What Does Matthew 5:2 Mean in the King James?

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

Matthew 5:2 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The opened mouth marks the threshold where what is held within becomes audible teaching.

THE MEANING

Jesus teaches you here in words meant to be heard; his opened mouth marks the point where instruction becomes available to others. You are addressed as a hearer, and the teaching continues in the words that follow.

THE ROOT

στόμα

stoma

GROWS FROM

στομ-

stom-

Mouth; also an opening or outlet, and in some contexts the edge of a blade.

The Greek word can name both a mouth and an opening, such as the outlet of a river; it can also describe a blade’s edge. Here, the opened mouth is the place where teaching passes from within to those who hear it.

ALSO GROWS

stomion: Mouthpiece, bit, or small opening.

στόμιον

This related form carries the sense of a mouth as an opening or instrument through which something passes.

distomos: Two-mouthed; used of a two-edged blade.

δίστομος

The compound preserves the image of a mouth as an edge or point of outward passage, adding depth to the verse’s image of speech issuing forth.

λέγων

legōn

GROWS FROM

⁨λεγ-⁩/⁨λογ-⁩ (leg-/log-)

To say or speak; the related noun can mean word, message, or account.

The participle ⁨λέγων⁩ means “saying” and marks the teaching as spoken utterance. Its word-family includes ⁨λόγος⁩ (logos), meaning “word” or “message,” linking the act of teaching with the words through which it reaches the hearer.

ALSO GROWS

logos: Word, message, or account.

λόγος

This related form shows how speaking and the word spoken belong to one family.

lexis: Speech, expression, or wording.

λέξις

This related form keeps attention on the utterance itself: the teaching is expressed in words.

ἐδίδασκεν

edidasken

GROWS FROM

διδασκ-

didask-

To teach or instruct.

“taught” in this verse is edidasken. The verb is imperfect: “he was teaching.” It presents instruction as unfolding speech, rather than a single completed statement; the same stem links the act of teaching with teaching itself and the teacher.

ALSO GROWS

didaskalia: Teaching or instruction.

διδασκαλία

This noun names the content or practice of the teaching expressed in the verse.

didaskalos: Teacher.

διδάσκαλος

This related word names the one carrying out the act of teaching.

THE PATTERN

In scripture, an opened mouth marks the movement of teaching or hidden understanding into spoken words.

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Psalm 78:2 · KJVThe opened mouth gives voice to teachings that were hidden or difficult to understand.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 13:35 · KJVThe opened mouth carries what was kept secret into spoken parables.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 8:35 · KJVPhilip’s opened mouth marks the start of an explanation spoken to a hearer.

THE THREAD

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 13:35 · KJV

Both verses use the image of opening the mouth as teaching begins. Matthew 13:35 makes the disclosure explicit: spoken teaching gives voice to what had been hidden.

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