The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12
Matt.5.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ιδων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- οχλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ανεβη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- ορος·και: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- καθισαντος: VERB,aor,act,part,gen,m,sg
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- προσηλθαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μαθηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- αυτου·: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 6:17-20 (structural): Similar scene setting immediately before a major teaching: Jesus on a height, large crowds and his disciples present, leading into the Beatitudes—parallel structure to Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount.
- Mark 3:13 (verbal): Uses the same motif of Jesus 'going up into the mountain' to meet and assemble his followers (here to call the Twelve), echoing Matthew’s mountain setting and the association of mountains with authoritative action.
- Exodus 24:1-2 (allusion): Moses ascends the mountain and summons the elders to receive the law—an intertextual background for portraying Jesus as a new Moses who delivers authoritative instruction from a mountain.
- Deuteronomy 5:1 (allusion): Moses gathers the people to declare the covenantal commandments—parallels Matthew’s depiction of Jesus assembling his disciples and crowds to teach, reinforcing the Mosaic typology.
- Mark 6:34 (thematic): Describes Jesus seeing the crowds and responding by teaching them many things—a thematic parallel emphasizing Jesus’ concern for the multitudes and his role as teacher prior to the extended discourse in Matthew 5–7.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain; and after he sat down his disciples came to him.
- When Jesus saw the crowds he went up on the mountain; and when he sat down his disciples came to him.
Matt.5.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ανοιξας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- το: ART,nom,sg,n
- στομα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εδιδασκεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- λεγων·: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Matt.5.1 (structural): Immediate context: the verse forms part of the same narrative frame introducing the Sermon on the Mount (setting and audience) and leads directly into the teaching that follows.
- Luke 6:20 (verbal): Luke’s parallel beatitudes begin with a similar opening formula (Jesus addressing the crowd/disciples), offering a close verbal and functional parallel to Matthew’s introduction to the sayings.
- Luke 6:17-49 (thematic): Luke’s Sermon on the Plain corresponds thematically and structurally to Matthew 5–7; both passages present a collection of Jesus’ teachings introduced by a public/didactic proclamation.
- Matt.7:28-29 (structural): Concluding formula for the Sermon on the Mount (the crowd’s reaction and assertion of Jesus’ authority) functions as the paired structural counterpart to Matt. 5:2’s opening announcement of teaching.
- Matt.13:35 (quoting Psalm 78:2/ LXX 77:2) (allusion): Matthew elsewhere cites the prophetic formula 'I will open my mouth in parables' to describe Jesus’ teaching; thematically this echoes the motif of 'opening the mouth' to proclaim divine instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
- And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Matt.5.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πτωχοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,c
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- βασιλεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,f
- ουρανων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Luke 6:20 (verbal): Beatitude with nearly identical promise—'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God'—a direct verbal parallel to Matthew's 'poor in spirit.'
- Isaiah 66:2 (allusion): God values 'the one who is humble and contrite in spirit,' language that echoes the humility/poverty of spirit required for participation in God's rule.
- Psalm 51:17 (verbal): Speaks of a 'broken spirit' and 'contrite heart' as acceptable to God, paralleling Matthew's emphasis on spiritual poverty/contrition.
- James 4:6 (thematic): 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,' thematically linking humility/lowliness of spirit with receiving God's favor—akin to inheriting the kingdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt.5.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πενθουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- παρακληθησονται: VERB,fut,pas,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 61:2-3 (allusion): Proclaims God's mission 'to comfort all who mourn' and to provide garments of praise for those who grieve, a close thematic/background source for Jesus' promise of consolation.
- Luke 6:21 (verbal): Parallel beatitude in Luke's version of the Sermon on the Plain: 'Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh,' expressing the same promise of future consolation.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (thematic): Paul calls God 'the Father of mercies and God of all comfort' who comforts us in affliction so we can comfort others, expanding the New Testament theme of divine consolation.
- Revelation 21:4 (thematic): Foretells the eschatological end when God will 'wipe away every tear,' eliminating mourning and death—an ultimate fulfillment of the promise that mourners will be comforted.
