Matthew 5:1-6, Beatitude 1-4

Tod Kennedy, September, 2004

Updated 01/18/2005

The Beatitudes are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5-7. The topics of His sermon are blessed, the Law, anger, reconciliation, adultery, divorce, vows, revenge, love

Key Verse of Matthew 5. Matthew 5:20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

1.     Outline of Matthew 5

a.   Characteristics of Kingdom people, the repentant people, or the righteous remnant (Matthew 5:1-16).

b.   Christ’s relationship to the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17-19). Christ fulfills the Law.

c.    Kingdom righteousness contrasted with the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20).

d.   Illustrations of Kingdom righteousness contrasted with the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:21-48).

                                                  i.      Personal conflicts (Matthew 5:21-26).

                                                ii.      Man and woman relationships (Matthew 5:27-32).

                                              iii.      Vows (Matthew 5:33-37).

                                              iv.      Retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42).

                                                v.      Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).

The geographical and historical setting for the Sermon, and “blessed,” Matthew 5:1-2

1.     Jesus found a place to teach (Matthew 5.1-2).

a.      Jesus took his disciples to a mountain. This was likely near northwest part of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 5:1-2).

b.     Thought Jesus spoke specifically to his disciples, a crowd also followed and gathered.

c.      It was the common practice for rabbis to sit down to teach.

2.     Characteristics of Kingdom people (Matthew 5.1-16). In verses 3-11, “blessed begins a statement 9 times. Also note that Jesus changes the pronouns “they, theirs, those,” to “you” in verse 11. He is now specifically directing his message to the disciples.

a.      Verses 3-11 are the introduction to the sermon, and verse 12 begins the sermon.

b.     We have a statement of condition followed by a statement of kingdom of heaven reward.

c.      “Blessed” is μακάριος (makarios) = happy, fortunate, blessed.

                                                              i.      “Blessed” is used many times in the NT. Illustrative passages include Acts 26:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 23:29; James 1:25; Titus 2:13; Matthew 13:16; Revelation 20:6). It means fortunate, happy, that one gains.

                                                            ii.      Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains : Greek New Testament, μακάριος (makarios #3421 ία (ia), ιον (ion): adj.; DBLHebr 890, 897; Str 3107; TDNT 4.362—LN 25.119 blessed, happy, fortunate (Mt 5:3–11(9xs); Mt 16:17; Lk 6:20–22^(4×); 11:27; Jn 13:17; Ac 20:35; 26:2; Ro 4:7; 14:22; 1Co 7:40; 1Ti 6:15; Tit 2:13; Jas 1:12; Rev 1:3).

                                                          iii.      The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997. Mt 5:3.  Blessed, (Gk. Makarios, used 58 times) (5:3; Luke 6:20–22; Rom. 4:7, 8; James 1:12, 25) Strong’s #3107: This Greek word is derived from the root mak, which means “large” or “lengthy,” and means “fortunate” or “happy.”  The Greek word was used in Greek literature, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), and in the New Testament to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. The word can be rendered happy. In the New Testament it is usually passive; God is the One who is blessing or favoring the person. (Radmacher, E. D., R. B. Allen, & H. W. House).

d.   Jesus says that those who share certain characteristics are or shall be fortunate or happy or gain favor from God.

Matthew 5:3, Beatitude 1, Poor in spirit

General help for understanding the beatitude: the first line of each beatitude gives the present qualification or desired attitude and activity. The second line gives the future blessing or reward that will be experienced in the future kingdom of heaven on earth. Jesus says that those who possess these characteristics are or shall be fortunate or happy or gain favor from God.

“Blessed or fortunate or happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι, ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

1.     The basic meaning of Matthew 5:3: To be poor in spirit is to be hungry for spiritual food and spiritual fellowship with God and believers. All of these will be theirs in full in the kingdom of heaven.

a.      We in the church are believers in Christ. We are waiting for the Lord to return. Are we spiritually hungry for fellowship with God, hungry for spiritual food, and hungry for Christian service?

2.     We have a statement of condition followed by a statement of kingdom of heaven reward.

3.     Poor in spirit. The statement of condition. Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι. Luke 6:20 has the parallel which was most likely a different sermon. It omits “in spirit.”

