What Are the Beatitudes — Meaning Explained

Found in Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes ('blessed are') open Jesus' most famous sermon. Each one describes a spiritual quality and its reward: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (v.3) — those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy. 'Blessed are they that mourn' (v.4) — those who grieve over sin. 'Blessed are the meek' (v.5) — those who are gentle and controlled. 'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness' (v.6) — those who earnestly desire holiness. 'Blessed are the merciful' (v.7), 'the pure in heart' (v.8), 'the peacemakers' (v.9). Finally, 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake' (v.10). The Beatitudes are revolutionary — they reverse worldly values, blessing the humble, the sorrowful, and the persecuted. They describe not rules to follow but the character that the gospel produces. Together they paint a portrait of Christ Himself, the perfectly blessed One.