claim that "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ". From the Greek text, the only "other (different)" "creature" that can separate "you" from the "love of Christ" is "you". So, Paul's list omits "false teaching", "deception", and other things that he covers in following chapters.

Discussion: What might be an ulterior motive as to why a pastor would make such a claim that does not fit the text?

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

Ancient Greek had a general word for "mountain" and a much less word for "hill" that meant "heap". There was Greek word for "city" and for "village".

The Greek for "city" can be a play on words with "many". There are "many" in a "city" and "many" that go in the "wide gate".

"πόλις" ≈ "city" (accent on first syllable).
"πολύς" ≈ "many" (accent on second/last syllable).

In modern Greek, the words are pronounced the same except for the accent stress which could be made more or less when pronounced.

More: Greek house and village and city

More: Matthew 7:13-14 Strait talk about narrow and wide gates

More: Matthew 7:3-23 A splitting feat of how the swine flew on pearls at a wide gait

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

The "can" in "cannot" is from the Greek word for "possible" or, in Aristotle terms, "potentially possible". The ancient Greek word "δυνατός" ≈ "strong, mighty, possible, practical".

a city/many on a mountain/definition cannot be hid.
in is not potentially possible that a city/many on a mountain/definition be hid.

The Greek word "hid" appears to be used only in a negative sense. The Greek word for "mountain" is the some word for "definition". Both are related to the Greek word for "horizon".

How hard is it to get someone down off a mountain?
How hard is it to get someone down off a definition?

Which is the more difficult task? Apparently some "sheep" separate themselves from the love of Christ? Otherwise, why would it be such a big deal to get that "sheep" off of the "mountains" or "definitions".

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

In Greek philosophy (e.g., Aristotle), the word in the GNT (Greek New Testament) often translated as "energy" or "work" is that of "actuality". In the same manner, the word often translated as "power" is that of "potentiality". In modern OOP (Object Oriented Programming) programming terms:

"potentially" relates to the idea of a class (abstract idea) [Plato's original sense]
"actuality" relates to the idea of an object (concrete reality) [Aristotle's added sense]

This is especially true for the writings of Paul since he was writing to a Greek audience who would have understood those parts of Greek philosophy.

More: The actual potency and inner workings of energy

More: Classes and objects

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

The exact form of the Greek used for "hide" as «κρυβηναι» appears two times in the GNT and four times in the LXX (Septuagint) and appears to always be used in a "not good" sense and not in a "good" sense.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. [kjv]

5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise can not be hid. [kjv]

ωσαυτως και τα εργα τα καλα προδηλα και τα αλλως εχοντα κρυβηναι ου δυνανται [gnt]

The "good works" are "manifest" or "obvious" and are "before" others for everyone to see (but not see who did them).

The "can" is from the Greek word for "possible" or, in Aristotle terms, "potentially possible". The ancient Greek word "δυνατός" ≈ "strong, mighty, possible, practical".

1 Timothy 5:24

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KJV: Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Greek: τινων ανθρωπων αι αμαρτιαι προδηλοι εισιν προαγουσαι εις κρισιν τισιν δε και επακολουθουσιν

1 Timothy 5:25

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KJV: Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise can not be hid.

Greek: ωσαυτως και τα καλα εργα τα καλα προδηλα εστιν και τα αλλως εχοντα κρυβηναι ου δυναται δυνανται

1 Kings 22:25 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. [kjv]

και ειπεν μιχαιας ιδου συ οψη εν τη ημερα εκεινη οταν εισελθης ταμιειον του ταμιειου του κρυβηναι [lxx]

2 Chronicles 18:24 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. [kjv]

και ειπεν μιχαιας ιδου οψη εν τη ημερα εκεινη εν η εισελευση ταμιειον εκ ταμιειου του κατακρυβηναι [lxx]

The "hide" is often associated with the "inner chamber" or "secret chamber", here and elsewhere.

More: Matthew 6:6 A storehouse of secret chambers: praying in the closet

1 Kings 22:25

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KJV: And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

Hebrew: ויאמר מיכיהו הנך ראה ביום ההוא אשר תבא חדר בחדר להחבה׃

Greek: και ειπεν μιχαιας ιδου συ οψη εν τη ημερα εκεινη οταν εισελθης ταμιειον του ταμιειου του κρυβηναι

2 Chronicles 18:24

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KJV: And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

Hebrew: ויאמר מיכיהו הנך ראה ביום ההוא אשר תבוא חדר בחדר להחבא׃

Greek: και ειπεν μιχαιας ιδου οψη εν τη ημερα εκεινη εν η εισελευση ταμιειον εκ ταμιειου του κατακρυβηναι

Job 34:22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. [kjv]

ουδε εσται τοπος του κρυβηναι τους ποιουντας τα ανομα [lxx]

Neither shall there be a place for the workers of iniquity to hide themselves. [bs3]

The workers of "iniquity" are, from the Greek word, literally, those who work "against the law". Two main laws:

Love God completely.
Love neighbor as yourself.

