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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: City Upon a Hill</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/city_upon_a_hill.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/luke/2-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/city.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > City Upon a Hill</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/city_under_siege.htm" title="City under siege">◄</a> City Upon a Hill <a href="/topical/c/city_wall.htm" title="City Wall">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#top" title="Topical Bible Verses">Topical</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The phrase "City upon a Hill" originates from the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. In <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14</a> , Jesus declares to His disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." This metaphor is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the characteristics and responsibilities of His followers, emphasizing their role as visible exemplars of faith and righteousness in the world.<br><br><b>Biblical Context</b><br><br>In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, the "City upon a Hill" serves as a powerful image of visibility and influence. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the public and influential nature of a life lived in accordance with His teachings. Just as a city set on a hill is prominent and cannot be concealed, so too should the lives of believers be evident and impactful, shining forth the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.<br><br><b>Historical and Theological Significance</b><br><br>Throughout history, the "City upon a Hill" metaphor has been interpreted as a call for Christians to live in a manner that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. It underscores the responsibility of believers to be examples of moral integrity, compassion, and truth. This imagery has been particularly influential in shaping the self-understanding of Christian communities, especially in contexts where they see themselves as beacons of hope and moral guidance.<br><br>The phrase gained additional prominence in American history when it was used by John Winthrop, a Puritan leader, in his 1630 sermon "A Model of Christian Charity." Winthrop envisioned the new Puritan colony in New England as a "City upon a Hill," a community that would serve as a model of Christian virtue and governance. This vision has continued to resonate in American cultural and political discourse, symbolizing the idea of America as a nation with a unique moral and spiritual mission.<br><br><b>Practical Implications for Believers</b><br><br>For contemporary Christians, the "City upon a Hill" metaphor serves as a reminder of their calling to live distinctively in the world. It challenges believers to maintain a public witness that reflects the teachings of Christ, influencing society through acts of love, justice, and mercy. This involves both personal holiness and communal responsibility, as the collective witness of the Church is meant to draw others to the transformative power of the Gospel.<br><br>In practical terms, being a "City upon a Hill" involves engaging with the world in ways that demonstrate the love and truth of Christ. This can manifest in various forms, such as community service, advocacy for justice, and the pursuit of peace. It also calls for a commitment to truth and integrity in all areas of life, ensuring that the light of Christ shines brightly through the actions and attitudes of His followers.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The "City upon a Hill" remains a compelling and challenging metaphor for Christians today. It encapsulates the call to be visible and influential witnesses of Christ's love and truth in a world that desperately needs both. As believers strive to live out this calling, they participate in the ongoing mission of the Church to be a beacon of hope and redemption in a fallen world.<a name="top" id="top"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Bible Verses</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/2-15.htm">Luke 2:15</a></span><br>And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a></span><br>Has not the scripture said, That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?<br><span class="source">Topicalbible.org</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/lightfoot/from_the_talmud_and_hebraica/chapter_24_some_buildings_in.htm"><span class="l">Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> against the Upper <b>City</b>: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There<br> is another <b>hill</b>, called Acra, which bears the Lower <b>City upon</b> it, steep on <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 24 some buildings in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_5_the_great_distress.htm"><span class="l">The Great Distress the Jews were in <b>Upon</b> the Conflagration of the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> and made sad moans at the calamity they were under; the multitude also that was<br> in the <b>city</b> joined in this outcry with those that were <b>upon</b> the <b>hill</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 5 the great distress.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/sermons_on_several_occasions/sermon_24_upon_our_lords.htm"><span class="l"><b>Upon</b> Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount</span></a> <br><b>...</b> This our Lord makes plain beyond all contradiction, by a two-fold comparison: "Ye<br> are the light of the world: A <b>city</b> set <b>upon</b> an <b>hill</b> cannot be hid." Ye <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 24 upon our lords.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/writings_in_connection_with_the_donatist_controversy_/chapter_105__238_petilianus.htm"><span class="l">Petilianus Said: "But He Thus Praises the Ointment of Concord <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> mountains of Zion, the dew of Hermon on the mountains of Zion, in whatever sense<br> that be received by you; for you are not in the <b>city upon</b> a <b>hill</b>, which has <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 105 238 petilianus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_2_how_titus_marched.htm"><span class="l">How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> could not fly directly to the <b>city</b>, but declined from him on both sides, and pressed<br> after those that fled up the <b>hill</b>; yet did he still fall <b>upon</b> their flank <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lightfoot/from_the_talmud_and_hebraica/chapter_22_the_parts_of.htm"><span class="l">The Parts of the <b>City</b>. Sion. The Upper <b>City</b>: which was on the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> The <b>city</b> itself (saith Josephus) was built <b>upon</b> two hills <b>...</b> these hills, that, which<br> contained the Upper <b>City</b> was by <b>...</b> Against this was a third <b>hill</b> [Moriah], lower <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 22 the parts of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/yonge/the_chosen_people/lesson_xiv_the_wall_rebuilt.htm"><span class="l">The Wall Rebuilt.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> When the walls once more girded around the <b>city</b> built <b>upon</b> the <b>hill</b>, the inhabitants<br> were no longer easily molested by their foes; and a great assembly was held <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/xi_the_kingcontinued.htm"><span class="l">The King --Continued.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It had been removed to the forest seclusion of Kirjath-jearim (the <b>city</b> of the woods),<br> and there bestowed in the house of Abinadab "<b>upon</b> the <b>hill</b>," where it <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm</font><p><a href="/library/abbott/xerxes/chapter_x_the_burning_of.htm"><span class="l">The Burning of Athens.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The <b>city</b> of Delphi was built <b>upon</b> the lower <b>...</b> It was built in the form of an amphitheater,<br> in a sort of lap in the <b>hill</b> where it stood, with steep precipices <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sell/bible_studies_in_the_life_of_paul/study_iv_second_missionary_journey.htm"><span class="l">Second Missionary Journey</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It was a <b>city</b> living on its past." Paul entered into the open places where the <b>...</b> by<br> what he had to say that he was asked to speak to them <b>upon</b> Mars <b>Hill</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study iv second missionary journey.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/city-of-Jerusalem.html">What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Sidon-in-the-Bible.html">What is the significance of the city of Sidon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Vatican-City.html">What is the Vatican / Vatican City? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/city.htm">City: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city.htm">City</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_confusion.htm">City of Confusion</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_david.htm">City of David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_destruction.htm">City of Destruction</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_palm_trees.htm">City of Palm Trees</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_salt.htm">City of Salt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_of_waters.htm">City of Waters</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/city_upon_a_hill.htm">City Upon a Hill</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/side.htm">Side (4225 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/talked.htm">Talked (79 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/refuge.htm">Refuge (111 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/broad.htm">Broad (113 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/city's.htm">City's (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/talk.htm">Talk (164 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philippians.htm">Philippians (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/city.htm">City</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beyond.htm">Beyond (209 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/street.htm">Street (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah (104 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fortified.htm">Fortified (79 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fort.htm">Fort (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fortress.htm">Fortress (75 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fortification.htm">Fortification (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/square.htm">Square (94 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sitting.htm">Sitting (201 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cities.htm">Cities (427 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reason.htm">Reason (438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gate.htm">Gate (248 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babel.htm">Babel (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon (270 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua (211 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/discomfiture.htm">Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/city_under_siege.htm" 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