- Psalm 34:18 (thematic): Affirms that 'The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit,' echoing the assurance that God provides consolation to those who grieve.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matt.5.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πραεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- κληρονομησουσι: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Psalm 37:11 (verbal): LXX/MT wording closely parallels Matthew 5:5—'the meek shall inherit the land'—forming the most direct Old Testament background for Jesus' beatitude.
- Psalm 37:29 (thematic): Affirms the same promise that the righteous/meek will 'inherit the land' and dwell in it forever, development of the inheritance theme behind Matt. 5:5.
- Matthew 11:29 (verbal): Jesus describes himself as 'gentle (πραΰς) and lowly in heart,' linking the virtue of meekness (πραΰτης) to Christ’s own character and the rest he offers.
- Colossians 3:12 (thematic): Paul exhorts believers to 'put on... compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness (πραΰτης),' echoing the ethical ideal of meekness celebrated in Matthew 5:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matt.5.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- πεινωντες: PART,pr,act,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- διψωντες: PART,pr,act,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δικαιοσυνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- χορτασθησονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 6:21 (verbal): Lukan parallel to the Beatitude — uses almost identical language about hungering now and being satisfied; part of Luke's version of Jesus' blessings.
- Matthew 6:33 (thematic): Same ethical-religious aim: seeking God's kingdom and his righteousness is presented as a priority that God will supply, echoing the promise of being 'filled'.
- Psalm 42:1-2 (verbal): Uses the imagery of thirst/longing for God ('As the deer pants for streams of water') to express a deep desire for God's presence—parallel language of hunger/thirst for righteousness.
- Isaiah 55:1-2 (allusion): An invitation to the thirsty to come and eat/drink; thematically similar as a summons to satisfy spiritual hunger, often read as background for Jesus' use of thirst imagery.
- Amos 5:24 (thematic): Calls for justice and righteousness to prevail ('let justice roll on like a river'), connecting the Beatitude's longing for righteousness with prophetic demands for social justice.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matt.5.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- ελεημονες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m,3
- ελεηθησονται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 6:36 (verbal): Directly commands mercy—'Be merciful, as your Father is merciful'—echoing the Beatitude's call and linking human mercy to divine mercy.
- Matthew 18:21-35 (structural): The parable of the unforgiving servant emphasizes reciprocal mercy: those forgiven must show mercy or risk forfeiting mercy, illustrating the Beatitude's consequence.
- James 2:13 (verbal): Declares that judgment without mercy will be shown to the merciless and that 'mercy triumphs over judgment,' echoing the Beatitude's promise of receiving mercy.
- Micah 6:8 (allusion): Prophetic ethic—'to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy)'—provides the Old Testament background for the New Testament emphasis on mercy.
- Luke 10:30-37 (thematic): The Good Samaritan story models concrete merciful action toward the vulnerable, illustrating the Beatitude's moral demand and blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Matt.5.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- καθαροι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- οψονται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 24:3-4 (allusion): Associates purity of heart with access to God’s presence—'who shall ascend... who has clean hands and a pure heart' echoes the beatitude's link between inner purity and seeing God.
- Hebrews 12:14 (thematic): Directly ties holiness/purity to the prospect of seeing the Lord: 'without holiness no one will see the Lord,' reflecting Matthew's promise that the pure in heart will see God.
- 1 John 3:2-3 (verbal): Combines the motif of seeing Christ ('we shall see him as he is') with moral purification ('everyone who thus hopes purifies himself'), paralleling the beatitude's connection between purity and sight of God.
- James 4:8 (verbal): Calls for drawing near to God through cleansing: 'cleanse your hands... and purify your hearts,' linking inward purity with intimacy/vision of God similar to Matthew 5:8.
- Psalm 51:10 (thematic): A penitential plea for a 'clean heart'—though prayerful rather than declarative, it shares the central concern for inner purity that enables relationship with God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matt.5.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- ειρηνοποιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- υιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κληθησονται: VERB,fut,pas,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- James 3:18 (verbal): Direct verbal connection: the harvest of righteousness is 'sown in peace by those who make peace,' explicitly naming those who make peace and linking peacemaking to righteous fruit.
