“Blessed Are” Sayings in the Beatitudes
Quick Summary
The Beatitudes are found in Matthew 5:3–12 and Luke 6:20–23 and are among Jesus' most beloved teachings. Each begins with “Blessed are…” and names a group of people who are often overlooked or oppressed: the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful. These blessings reverse worldly expectations, revealing what God values and honors. They are not rewards for good behavior, but declarations of favor for those who embody or endure certain realities of the kingdom.
Introduction
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus opens his mouth and begins not with commands, but with blessings. These statements are radical, comforting, and unsettling. They do not celebrate the strong, the wealthy, or the successful—but the grieving, the peacemakers, the persecuted.
The word “blessed” (makarios in Greek) can mean happy, fortunate, or favored. But in the Beatitudes, it means something deeper: a spiritual state of joy rooted in God’s presence and promise. Jesus speaks these blessings into real-life suffering, calling us not to escape our reality, but to see it with kingdom eyes.
Here are the full lists of Beatitudes from both Matthew and Luke.
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Spiritual humility is honored by God. The kingdom belongs to the lowly.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Grief is not ignored—it is met with divine comfort.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Gentleness and humility will outlast the power-hungry.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
A deep desire for justice and rightness will not go unsatisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
Mercy received becomes mercy extended.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
A heart undivided in loyalty will glimpse the divine.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Those who bring peace reflect the family likeness of their Father.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Suffering for what is right is a sign of kingdom participation.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you… Rejoice and be glad…” (5:11–12)
When insulted for Jesus’ sake, you stand in the company of prophets.
The Beatitudes in Luke 6:20–23
Luke’s account is shorter and more physical in focus:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
“Blessed are you when people hate you… exclude you… defame you… on account of the Son of Man…”
Rejoice in that day, for your reward is great in heaven.
Luke’s Beatitudes are followed by four corresponding woes, warning the rich, full, laughing, and well-spoken-of.
Meaning for Today: The Upside-Down Kingdom
The Beatitudes invite us to see differently. They challenge our assumptions about who is blessed and what blessing looks like. Jesus is not pointing toward self-help or upward mobility—he is describing a kingdom that lifts the lowly, honors the grieving, and empowers the humble.
These sayings call us to live with mercy, to seek justice, and to know that even in our pain, God’s blessing is not absent. The Beatitudes are not just how the kingdom begins—they are what the kingdom looks like.
