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The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His [a]disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them, saying,

“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 [b]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 [c]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)

Disciples and the World

13 “You are the [d]salt of the earth; but if the salt has [e]lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].

14 “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.(H) 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17 “Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the [f]Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished. 19 So whoever breaks one of the least [important] of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Personal Relationships

21 “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever murders shall be [g]guilty before the court.’(I) 22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; and whoever speaks [contemptuously and insultingly] to his brother, [h]‘Raca (You empty-headed idiot)!’ shall be guilty before the supreme court (Sanhedrin); and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the [i]fiery hell. 23 So if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and while there you remember that your brother has something [such as a grievance or legitimate complaint] against you, 24 leave your offering there at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come and present your offering. 25 Come to terms quickly [at the earliest opportunity] with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way [to court], so that your opponent does not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you are thrown into prison.(J) 26 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid the last [j]cent.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’;(K) 28 but I say to you that everyone who [so much as] looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye makes you stumble and leads you to sin, tear it out and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand makes you stumble and leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

31 “It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife is to give her a certificate of divorce’; 32 but I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on grounds of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery.(L)

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not make false vows, but you shall fulfill your vows to the Lord [as a religious duty].’ 34 But I say to you, do not make an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.(M) 36 Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one.(N)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’(O) 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever [k]slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].(P) 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, [l]let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender]. 41 And whoever [m]forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.(Q)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’(R) 44 But I say to you, [n]love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,(S) 45 so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him]. 46 For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers [wishing them God’s blessing and peace], what more [than others] are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [who do not know the Lord] do that? 48 You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.(T)

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:1 A disciple was a “learner” who may have been curious or convinced or committed.
  2. Matthew 5:5 Or humble, meek.
  3. Matthew 5:10 Lit the sake of righteousness.
  4. Matthew 5:13 In ancient times salt was often used as a preservative. Similarly, followers of Christ are to preserve both the gospel message and Christian values in the secular world.
  5. Matthew 5:13 The salt from the Dead Sea contains impurities that affect its qualities as a seasoning and as a preservative.
  6. Matthew 5:17 I.e. the Pentateuch.
  7. Matthew 5:21 Or liable to.
  8. Matthew 5:22 A severe Aramaic insult.
  9. Matthew 5:22 Gr Gehenna, a Greek version of the Hebrew for Valley of Hinnom, a ravine where garbage was burned continuously, located just south of Jerusalem. Often regarded in ancient times as symbolic of hell (the lake of fire), a realm reserved for the wicked. Mentioned in Matt 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5; James 3:6.
  10. Matthew 5:26 Gr kodrantes, from the Lat quadrans, which was the smallest Roman bronze coin.
  11. Matthew 5:39 In this context the “slap” is not an act of violence, but more likely an insult or violation of one’s rights.
  12. Matthew 5:40 Probably a prohibition against frivolous legal action.
  13. Matthew 5:41 Roman soldiers were allowed to force civilian bystanders to carry their gear one mile for them.
  14. Matthew 5:44 The key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.

And de seeing the ho crowds ochlos, Jesus went anabainō up on eis the ho mountainside oros; and kai when he autos had sat kathizō down , his autos disciples mathētēs came proserchomai to him autos. · ho And kai he opened anoigō · ho his autos mouth stoma and began to teach didaskō them autos, saying legō:

Blessed makarios are the ho poor ptōchos in ho spirit pneuma, for hoti theirs autos is eimi the ho kingdom basileia of ho heaven ouranos. Blessed makarios are those ho who mourn pentheō, for hoti they autos will be comforted parakaleō. Blessed makarios are the ho meek praus, for hoti they autos will inherit klēronomeō the ho earth . Blessed makarios are those ho who hunger peinaō and kai thirst dipsaō for · ho righteousness dikaiosynē, for hoti they autos will be fully satisfied chortazō. Blessed makarios are the ho merciful eleēmōn, for hoti they autos will be shown mercy eleeō. Blessed makarios are the ho pure katharos in ho heart kardia, for hoti they autos will see horaō · ho God theos. Blessed makarios are the ho peacemakers eirēnopoios, for hoti they autos will be called kaleō sons hyios of God theos. 10 Blessed makarios are those ho who are persecuted diōkō for the sake of righteousness dikaiosynē, for hoti theirs autos is eimi the ho kingdom basileia of ho heaven ouranos. 11 Blessed makarios are eimi you when hotan others revile oneidizō you hymeis and kai persecute diōkō you and kai say legō all pas kinds of evil ponēros against kata you hymeis falsely pseudomai on account of me egō. 12 Rejoice chairō and kai be very glad agalliaō because hoti · ho your hymeis reward misthos is great polys in en · ho heaven ouranos; for gar that is how houtōs they persecuted diōkō the ho prophets prophētēs who ho were before pro you hymeis.