4.     Poor is πτωχοὶ and is used 4X in this form besides Matthew 5:3 (Matthew 11:5; Luke 6:20; 7:22; 2 Corinthians 6:10). The other 4 refer to lack of world’s goods.

a.      Other forms of this word are found 49X and 48 refer to physical poverty and 1X to worthless things (Galatians 4:9).

5.     Here in Matthew, poor it is defined by “in spirit.”

a.      It refers to spiritual poverty or better yet, spiritual hunger. They are “starved” for spiritual life and spiritual food. They are spiritually hungry.

b.     The want to know the Lord. They want to hear the Scriptures. They desire to be a part the kingdom of heaven. The scribes and Pharisees have not provided spiritual leadership and spiritual nourishment for them. Jewish religious legalism made the poor in spirit.

c.      In Revelation 3:17-18, John speaks of those who are spiritually poor and do not know it. They are not interested in God’s will, God’s ministry, and God’s word.

6.     “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” is the statement of kingdom responsibility, privilege, and reward.

a.      Note the possessive pronoun, “theirs.” They share in the spiritual food and life of the kingdom of heaven.

7.     Practical meaning and application.

a.      To be poor in spirit is to be hungry for spiritual food and spiritual fellowship with God and believers. All of these will be theirs in full in the kingdom of heaven.

b.     We are believers in Christ. We are waiting for the Lord to return. Are we spiritually hungry for fellowship with God, hungry for spiritual food, and hungry for Christian service?

8.     Summary Beatitude 1. Matthew 5:3. Spiritual hunger

a.      To be poor in spirit is to be spiritually hungry for God’s word, for fellowship with God and believers, and for the ability and opportunities to participate in God’s kingdom.

b.     All of these blessings will be theirs in full in the kingdom of heaven; but, at the present time, by faith in the Messiah and God’s word, they can hear and practice God’s word even though the ruling religious elite may criticize or ignore or persecute them.

9.     Lesson Beatitude 1. Matthew 5:3. Spiritual hunger

a.      Am I spiritually hungry for fellowship with God and believers, hungry for spiritual food, and hungry for Christian service?

b.     Do I make opportunities and use opportunities to receive spiritual food, to fellowship with God and believers, and to serve God and the Church?

Matthew 5:4, Beatitude 2, Mourn

 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,”

μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες,  ὅτι αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται

1.     The basic meaning of Matthew 5:4:

a.      The promise is that, in the kingdom of heaven, God can and will comfort and encourage those who mourn due to sin, death, persecution, pressures, oppression, and human viewpoint.

b.     This is their future reward and that for which they wait. We have a statement of condition followed by a statement of kingdom of heaven reward.

c.      For us right now God is a God of comfort and we await Christ’s return.

2.     The word “mourn,” penqew pentheo, means to be said, sorrowful, sorrow in one’s heart, to grieve, and even lament because of some condition or circumstance (Luke 6:25; Revelation 18:15, 19). Some commentators wrongly take this verse as only mourning because of sin.

a.      We find mourning due to sin in This use of is correct in 1 Corinthians 5.2, 2 Corinthians 12.21, and James 4.9.

b.     But, Matthew 9:15 uses mourning for someone who has gone.

c.      And, Mark 16:10 uses mourning because Jesus had died.

d.     Isaiah 61.2-3 tell of Jews who mourn from affliction, broken heartedness, and imprisonment, and contrast this with the blessings of Messiah’s kingdom.

                                                              i.      “To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” 

3.     These repentant Jews of Jesus’ day mourn…

a.      over oppression by both the self righteous and the wicked. These groups ignore, take advantage of, and oppress the repentant believers. They mourn because the treatment they receive.

b.     They also mourn because they live in a world controlled by sin and death.

c.      They also mourn in longing for the kingdom of heaven.

4.     In the kingdom of heaven conditions will be different. No longer will there be oppression by self righteous religious people. Sin and death will have been conquered. Instead they will be encouraged in the king’s kingdom. The king will rule. He will put down self-righteousness and oppression. Death and sin will be the exception.

a.      How can these who mourn be blessed or happy now? They can be happy because the kingdom they anticipate will be one of great comfort and encouragement.

b.     Because they are more occupied with God’s plan for them and the sure future, so they can take encouragement now in what awaits them.

c.      And, in the coming kingdom comfort and encouragement will be an enduring characteristic.

