Matthew 5:14 web — You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.

World English Bible

"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden."

— Matthew 5:14, World English Bible

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Matthew 5:14 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Matthew 5 — Context

11

"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12

Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13

"You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

14

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.

15

Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

16

Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17

"Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:14 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 5:14 say?
Matthew 5:14 in the World English Bible reads: “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.”
Where is Matthew 5:14 in the Bible?
Matthew 5:14 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 14.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 5:14.
What translation should I read Matthew 5:14 in?
Matthew 5:14 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 5:14?
Matthew 5:14 reads (WEB): “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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