A Verse-by-Verse Exegesis & Word Study on THE BEATITUDES
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction to the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) are the opening statements of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The word Beatitude comes from the Latin “beatus,” meaning blessed, happy, or fortunate. Each Beatitude describes a kingdom attitude that leads to divine blessing.
Context & Background
- Setting: Jesus speaks to His disciples and the crowds, introducing the values of the Kingdom of God.
- Contrast: The Beatitudes contrast the world’s values with God’s values—where humility, mercy, and righteousness are exalted.
- Structure: Each Beatitude follows a pattern: A condition (who is blessed) and A promise (the reward of that attitude)
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis & Word Study
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Exegesis:
- The phrase “poor in spirit” (πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι, ptochoi tō pneumati) refers to spiritual poverty—an awareness of one’s need for God.
- This is not material poverty, but humility and dependence on God.
Word Study:
- “Blessed” (μακάριος, makarios) – A state of divine joy and favor, not just happiness.
- “Poor” (πτωχός, ptochos) – Describes absolute poverty, like a beggar who relies completely on others.
- “Kingdom of heaven” – The rule of God, both present (spiritual reign) and future (eternal reign).
Application:
✔ True blessing begins with recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy before God.
✔ Pride keeps us from God, but humility opens the door to the Kingdom.
2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Exegesis:
- Mourning here refers to deep sorrow over sin and brokenness.
- This is godly sorrow that leads to repentance and dependence on God (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Word Study:
- “Mourn” (πενθέω, pentheō) – To grieve deeply, the strongest Greek word for mourning.
- “Comforted” (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) – To be consoled, the same root word as the “Comforter” (Parakletos, Holy Spirit).
Application:
✔ True disciples grieve over sin and seek transformation.
✔ The Holy Spirit is our comforter, bringing peace and healing.
3. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
Exegesis:
- Meekness is not weakness—it is power under control.
- A meek person surrenders to God and trusts in His justice rather than asserting themselves forcefully.
Word Study:
- “Meek” (πραΰς, praus) – Gentle, humble, submissive to God’s will.
- “Inherit” (κληρονομέω, klēronomeō) – To receive as a rightful heir.
Application:
✔ Meekness means trusting God’s power, not our own strength.
✔ The world says assert yourself, but God says surrender to Him.
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Exegesis:
- Jesus speaks of an intense longing for God’s righteousness, not self-righteousness.
- This is not partial desire, but a life-consuming pursuit of holiness and justice.
Word Study:
- “Hunger” (πεινάω, peinaō) – Deep craving, like one starving.
- “Thirst” (διψάω, dipsaō) – A desperate longing for refreshment.
- “Righteousness” (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) – Right standing with God, holiness, justice.
Application:
✔ What do you hunger for most—God or temporary things?
✔ God promises to fill those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
Exegesis:
- Mercy is both forgiveness and compassion toward others.
- To receive mercy from God, we must extend mercy to others.
Word Study:
- “Merciful” (ἐλεήμων, eleēmōn) – Actively showing compassion.
- “Shall receive mercy” (ἐλεηθήσονται, eleēthēsontai) – Future passive, meaning mercy will come back to you.
Application:
✔ How we treat others reflects how we understand God’s mercy.
✔ Mercy is not deserved—it is a gift given freely.
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Exegesis:
- Purity is not just external morality, but inner holiness.
- Seeing God means experiencing His presence now and in eternity.
Word Study:
- “Pure” (καθαρός, katharos) – Clean, unmixed, sincere.
- “Shall see God” (ὄψονται τὸν θεόν, opsontai ton Theon) – To perceive and experience God.
Application:
✔ A divided heart cannot see God clearly—purity brings spiritual vision.
✔ We must seek holiness, not just outward appearances.
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Exegesis:
- Peacemakers are not just peacekeepers—they actively bring reconciliation.
- True peace is not compromise, but bringing people back to God.
Word Study:
- “Peacemaker” (εἰρηνοποιός, eirēnopoios) – One who actively promotes peace.
- “Sons of God” – Those who reflect the Father’s character.
Application:
✔ Are you a peace-bringer or conflict-starter?
✔ True peace comes by leading people to Christ.
8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
Exegesis:
- Suffering for doing right is expected in the Kingdom.
- The reward is eternal—the Kingdom of Heaven.
Word Study:
- “Persecuted” (διώκω, diōkō) – To be chased, pursued, or harassed.
- “Great is your reward” – God rewards faithfulness in suffering.
Application:
✔ Don’t fear persecution for Christ—it means you are living for His Kingdom.
✔ Suffering for Christ leads to eternal joy.
Conclusion: Living the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes reveal the character of true disciples.
✔ They are countercultural—God’s values are different from the world’s.
✔ They require transformation—a heart changed by Christ.
✔ They lead to ultimate joy—true blessedness comes from living for God.
budi hidajat 