The Gospel of Matthew relates: “When [Jesus] saw the crowds he went up into the mountain; and after he sat down his disciples came to him; and he opened his mouth and began teaching them, saying: ‘ Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them. ’ ”
این خطابه که به موعظهٔ بالای کوه معروف است در انجیل متّیٰ با این کلمات آغاز می‌شود :‏ ‏ «‏ روزی که جمعیتی انبوه گرد آمده بودند ،‏ عیسی به همراه شاگردان خود بر فراز تپه‌ای برآمد و بنشست .‏