city upon a hill

English

Etymology

From Matthew 5:14. Cited by English colonist John Winthrop in the 1630 sermon A Model of Christian Charity. In turn, Winthrop's sermon was co-opted by later figures as an example of American exceptionalism.

Noun

city upon a hill

1. A morally exemplary settlement, destined by God for greater things. Most often used to refer to the United States, or more specifically the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Alternative forms

• city on a hill