- Romans 12:18 (thematic): The ethical imperative to 'live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on you' echoes the Beatitude's call to pursue peace as a Christian duty.
- Hebrews 12:14 (thematic): Urges believers to 'strive for peace with everyone,' connecting the pursuit of peace with holiness and right standing before God—paralleling the Beatitude's promise of identity for peacemakers.
- Isaiah 52:7 (allusion): Prophetic image of the messenger who proclaims 'peace' and 'good news'; provides Old Testament background for valuing those who bring peace in the community.
- Romans 8:14-17 (structural): Develops the theme of being 'children (sons) of God'—those led by the Spirit are called God's children, paralleling the Beatitude's promise that peacemakers will be called children of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Matt.5.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δεδιωγμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- ενεκεν: PREP,gen
- δικαιοσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,c
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- βασιλεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,f
- ουρανων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Luke 6:22 (verbal): A close Synoptic parallel: beatitude pronouncing blessing on those persecuted 'for the Son of Man'—language and promise of blessedness mirror Matthew's line about persecution for righteousness.
- Matt.5:11 (structural): Immediate literary continuation in the Sermon on the Mount that expands the beatitude, specifying being reviled and persecuted 'for my sake' and promising great reward—directly linked to 5:10.
- John 15:20 (thematic): Jesus warns disciples they will be persecuted because he was persecuted—connects the cause of persecution (association with Christ/righteousness) and the disciple’s experience.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 (thematic): Paul's statement that everyone who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted echoes the beatitude's link between righteousness/godliness and suffering.
- 1 Peter 4:14-16 (thematic): Peter blesses those who are insulted for the name of Christ and frames suffering as sharing in Christ's name—parallels Matthew's commendation of those persecuted for righteousness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt.5.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μακαριοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- οταν: CONJ
- ονειδισωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- διωξωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- ειπωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- παν: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- πονηρον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- καθ᾽υμων: PREP,gen,pl,2
- ψευδομενοι: PART,pres,mp,nom,pl,m
- ενεκεν: PREP,gen
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- Luke 6:22-23 (structural): Parallel account of the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Plain) with nearly the same wording about being reviled, persecuted, and rejoicing — a direct Synoptic parallel to Matthew 5:11.
- Matt.5:10 (structural): Immediate context in the Sermon on the Mount: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake' — Matthew 5:11 expands this with the reason 'for my sake' and the charge of falsehood.
- John 15:18-21 (thematic): Jesus warns that the world will hate and persecute his followers because it hated him first, explaining the motive behind persecution 'for my sake' mentioned in Matthew 5:11.
- 1 Peter 4:14-16 (thematic): Advises Christians to rejoice when insulted for the name of Christ and not to be ashamed when suffering as a Christian — a pastoral echo of Matthew's call to endure false accusations for Jesus' sake.
- Acts 5:41 (verbal): The apostles 'rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name' — an early-church example that mirrors Matthew's injunction to rejoice amid reviling and persecution for Jesus' sake.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.
- Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely because of me.
Matt.5.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- χαιρετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- αγαλλιασθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μισθος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- πολυς: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,m
- ουρανοις·ουτως: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- εδιωξαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- προφητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- προ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Luke 6:22-23 (verbal): Luke's parallel Beatitude uses similar language urging rejoicing and joy because a great reward awaits in heaven and links persecution with the prophets.
- Matt.5:10 (structural): Immediate parallel in the Sermon on the Mount: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'—same thematic beatitude context.
- Matt.23:29-37 (allusion): Jesus accuses his audience of honoring and yet persecuting the prophets their ancestors killed—directly echoes the claim that prophets were persecuted before them.
- Acts 5:41 (thematic): The apostles 'rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name,' reflecting the motif of rejoicing amid persecution because of heavenly standing.
- 1 Peter 4:14 (thematic): Those reproached for Christ's name are called 'blessed' because the Spirit of glory rests on them—parallels the promise of blessing and heavenly reward for those persecuted.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain; and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
He opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter every kind of false accusation against you on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven; for in this way they persecuted the prophets who came before you.