More: Against the law: out-law or in-law

Job 34:22

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KJV: There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

Hebrew: אין חשך ואין צלמות להסתר שם פעלי און׃

Greek: ουδε εσται τοπος του κρυβηναι τους ποιουντας τα ανομα

Brenton: Neither shall there be a place for the workers of iniquity to hide themselves.

Jeremiah 49:10 But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he is not. [kjv]

οτι εγω κατεσυρα τον ησαυ ανεκαλυψα τα κρυπτα αυτων κρυβηναι ου μη δυνωνται ωλοντο δια χειρα αδελφου αυτου και γειτονος αυτου και ουκ εστιν [lxx]

In Jeremiah 49:10, the LXX uses the Greek word for "hide" twice, once for "secret places".

Jeremiah 49:10

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KJV: But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he is not.

Hebrew: כי אני חשפתי את עשו גליתי את מסתריו ונחבה לא יוכל שדד זרעו ואחיו ושכניו ואיננו׃

Greek: οτι εγω κατεσυρα τον ησαυ ανεκαλυψα τα κρυπτα αυτων κρυβηναι ου μη δυνωνται ωλοντο δια χειρα αδελφου αυτου και γειτονος αυτου και ουκ εστιν

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

The "city" or "many" may desire to "hide" themselves, but that may not be "possible" which is the Greek word used for "can".

10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [kjv]

μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται [gnt]

Matthew 10:26

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KJV: Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Greek: μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται

Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [kjv]

μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται [gnt]

10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [kjv]

ο λεγω υμιν εν τη σκοτια ειπατε εν τω φωτι και ο εις το ους ακουετε κηρυξατε επι των δωματων [gnt]

10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]

Jesus is warning not of a physical danger but of a deceptive danger to the soul. That "city" of "many" "on" a human "empire" or "mountain" might be enticing. One can let their worldly "light" shine to that "world" but it may be deceptive and not result in a good ending.

Matthew 10:27

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KJV: What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Greek: ο λεγω υμιν εν τη σκοτια ειπατε εν τω φωτι και ο εις το ους ακουετε κηρυξατε επι των δωματων

Matthew 10:28

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KJV: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Greek: και μη φοβηθητε φοβεισθε απο των αποκτεινοντων το σωμα την δε ψυχην μη δυναμενων αποκτειναι φοβηθητε φοβεισθε δε μαλλον τον δυναμενον και ψυχην και σωμα απολεσαι εν γεεννη

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]

και μη φοβεισθε απο των αποκτεινοντων το σωμα την δε ψυχην μη δυναμενων αποκτειναι φοβεισθε δε μαλλον τον δυναμενον και ψυχην και σωμα απολεσαι εν γεεννη [gnt]

Jesus tells us who we should "fear" and it is not "fear" about the cares and concerns of this world. The most dangerous attacks are not from the outside but from the inside and involve deception.

One cannot "destroy the soul" by "killing" the body is in persecution (e.g., by the Roman administrations). The primary way to "destroy the soul" is through deception so that you "sell yourself out" or are "sold out".

Jesus provides an example in the next verse.

More: Matthew 10:26-27 The fear deception: focus on friends rather than Jesus

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]

ουχι δυο στρουθια ασσαριου πωλειται και εν εξ αυτων ου πεσειται επι την γην ανευ του πατρος υμων [gnt]

10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]

υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]

10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]

μη ουν φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε υμεις [gnt]

Discuss:

How might "sparrows" (birds of the evil one) deceive to "destroy the soul" in order to achieve "earthly gain" (money) by "selling out"?
Do "sparrows" succeed because those being deceived do not "understand"? This is what Jesus says of the birds in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.
Have those "deceived" separated themselves from the love of Christ?

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. [kjv]

ουδε βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους παλαιους ει δε μηγε ρηγνυνται οι ασκοι και ο οινος εκχειται και οι ασκοι απολλυνται αλλα βαλλουσιν οινον νεον εις ασκους καινους και συντηρουνται [gnt]

«καινους» is "new" as in "bottles" "new" (no spaces in Greek)..
«και νους» is "and" "mind" as in "bottles" "and" "mind".

