The Beatitudes

THE BEATITUDES

Introduction to the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. They are found in Matthew 5:3-12. These teachings outline the characteristics and actions that Jesus considers blessed or fortunate in God's kingdom.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

This sets the scene for Jesus' teachings, emphasizing their importance and the attentiveness of his audience.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This beatitude emphasizes spiritual humility. The "poor in spirit" recognize their spiritual bankruptcy without God. This concept aligns with other biblical teachings, such as:

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18, KJV)

Being "poor in spirit" is not about material poverty, but rather a humble dependence on God. It's the opposite of spiritual pride or self-sufficiency. Those who acknowledge their need for God's grace are promised the "kingdom of heaven," suggesting both present and future blessings in God's realm.

2. Blessed are they that mourn

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

This mourning is not just about personal loss, but also grief over sin and its effects in the world. It reflects a sensitivity to the brokenness around us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a similar comfort:

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; (Isaiah 61:3, KJV)

The promise of comfort suggests that God values emotional honesty and empathy. This comfort may come through the Holy Spirit, often called the Comforter in the KJV:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16, KJV)

3. Blessed are the meek

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness in biblical context is strength under control, not weakness. It's about gentleness, humility, and submission to God's will. Moses, one of the greatest leaders in the Bible, was described as meek:

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3, KJV)

The promise to "inherit the earth" echoes Psalm 37:11:

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

This inheritance suggests that ultimately, it's not the aggressive or domineering who will triumph, but those who embody Christ-like humility and gentleness.

4. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

This beatitude uses the powerful metaphors of hunger and thirst to describe a deep longing for righteousness – right living before God and others. It echoes the psalmist's desire:

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (Psalm 42:1, KJV)

The promise of being "filled" suggests complete satisfaction. This aligns with Jesus' later teaching:

I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35, KJV)

5. Blessed are the merciful

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

This beatitude emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and forgiveness to others. It reflects the character of God Himself:

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Psalm 103:8, KJV)

The reciprocal nature of mercy is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, as seen in the Lord's Prayer:

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12, KJV)

6. Blessed are the pure in heart

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Purity of heart involves sincerity, moral uprightness, and undivided devotion to God. It echoes the psalmist's question:

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:3-4, KJV)

The promise of seeing God implies both spiritual insight in this life and a more complete understanding in the afterlife, as the apostle Paul suggests:

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12, KJV)

7. Blessed are the peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

This beatitude honors those who actively work to bring about peace and reconciliation. It reflects God's own character as the God of peace:

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:33, KJV)

Being called children of God suggests that peacemaking is a family trait of those who belong to God. The apostle James later elaborates on this concept:

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:18, KJV)

8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This final beatitude acknowledges the reality that living according to God's standards may lead to opposition or persecution. It aligns with the experiences of many Old Testament prophets and later apostles. Peter later encourages believers facing persecution:

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14, KJV)

The promise of the kingdom of heaven, which also appears in the first beatitude, creates a bookend effect, suggesting that those who begin with spiritual poverty and humility, and remain faithful even under persecution, are truly citizens of God's kingdom. These expanded commentaries provide a deeper understanding of each Beatitude, connecting them with other scriptures and theological concepts within the framework of the King James Version.

Expansion and Conclusion

Jesus expands on the last beatitude, emphasizing its importance:

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

This elaboration encourages believers to maintain their faith even in the face of severe opposition, placing them in the company of the prophets and promising a heavenly reward. The Beatitudes present a counter-cultural view of blessedness, emphasizing spiritual qualities over material success or worldly power. They form the foundation of Jesus' ethical teaching and provide a blueprint for the character of those who would be part of God's kingdom.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.