The Beatitudes are eight blessings from Jesus that were spoken at the beginning of his well-known Sermon on the Mount. They are recorded in the Gospel of Mathew. Each Beatitude follows a similar pattern. Jesus first names a group of people, and then he tells how each group will be blessed.
The Eight Beatitudes
1. The Poor In Spirit
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mathew 5:3)
2. Those Who Mourn
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Mathew 5:4)
3. The Meek
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Mathew 5:5)
4. Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Mathew 5:6)
5. The Merciful
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Mathew 5:7)
6. The Pure In Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Mathew 5:8)
7. The Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Mathew 5:9)
8. Those Who Are Persecuted Because Of Righteousness
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. (Mathew 5:10-12)
Are there 8, 9, or 10 Beatitudes?
While some have debated as to the exact number of Beatitudes, most scholars agree that the number is 8. (Verses 10-12) of Mathew appear to all be referring to the same group of people, those who are persecuted.
First Will Be Last, Last Will be First
From those who mourn and are persecuted, to those who are merciful and pure in heart, we find Jesus blessing people who some would consider to be downtrodden and weak. As it so often seems with man, it will not be so in the kingdom of heaven. The Bible says many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Mathew 19:30)