As translated: ... but they put new wine into new bottles and both are preserved.
Greek word order: ... but they put wine new into bottles new and both are preserved.
Play on words: ... but they put new wine into bottles and mind and both are preserved.

That is, the new "doctrine" of the "wine" (as in "drink my blood") is put into the containers (body) and the "mind" and, thus, both body and mind are preserved (resurrected). If one puts new "doctrine" of the "wine" into the old containers (body) those containers are not preserved (resurrected)

More: Matthew 9:17-18 Old and new garments and bottles

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

If I tell you that the "city" on "on" the "mountain", why do I need to tell you that it is "set" "on" the "mountain"? What is the difference?

A city set on a mountain ...
A city on a mountain ...

The ancient Greek word "κεῖμαι" ≈ "lie, be situated, be in store" and, for grammar of words and phrases, to "be found" or "to occur". The modern Greek word "κείμενο" (KEE-meh-no) ≈ "text" as in letters and words that "lie there".

*G2749 *23 κεῖμαι (ki'-mahee) : middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively):--be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie. Compare G5087.

Usage

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κειται *7

Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: ...
Luke 2:34 ... mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and ...
Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: ...
2 Corinthians 3:15 ... Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
1 Timothy 1:9 ... that the law is not made for a righteous man, but ...
1 John 5:19 ... and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length ...

εκειτο *4

Matthew 28:6 ... the place where the Lord lay.
John 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and ...
John 20:12 ... where the body of Jesus had lain.
Revelation 4:2 ... and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and ...

κειμενον *3

Luke 2:16 ... Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
John 20:7 ... his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but ...
1 Corinthians 3:11 ... no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

κειμενα *3

Luke 12:19 ... thou hast much goods laid up for many years; ...
John 20:5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
John 20:6 ... and seeth the linen clothes lie,

κειμενη

Matthew 5:14 ... the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

κειμενος

Luke 23:53 ... man before was laid.

κειμεναι

John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots ...

κειμενην

John 21:9 ... land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, ...

κειμαι

Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not ...

κειμεθα

1 Thessalonians 3:3 ... yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

*G2749 *23 κεῖμαι (ki'-mahee) : middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively):--be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie. Compare G5087.

Words: εκειτο=4 κειμαι κειμεθα κειμενα=3 κειμεναι κειμενη=1 κειμενην κειμενον=3 κειμενος κειται=7

Aristotle uses the word for "definition" or "term" and the word for "situated" or "way" or "proposition" in the same sentence in several places. Here are two.

English: the terms will be the same and will be related in the same way for the purpose of the proof. (Loeb#325, p. 421)

Greek: οἱ γὰρ αὐτοὶ ὅροι ἔσονται καὶ ὡσαύτως κείμενοι πρὸς τὴν ἀπόδειξιν. Aristotle: Prior Analytics [55a]

English: for we have seen that a syllogism results both with the former and the latter arrangement of terms. Hence if the admitted proposition is contrary to the conclusion, refutation must result. (Loeb#325, p. 499)

Greek: ἦν γὰρ συλλογισμὸς καὶ οὕτω καὶ ἐκείνως ἐχόντων τῶν ὅρων, ὥστ' εἰ τὸ κείμενον ἐναντίον τῷ συμπεράσματι, ἀνάγκη γίνεσθαι ἔλεγχον· Aristotle: Prior Analytics [66b]

In many cases, the translator appears to have some trouble with the word for "set" or "situated". The Greek word for "refutation" as an argument of logical reasoning is often translated in the GNT as "reproof".

More: A reproof on the use of the word reproof

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

Interesting additional meaning.

It is not possible for the many who are situated on a definition or proposition to hide themselves.

That is, if you and the many base or situate you beliefs on a false propositions and definitions you cannot hid yourself. You are not "better together". Jesus will emphasize this in a few verses.

Could this be the many in the wide area on the way to destruction rather than the few going through the narrow gate to life? Both are later in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "κεῖμαι" ≈ "lie, be situated, be in store" which is the last word in the Greek sentence.

KJV (King James Version) word order: A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
Greek word order: Not possible city/many hidden on hill/mountain set/situated.

The exact form of the word used is «κειμενη» and appears once in the GNT, in this verse. It is used as the last word in the sentence although one might expect it to be used earlier in the sentence to get the translation of the KJV.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

The exact form of the word used is «κειμενη» and appears once in the GNT.

