The meaning of the eight beatitudes of Jesus
The Beatitudes come from the opening lines of the famous Sermon on the Mount pronounced by Jesus and recorded in Matthew 5: 3-12. Here Jesus declared several blessings, each beginning with the phrase "Blessed are ..." (Similar statements appear in the Sermon of Jesus on the plain in Luke 6: 20-23.) Each saying speaks of a blessing or "divine favor" that will be bestowed to the person who has a certain character quality.
The word "bliss" comes from the Latin beatitudo, which means "bliss". The phrase "are blessed" in any bliss implies a current state of happiness or well-being. This expression had a strong meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" for the people of the day. In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are those who possess these inner qualities." While speaking of a current "bliss", each pronunciation also promised a future reward.
The beatitudes are found in Matthew 5: 3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who cry,
because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice,
since they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
because they will show mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and rejoice, because your reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)
Meaning and analysis of the beatitudes
Many interpretations and teachings have been enunciated through the principles transmitted in the beatitudes. Each bliss is a proverb said full of meaning and worthy of study. Most scholars agree that the beatitudes give us an image of the true disciple of God.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The phrase "poor in spirit" speaks of a spiritual condition of poverty. It describes the person who recognizes his need for God. "The kingdom of heaven" refers to people who recognize God as king.
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, because they will enter his kingdom."
Blessed are those who cry, because they will be comforted.
"Those who weep" speaks of those who express deep sorrow for sin and repent of their sins. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sin and in the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent.
Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who weep for their sins, for they will receive forgiveness and eternal life."
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Similar to "the poor", "the meek" are those who submit to the authority of God and make him Lord. Revelation 21: 7 says that the children of God "will inherit all things."
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will inherit all that he possesses."
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, since they will be satisfied.
"Hunger" and "thirst" speak of deep need and driving passion. This "justice" refers to Jesus Christ. Being "filled" is the satisfaction of our soul's desire.
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who ardently desire Christ, because he will satisfy their souls".
Blessed are the merciful, because they will show mercy.
We reap what we sow. Those who show mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who have received great mercy will show great mercy. Mercy is shown through forgiveness, kindness and compassion for others.
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness and compassion, for they will receive mercy."
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The "pure in heart" are those who have been purified from within. This is not external justice that can be seen by men, but internal holiness that only God can see. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness nobody will see God.
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, made pure and holy, because they will see God."
Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called children of God.
The Bible says that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Christ brings restored communion (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5: 19-20 says that God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to bring to others.
Paraphrasing: “Blessed are those who have reconciled themselves to God through Jesus Christ and bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All those who have peace with God are his children. "
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of justice, as theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Just as Jesus faced the persecution, so did his followers. Those who persevere by faith rather than hiding their faith to avoid persecution are true followers of Christ.
Paraphrasing: "Blessed are those who have the courage to live openly for Christ and suffer persecution, since they will receive the kingdom of heaven".