John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And Jesus went up into a mountain , etc.] In a desert place near Bethsaida, ( Luke 9:10); and there he sat with his disciples ; partly for security from the cruelty of Herod, having just heard of the beheading of John; and partly for privacy, that he might have some conversation alone with his disciples, upon their return from off their journey; as also for the sake of rest and refreshment; and according to the custom of the Jewish doctors, which now prevailed, (see Gill on Matthew 5:1), he sat with his disciples, in order to teach and instruct them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-14 - John relates the miracle of feeding the multitude, for its reference to the following discourse. Observe the effect this miracle had upon the people. Even the common Jews expected the Messiah to come into the world, and to be a great Prophet. The Pharisees despised them as no knowing the law; but they knew most of Him who is the end of the law Yet men may acknowledge Christ as that Prophet, and still turn a dea ear to him.
Greek Textus Receptus
ανηλθεν 424 5627 V-2AAI-3S δε 1161 CONJ εις 1519 PREP το 3588 T-ASN ορος 3735 N-ASN ο 3588 T-NSM ιησους 2424 N-NSM και 2532 CONJ εκει 1563 ADV εκαθητο 2521 5711 V-INI-3S μετα 3326 PREP των 3588 T-GPM μαθητων 3101 N-GPM αυτου 846 P-GSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. A mountain (to orov). Strictly, the mountain. The writer speaks as one familiar with the district.He sat (ekqhto). Imperfect: was sitting, when he saw the multitude approaching (ver. 5).