5.     Practical meaning and application to the repentant ones awaiting the kingdom of heaven:

a.      The promise is that, in the kingdom of heaven, God can and will comfort and encourage those who presently mourn due to sin, death, persecution, pressures, oppression, and human viewpoint.

b.     This is their future reward and that for which they wait.

6.     Application or so what for us right now.

a.      For us right now God is a God of comfort and we await Christ’s return.

                                                              i.      We look for the blessed hope spoken of in Titus 2:13 and 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

                                                            ii.      2 Corinthians 1:3-6, in times of suffering, pressure, grief, and human viewpoint God encourages believers and other believers encourage believers.

                                                          iii.      Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus our high priest was tested. He is able to sympathize with us in our testing. Instead of moaning, we can mourn and have His comfort and encouragement.

                                                          iv.      Romans 15:4, God gives us comfort and encouragement.

                                                            v.      Revelation 21:4-5, expresses the future reality in heaven: God shall wipe away all tears….

b.     Therefore repentant believers in Christ waiting for His Kingdom ought to put their attention of God’s provision and care instead of the pressure and oppression.

7.     Summary Beatitude 2. Matthew 5:4. Mourn

a.      To mourn is to have sorrow of heart due to sin, death of loved ones, tests, persecution, pressures, oppression, and human viewpoint.

b.     Jesus promises that in the coming kingdom God can and will comfort and encourage these repentant believers; therefore, they as repentant believers in Christ waiting for His Kingdom can, at the present time, put their attention on God’s provision and care instead of on the pressure and oppression and rejection they face.

8.     Lesson Beatitude 2. Matthew 5:4. Mourn

a.      Do I ever have heart sorrow due to sin, death of loved ones, tests, persecution, pressures, oppression, and human viewpoint?

b.     When I do sorrow, do I trust God and His word for my comfort? Do I sense His comfort and encouragement at these times?

Matthew 5:5, Beatitude 3, The gentle

 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς, ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.

1.     The basic meaning of Matthew 5:5:

a.      Gentle or meek is an inner gracious, strong, and balanced temperament; a balanced person, a person under control, a person who understands authority and therefore humble.

b.     The promised reward is that the gentle person shall inherit the earth, which means to possess the earth and so to gain and to have a part in ruling the earth in the kingdom of heaven. Just the opposite of the present conditions.

c.      The tyrant will not inherit the earth. The macho person will not inherit the earth. The balanced person, the gentle person, will inherit the earth.

2.     The third characteristic of those awaiting the kingdom of heaven is that they are to be gentle. The promised reward is that they shall inherit the earth.

3.     We need to understand the meaning of gentle or meek, and then to inherit the earth.

4.     In Jesus’ day and in our day the world is dominated by tyrants.

5.     Psalm 37:11 sets the background. The Hebrew word generally means poor, afflicted, humble, meek. Psalm 45.4 lists meekness as a strong attribute with truth and righteousness.

6.     The Greek word for gentle or meek is πραΰς, praus.

a.      Arndt, W., F. W. Danker, & W. Bauer. 3rd ed. 2000. Page 861. To not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentle, humble, considerate, meek in the older favorable sense, unassuming.

b.     Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, p. 1209-1210: Prautes, according to Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason, and not getting angry at all. Therefore, prautes is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason. . . . [I]t is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character.

c.      Gentle or meek in English usually suggests weakness. That is not the Greek meaning. It is a strong and gracious temperament. It is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest.

d.     Christ was gentle, yet had all divine resources at his call (Matthew 11:21 and 21:5).

e.      Paul told Timothy to pursue gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11).

f.       Peter wrote to wives that they display this heart temperament (1 Peter 3:4).

g.     Gentle or meek means to be a strong and balanced person; one who is self controlled. He can be angry at the right time. He can fight at the right time. He can stand still at the right time.