The first part «κει» is close to "και" ≈ "and" and is appears in some Greek contracted word phrases.
The second part is "μενη" ≈ "abide, remain" and is used by John and has allusions to a learning paradox called the "Meno Paradox".

The play on words for "situated" or "set" appears to be "and" "remain" as in "and" "abide".

More: Meno Paradox: Seeking to learn what you do not know

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [kjv]

μεινατε εν εμοι καγω εν υμιν καθως το κλημα ου δυναται καρπον φερειν αφ εαυτου εαν μη μενη εν τη αμπελω ουτως ουδε υμεις εαν μη εν εμοι μενητε [gnt]

15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]

εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν [gnt]

15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]

εαν μη τις μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μενη" ≈ "abide, remain". One form used by John is the same as the "Meno" in Plato's "Meno Paradox" as related by Socrates. As a learning paradox, it relates to the questions asked by the disciples of Jesus as related by John.

John uses the words for "many" or "much" as in "fruit" and the "can" as in "potentially possible" that are in or alluded to in the "city on a hill" verse.

More: Meno Paradox: Seeking to learn what you do not know

John 15:4

All

KJV: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Greek: μεινατε εν εμοι καγω εν υμιν καθως το κλημα ου δυναται καρπον φερειν αφ εαυτου εαν μη μεινη μενη εν τη αμπελω ουτως ουδε υμεις εαν μη εν εμοι μεινητε μενητε

John 15:5

All

KJV: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Greek: εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν

John 15:6

All

KJV: If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Greek: εαν μη τις μεινη μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

Whatever "definition" or "mountain" on which the "city" or "many" tries to be "hidden", they cannot "hide" - for better or worse. Here is a paraphrase of the last part of the verse using the play on words.
Paraphrase: It is not possible for the many to hide themselves (negative sense) on top of (worldly) mountain/empire/definition and remain/abide there (past their worldly existence).

How hard is it to get someone down off a "mountain"?
How hard is it to get someone down off a "definition"? (same Greek word)

Aristotle covers how that the starting point in refuting invalid logic is to precisely define the meanings of the words used.

It appears that the "you are the light of the world" can be in a good sense or in a not so good sense. What type of "light" does the "world" desire?


	blocking the way		swimming in sin

A potentially missing part of verse 14 can be inferred. Paraphrase:

13: You are the salt of the earth. If the salt is false salt, how shall the salt be salted, with "negative consequences" (pigs).
14: You are the light of the world. If the light is false light, how shall the light be lighted. with "negative consequences" (fish).

This similarity puts the second part in a negative "light"! This was inferred above.

The "many" as in "city" can be associated with the "fish" who swim in the "sea" or on the "mountain" as in dead "fish" fossils found on the top of high "mountains". Can we find some "birds" to feed on the "fish"? How about checking the next verse?

Salt: You are the salt of the earth.
Light: You are the light of the world.
Candle: You are the candle of the _______.

Candle: You are the candle of the air.
Candle: You are the candle of heaven.
Candle: You are the kingdom of heaven.

A candle might represent a type of kingdom such as a church or group of believers. (Revelation).

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]


light light	swimming in sin

"Lighting" "light" with "light" is a reflexive process.

14: You are the light of the world. If the light is false light, how shall the light be lighted (fish).If you use false light, it is no better than the many who make a city on a man-made mountain and have false salt (fruit or works). That false light and false salt (fruit or works) cannot be hid and the many cannot remain/abide there.

Sheep: Instead, the "Son" is the true "light" and "rock" on which the many should build their "house" in (among the "people" or "fish" of) the "world".

More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]


light light	swimming in sin

Sheep: Instead, the "Son" is the true "light" and "rock" on which the many should build their "house" in (among the "people" or "fish" of) the "world".

More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

ουτως λαμψατω το φως υμων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων οπως ιδωσιν υμων τα καλα εργα και δοξασωσιν τον πατερα υμων τον εν τοις ουρανοις [gnt]

Who is your light?

If Jesus is your "light", do you need to "light" a "candle" or "opinion"?

The ancient Greek word "ἔμπροσθεν" ≈ "before, in front" and, in the case of time, "earlier"

Put your good works "before" or "in front of" others without letting them know who did it. (Like the original Santa Claus).
The "house" of Jesus, built on the "rock" uses the true "light" of Jesus. No man-made "light" is needed.
The "house" of men, built on the "sand" as a "mountain" or "tree" uses the false "light" of man.

Jesus is also your "head".

More: The doctrine of Santa Claus

More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine