Matthew 5:3–5
Jesus calls blessed the poor in spirit and the meek
Study it word by word3“Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
In its context
1Now seeing the crowds, he went up onto the mountain; and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2And opening his mouth, he was teaching them, saying,
…
6Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7Happy are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Its words in the original
- ΜακάριοιMakarioi· blessed, happy
Blessed: truly happy, in the condition God blesses. It is the "happy" or "blessed" of the Psalms.
- πτωχοὶptōchoi· poor
Poor, having nothing and depending on others. "Poor in spirit": someone who knows he is needy before God.
- πνεύματιpneumati· spirit, Spirit
Spirit; also wind and breath. With "holy", the Holy Spirit of God.
- ἐστινestin· be
Be, exist.
- βασιλείαbasileia· kingdom
Kingdom: the reign of a king and the place where he reigns. "The kingdom of heaven" is the reign of God.
- οὐρανῶνouranōn· heaven, sky
Heaven: the sky and, above all, the place of God. "The heavens" is sometimes a respectful way of saying "God".
- πενθοῦντεςpenthountes· mourn
Mourn, grieve for the dead or for a loss.
- παρακληθήσονταιparaklēthēsontai· urge, comfort
Call to one's side; plead with, encourage, comfort.
- πραεῖςpraeis· gentle, meek
Gentle, meek: mild and humble, not imposing oneself by force.
- κληρονομήσουσιklēronomēsousi· inherit
Inherit, receive as an inheritance; receive what God has promised.
- γῆνgēn· earth, land
Earth: the ground, a country, or the whole world.