7.     Bible characters who were meek or gentle.

a.      Moses, Numbers 12.3. anav עָנָו poor, afflicted, humble, meek (BDB 776.2). Compare Exodus 3 where he met God at the burning bush. Moses saw God’s glory, but this did not make him proud or self sufficient. Also see strength in Exodus 32:25-28.

b.     Aaron, in Leviticus 10:1-3, demonstrates gentleness.

c.      Jesus, in Matthew 11.29 and 2 Corinthians 10.1.

d.     Paul, 2 Corinthians 10.1

8.     Therefore, gentle or meek does not mean wimpy, a pushover, a coward, one terrified, or one who cringes at difficulty. Gentle or meek is a balanced person, a person under control, a person who understands authority and therefore humble.

a.      Inner gracious, strong, and balanced temperament

b.     Gentleness is power under control, even when pressured to act in the extreme.

9.     Practical meaning and application to the repentant ones awaiting the kingdom of heaven:

a.      Gentle or meek is an inner gracious, strong, and balanced temperament; a balanced person, a person under control, a person who understands authority and therefore humble.

b.     He shall inherit the earth, which means to possess the earth and so to gain and to have a part in ruling the earth in the kingdom of heaven. Just the opposite of the present conditions.

c.      The tyrant will not inherit the earth. The macho person will not inherit the earth. The balanced person, the gentle person, will inherit the earth.

10. Application or so what for us right now.

a.      The gentle or meek person knows that his strength is from God.

b.     The gentle person lives in God’s power and according to God’s viewpoint.

c.      The gentle person submits to proper authority.

d.     The gentle person is balanced, self-controlled, and thinks and acts out of grace and thinks and acts graciously.

e.      The gentle person does not live at the extremes.

f.       We in the church will also experience reward from God, because a balanced life is one that does God’s will and pleases God.

10. Summary Beatitude 3. Matthew 5:5. Gentle

a.      A gentle or meek person is a person with an inner gracious, strong, and balanced temperament. He is a balanced person, a person under control, a person who understands authority and is therefore humble. A balanced character is one that does God’s will and pleases God.

b.     The gentle person, not the bully or uncontrolled or proud, shall inherit rulership in Christ’s coming kingdom.

11. Lesson Beatitude 3. Matthew 5:5. Gentle

a.      Am I a gentle person? That is, do I possess great inner strength? Do I submit to proper authority on the one hand and properly exercises authority on the other?  Am I balanced and self-controlled? Do I think graciously about people, and do I treat people graciously?

b.     Even today, the gentle person—the strong and balanced person—is the one most qualified for leadership and responsibility and will do the best job.

Matthew 5:6, Beatitude 4, Hunger and thirst for righteousness

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

6 μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται.

1.     The basic meaning of Matthew 5:6: To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to want to live in a righteous society and world. The kingdom of heaven will be a righteous kingdom. These awaiting the kingdom will then be satisfied with the kingdom righteousness.

2.     Righteousness, dikaiosunh dikaiosune, is personal and societal. We live in a world that rejects God’s righteousness and replaces it with human righteousness and with evil.

a.      Righteousness Scripture.

                                                              i.      OT, Proverbs 1:3; 2:9; 8::8; 10:2; 21:3; Ecclesiastes 5:8; Isaiah 9:7; 11:4-5; 61:10-11.

                                                            ii.      NT, Matthew 5:20; 6:33; Acts 17:31; Romans 6:13, 16, 18, 19, 20; Ephesians 5:9.

3.     Satisfied is the Greek word cortazw chortazo. It means to eat one’s fill, to be filled and satisfied. Used in Matthew 14:20 (5000 fed), 15:33 (4000 fed), John 6.26, and others. It has a secondary meaning of to be content. In Luke 6:21 it has a literal meaning of hunger being quenched.

4.     Application and so what?

a.      The coming kingdom of heaven will satisfy all desire for righteous government and righteousness in society. Those listening to Jesus can look forward to that.

b.     We in the church are to live righteously now. Think and do the right thing.

5.     Summary Beatitude 4. Matthew 5:6. Righteousness

a.      The coming kingdom will be a righteous kingdom under the righteous King and quite unlike the present world. These repentant and awaiting the kingdom believers can look forward to this.

b.     The coming kingdom of heaven will satisfy all desire for righteous government and righteousness in society.

6.     Lesson Beatitude 4. Matthew 5:6. Righteousness

a.      Righteousness is thinking and doing what is right according to God’s righteous standard. God wants me, as a believer in Christ, to live righteously.