Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major discourse delivered by Jesus Christ: The "Sermon on the Mount" is a foundational and ethical teaching attributed to Jesus, primarily recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7, and partially in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

Usage

• The term is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this biblical passage. It is often cited in religious, theological, and ethical discussions.
• It is typically preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., Sermon on the Mount).

Examples

• As a subject:

  • The Sermon on the Mount contains the Beatitudes.
  • Many consider the Sermon on the Mount to be the core of Christian ethics.

• As an object:

  • The priest preached about the Sermon on the Mount.
  • Scholars have analyzed the Sermon on the Mount for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount": Used to refer to the ethical principles (e.g., the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer) contained within the discourse itself.
  • He tried to live his life according to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.

Variants and Related Words

• The Beatitudes (n): The series of blessings that form the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12).
• The Lord's Prayer (n): A central Christian prayer taught by Jesus within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13).

Synonyms

• The Discourse on the Mount: A less common but synonymous phrase.
• Jesus's inaugural address: A descriptive, non-standard synonym highlighting its position as a key programmatic speech.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Sermon-on-the-Mount ethics": A phrase used to describe ideals of supreme moral virtue, peacemaking, and altruism, often implying they are difficult to practice in everyday life.
  • His forgiveness was an act of true Sermon-on-the-Mount ethics.

Noun

1. the first major discourse delivered by Jesus (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6:20-49)