“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(A)
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.(B)
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.(C)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.(D)
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.(E)
Blessed are the pure in heart,(F)
    for they will see God.(G)
Blessed are the peacemakers,(H)
    for they will be called children of God.(I)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,(J)
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(K)

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,(L) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.(M) 12 Rejoice and be glad,(N) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(O)

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“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].(A)

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].(B)

“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the [a]gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.(C)

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.(D)

“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.(E)

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.(F)

10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for [b]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

11 “Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. 12 Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:5 Or humble, meek.
  2. Matthew 5:10 Lit the sake of righteousness.