What is the meaning of the concept of 'city upon a hill'?

The "City upon a Hill" section of the sermon called "A Model of Christian Charity" was written in 1630 by the Puritan leader John Winthrop while the first ... that they must not fail in their efforts to set up a godly state in the new World and reassuring them that this does not mean they can never make a mistake. read more

Future governor John Winthrop stated their purpose quite clearly: "We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us." The Arbella was one of eleven ships carrying over a thousand Puritans to Massachusetts that year. read more

The phrase "a city upon a hill" refers to those who are forging a new path and are examples to others in the way they live and function. The words are often used to describe people of faith but are also used in politics. read more

The saying "A City Upon a Hill" has its orgins in the new testament. It is relative to when Jesus Christ held his sermon on the mount. It can be found in the Gospel of Matthew. During the John Wintrop's sermon "A Model of Christian Charity, he used the phrase as a metaphor to demonstrate to the people that they would be like Jesus on the mount. read more