The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative. Four of the blessings also appear in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke, followed by four woes which mirror the blessings. Wikipedia Beatitudes – Bible Verses and Meaning
In the Revised Standard Version, the nine Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3–12 read as follows:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The phrase “poor in spirit” speaks of a spiritual condition of poverty. It describes the person who recognizes his or her need for God. “The kingdom of heaven” refers to people who acknowledge God as King.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom.”
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Those who mourn” speaks of those who express deep sorrow over sin and repent from their sins. The freedom found in forgiveness of sin and the joy of eternal salvation is the “comfort” of those who repent.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal.”
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Similar to “the poor,” “the meek” are those who submit to God’s authority and make him Lord. Revelation 21:7 says God’s children will “inherit all things.”
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will inherit everything he possesses.”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Hunger” and “thirst” speak of deep need and driving passion. This “righteousness” refers to Jesus Christ. To “be filled” is the satisfaction of our soul’s desire.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who passionately long for Christ, for he will satisfy their souls.”
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
We reap what we sow. Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who have received great mercy will show great mercy. Mercy is shown through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion toward others.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, for they will receive mercy.”
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
The “pure in heart” are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not outward righteousness that can be seen by men, but inward holiness that only God can see. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no one will see God.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God.”
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All who have peace with God are his children.”
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so will his followers. Those who endure by faith rather than hide their faith to avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for Christ and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)
The four Beatitudes of Luke 6:20–23 read as follows:
Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.
Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
Beatitudes_and_meanings.pdf
