Beatitudes: Meaning

The word ‘Beatitudes’ in not found in the english bible. It comes from the latin word ‘Beatus’, which means happy or blessed. It is usually referred to the eight state of blessedness, Jesus preached on the sermon on the mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Some what similar list is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23. However, these two list of beatitudes differs a bit from each other.

Matthew 5:3-12:

“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 filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 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 be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:20-23:

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Following are the list of 8 beatitudes, discussed in details.

Part 1: Blessed are Poor in Spirit

Part 2: Blessed are those who Mourn

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful

Part 6: Blessed are Pure in Heart

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness

More Bible Study Lessons:

• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8