Matthew 5:1–12 – The Beatitudes
📖 Passage
Matthew 5:1–12
Read Matthew 5:1–12 (NKJV)
🧠 Context & Background
The Sermon on the Mount begins with Jesus teaching His disciples on a mountain, evoking imagery of Moses receiving the Law on Sinai. This setting signals that Jesus is the authoritative interpreter and fulfiller of God's Law. The Beatitudes introduce the sermon by describing the character and blessings of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. The audience is likely a mix of committed disciples and curious crowds, making these words both instruction for believers and an invitation for seekers. The blessings promise future reward and present grace, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and often reversing worldly values.
🌿 Key Themes
Kingdom values – Jesus defines true blessedness, which contrasts with worldly measures of success.
Reversal of expectations – Those considered weak or marginalized receive God's favor.
Present and future blessing – The Beatitudes promise both current spiritual realities and future fulfillment.
Christ-centered discipleship – The qualities described flow from relationship with the King.
Persecution for righteousness – Following Christ will bring opposition but also eternal reward.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Matthew 5:1–2 – Setting the Scene
"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain… And he opened his mouth and taught them…"
Jesus assumes the teacher's position, signifying authority.
The mountain setting recalls Moses, linking Jesus to the giving of the Law but showing Him as greater.
His audience includes both disciples and the broader crowd.
Matthew 5:3 – The Poor in Spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Poor in spirit means recognizing spiritual bankruptcy before God.
Entrance into the kingdom begins with humility and dependence on God's grace.
Matthew 5:4 – Those Who Mourn
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Mourning here is primarily grief over sin and the brokenness of the world.
God promises comfort, both now through forgiveness and ultimately in the new creation.
Matthew 5:5 – The Meek
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Meekness is strength under control, marked by gentleness and trust in God.
Echoes Psalm 37:11, showing the continuity of God's promises.
Matthew 5:6 – Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Describes deep longing for God's will to prevail in one's life and in the world.
Satisfaction comes from God's transforming grace.
Matthew 5:7 – The Merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Mercy involves compassion in action, especially toward the undeserving.
Those who show mercy reveal they have received it from God.
Matthew 5:8 – The Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Purity involves inner holiness, not merely outward ritual.
The promise to "see God" points to eternal fellowship with Him.
Matthew 5:9 – The Peacemakers
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
True peace is reconciliation rooted in God's truth, not mere absence of conflict.
Peacemakers reflect the character of the Father.
Matthew 5:10–12 – The Persecuted
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake…"
Persecution for living out the kingdom's values is evidence of loyalty to Christ.
Jesus assures reward in heaven and links their suffering to that of the prophets.
🧩 Review Questions
- How does the mountain setting frame the authority of Jesus' teaching?
- In what ways do the Beatitudes reverse worldly values?
- Why is humility foundational to life in the kingdom?
- How does persecution serve as confirmation of genuine discipleship? _Not sure how to answer one of these?
🔍 Trusted Insight
"The Beatitudes are not entrance requirements for the kingdom but descriptions of those already within it, transformed by grace." — Paraphrase of D.A. Carson
This reframes the Beatitudes as grace-shaped characteristics, not self-attained virtues.
Summary: Jesus blesses kingdom citizens whose lives are marked by humility, mercy, purity, and faithfulness even under persecution.
🔍 Definitions
Beatitude – A declaration of blessing, often reversing expected norms.
Meekness – Gentle strength that trusts God's control rather than asserting self.
Righteousness – Right standing and right living according to God's will.
Peacemaker – One who actively works for reconciliation according to God's truth.
🙋 Application Questions
Which Beatitude challenges you most, and why?
How can you cultivate hunger and thirst for righteousness in daily life?
Where is God calling you to be a peacemaker this week?
🔤 Greek Keywords
- μακάριοι (makarioi) – “Blessed”; a deep, spiritual happiness or divine approval — not based on circumstances but on God’s favor.
- πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι (ptōchoi tō pneumati) – “Poor in spirit”; refers to spiritual humility — recognizing one’s need for God.
- πενθοῦντες (penthountes) – “Those who mourn”; points to sorrow over sin and the brokenness of the world, leading to comfort from God.
- πραεῖς (praeis) – “Meek” or “gentle”; those who are humble and self-controlled, trusting God rather than asserting power.
- διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην (dipsōntes tēn dikaiosynēn) – “Thirst for righteousness”; a deep desire for God's justice and holiness.
- ἐλεήμονες (eleēmones) – “Merciful”; showing compassion and forgiveness to others, reflecting God’s mercy.
- καρδία καθαρὰ (kardia kathara) – “Pure in heart”; inward holiness and sincerity, not mere external religion.
- εἰρηνοποιοί (eirēnopoioi) – “Peacemakers”; those who pursue reconciliation — a reflection of God’s peace.
- διωχθέντες (diōchthentes) – “Persecuted”; suffering for righteousness, showing loyalty to God despite opposition.
✍️ These Greek words reveal the upside-down values of Christ’s Kingdom — where the lowly, the hungry, and the persecuted are truly blessed.
📚 Cross References
Isaiah 61:1–3 – A prophecy of comfort for those who mourn.
Psalm 37:11 – “The meek shall inherit the land.”
Romans 5:1–5 – Justification brings peace and hope.
James 1:12 – Enduring trials brings the crown of life.
1 Peter 4:12–14 – Suffering for Christ is a cause for joy.