The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes

Now when he[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain and after he[b] sat down, his disciples approached him. And opening his mouth he began to teach them, saying,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the ones who mourn,
    because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    because they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    because they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
    because they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    because they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    because they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you
    when they insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you, lying on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:1 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal
  2. Matthew 5:1 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“sat down”) which is understood as temporal

The Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,[a]
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
    for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,[b]
    for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
    for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
    for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:3 Greek poor in spirit.
  2. 5:6 Or for righteousness.