13  You hymeis are eimi the ho salt halas of the ho earth , but de if ean · ho salt halas has lost its taste mōrainō, how en tis will it be made salty halizō again? It is ischuō no longer eti good ischuō for eis anything oudeis but ei mē to be thrown ballō out exō and trampled katapateō under foot by hypo · ho people anthrōpos. 14 You hymeis are eimi the ho light phōs of the ho world kosmos. A city polis built keimai on epanō a hill oros cannot ou dynamai be hidden kryptō. 15 Nor oude do people light kaiō a lamp lychnos and kai put tithēmi it autos under hypo the ho meal-tub modios, but alla on epi a ho stand lychnia, and kai it gives light lampō to all pas · ho in en the ho house oikia. 16 Let your hymeis light phōs shine lampō · ho like that houtōs before emprosthen · ho others anthrōpos, so hopōs that they may see your hymeis · ho good kalos works ergon and kai glorify doxazō · ho your hymeis Father patēr who ho is in en · ho heaven ouranos.”

17  Do not think nomizō that hoti I came erchomai to abolish katalyō the ho law nomos or ē the ho prophets prophētēs. I did not ou come erchomai to abolish katalyō, but alla to fulfill plēroō. 18 I tell legō you hymeis the truth amēn, until heōs an · ho heaven ouranos and kai · ho earth pass away parerchomai, not ou a single heis iota iōta or ē one heis little stroke keraia will pass parerchomai from apo the ho law nomos until heōs an everything pas takes ginomai place . 19 Therefore oun whoever hos ean relaxes lyō one heis of the ho least elachistos of these houtos commandments entolē · ho and kai teaches didaskō others anthrōpos to do the same houtōs · ho will be called kaleō least elachistos in en the ho kingdom basileia of ho heaven ouranos; but de whoever hos does poieō them and kai teaches didaskō others, this houtos person will be called kaleō great megas in en the ho kingdom basileia of ho heaven ouranos. 20 For gar I tell legō you hymeis that hoti unless ean mē your hymeis righteousness dikaiosynē exceeds perisseuō · ho beyond polys that of the ho scribes grammateus and kai Pharisees Pharisaios, you will never ou mē enter eiserchomai the ho kingdom basileia of ho heaven ouranos.

21  You have heard akouō that hoti it was said legō to those ho of old archaios, ‘ You shall not ou murder phoneuō,’ and de, ‘ whoever hos murders phoneuō will be eimi liable enochos to ho judgment krisis.’ 22 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis that hoti anyone pas who ho is angry orgizō with ho his autos brother adelphos will be eimi liable enochos to ho judgment krisis; and de whoever hos says legō to ho his autos brother adelphos, ‘ Raka rhaka,’ will be eimi liable enochos to the ho council synedrion; and de whoever hos says legō, ‘ You fool mōros!’ will be eimi liable enochos to eis the ho hell geenna of ho fire pyr. 23 Therefore oun if ean you are bringing prospherō · ho your sy gift dōron to epi the ho altar thusiastērion and there kakei remember mimnēskomai that hoti · ho your sy brother adelphos has echō something tis against kata you sy, 24 leave aphiēmi your sy gift dōron there ekei · ho before emprosthen the ho altar thusiastērion and kai first prōton go hypagō and be reconciled diallassomai to ho your sy brother adelphos, and kai then tote come erchomai and offer prospherō · ho your sy gift dōron. 25 Come eimi to terms eunoeō quickly tachus with ho your sy accuser antidikos while heōs hostis you are eimi still with meta him autos on en the ho way hodos to court, or mēpote your accuser antidikos may hand paradidōmi you sy over · ho to the ho judge kritēs, and kai the ho judge kritēs to the ho guard hypēretēs, and kai you be thrown ballō into eis prison phylakē. 26 I tell legō you sy the truth amēn, you will certainly not ou get exerchomai out of there ekeithen until heōs an you have paid apodidōmi the ho last eschatos penny kodrantēs.

27  You have heard akouō that hoti it was said legō, ‘ You shall not ou commit moicheuō adultery .’ 28 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis that hoti whoever pas · ho looks blepō at a woman gynē to pros · ho lust epithumeō after her autos has already ēdē committed moicheuō adultery with her autos in en · ho his autos heart kardia. 29 If ei · de · ho your sy right dexios eye ophthalmos · ho causes skandalizō you sy to sin, gouge exaireō it autos out and kai throw ballō it away apo from you sy, for gar it is better sympherō for you sy to hina lose apollymi a heis · ho part melos of your sy body than kai mē to have your sy whole holos · ho body sōma thrown ballō into eis hell geenna. 30 And kai if ei · ho your sy right dexios hand cheir causes skandalizō you sy to sin, cut ekkoptō it autos off and kai throw ballō it away apo from you sy; for gar it is better sympherō for you sy to hina lose apollymi a heis · ho part melos of your sy body than kai mē to have your sy whole holos · ho body sōma thrown aperchomai into eis hell geenna.

31  And de it was said legō, ‘ Whoever hos an divorces apolyō · ho his autos wife gynē, let him give didōmi her autos a written notice of divorce apostasion.’ 32 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis that hoti anyone pas who ho divorces apolyō · ho his autos wife gynē, except parektos on the ground logos of sexual porneia immorality , makes poieō her autos commit moicheuō adultery , and kai whoever hos ean marries gameō a divorced apolyō woman is made to commit adultery moichaō.

33  Again palin, you have heard akouō that hoti it was said legō to those ho of old archaios, ‘ You shall not ou break epiorkeō an oath , but de carry out apodidōmi the ho vows horkos you sy made to the ho Lord kyrios.’ 34 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis, do not take omnyō an oath at all holōs; neither mēte by en · ho heaven ouranos, for hoti it is eimi the throne thronos of ho God theos, 35 nor mēte by en the ho earth , for hoti it is eimi a footstool hypopodion for ho his autos feet pous, nor mēte by eis Jerusalem Hierosolyma, for hoti it is eimi the city polis of the ho great megas King basileus. 36 Nor mēte shall you take an oath omnyō by en · ho your sy head kephalē, because hoti you cannot ou make poieō a single heis hair thrix white leukos or ē black melas. 37 But de let what ho you hymeis say logos be eimi a simple ‘ Yes nai, Yes nai,’ or ‘ No ou, No ou;’ · ho · de anything more perissos than this houtos comes eimi from ek the ho evil ponēros one .

38  You have heard akouō that hoti it was said legō, ‘An eye ophthalmos for anti an eye ophthalmos and kai a tooth odous for anti a tooth odous.’ 39 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis, do not resist anthistēmi the ho evildoer ponēros; but alla whoever hostis slaps rhapizō you sy on eis · ho your sy right dexios cheek siagōn, turn strephō to him autos the ho other allos as well kai. 40 And kai let the ho one who wants thelō to sue krinō you sy and kai take lambanō · ho your sy shirt chitōn have aphiēmi your autos coat himation as kai well . · ho 41 And kai whoever hostis compels angareuō you sy to go one heis mile milion, go hypagō with meta him autos two dyo. 42 Give didōmi to the ho one who asks aiteō of you sy, and kai do apostrephō not turn down apostrephō the ho one who wants thelō to borrow daneizō from apo you sy.

43  You have heard akouō that hoti it was said legō, ‘ You shall love agapaō · ho your sy neighbor plēsion and kai hate miseō · ho your sy enemy echthros.’ 44 But de I egō say legō to you hymeis, love agapaō · ho your hymeis enemies echthros and kai pray proseuchomai for hyper those ho who persecute diōkō you hymeis, 45 so hopōs that you may be ginomai sons hyios of ho your hymeis Father patēr who ho is in en heaven ouranos, for hoti he makes · ho his autos sun hēlios rise anatellō on epi the evil ponēros and kai on the good agathos, and kai sends rain brechō on epi the just dikaios and kai on the unjust adikos. 46 For gar if ean you love agapaō those ho who love agapaō you hymeis, what tis reward misthos do you have echō? Do not ouchi even kai the ho tax telōnēs collectors do poieō the ho same autos? 47 And kai if ean you greet aspazomai only monon · ho your hymeis brothers adelphos, what tis are you doing poieō more perissos than others? Do not ouchi even kai the ho Gentiles ethnikos do poieō the ho same autos? 48 You hymeis, however oun, are eimi to be perfect teleios, as hōs · ho your hymeis heavenly ouranios Father patēr · ho is eimi perfect teleios.