Show Bible Commentary For A Bible Verse

Click here to show/hide instructions.

Selected Verse: Matthew 5:3 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Mt 5:3	Strong Concordance	Blessed [3107] are the poor [4434] in spirit [4151]: for [3754] theirs [846] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772].
	King James	Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

Open All | Close All Open All | Close All

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Blessed--Of the two words which our translators render "blessed," the one here used points more to what is inward, and so might be rendered "happy," in a lofty sense; while the other denotes rather what comes to us from without (as Mat 25:34). But the distinction is not always clearly carried out. One Hebrew word expresses both. On these precious Beatitudes, observe that though eight in number, there are here but seven distinct features of character. The eighth one--the "persecuted for righteousness' sake"--denotes merely the possessors of the seven preceding features, on account of which it is that they are persecuted (Ti2 3:12). Accordingly, instead of any distinct promise to this class, we have merely a repetition of the first promise. This has been noticed by several critics, who by the sevenfold character thus set forth have rightly observed that a complete character is meant to be depicted, and by the sevenfold blessedness attached to it, a perfect blessedness is intended. Observe, again, that the language in which these Beatitudes are couched is purposely fetched from the Old Testament, to show that the new kingdom is but the old in a new form; while the characters described are but the varied forms of that spirituality which was the essence of real religion all along, but had well-nigh disappeared under corrupt teaching. Further, the things here promised, far from being mere arbitrary rewards, will be found in each case to grow out of the characters to which they are attached, and in their completed form are but the appropriate coronation of them. Once more, as "the kingdom of heaven," which is the first and the last thing here promised, has two stages--a present and a future, an initial and a consummate stage--so the fulfilment of each of these promises has two stages--a present and a future, a partial and a perfect stage. Blessed are the poor in spirit--All familiar with Old Testament phraseology know how frequently God's true people are styled "the poor" (the "oppressed," "afflicted," "miserable") or "the needy"--or both together (as in Psa 40:17; Isa 41:17). The explanation of this lies in the fact that it is generally "the poor of this world" who are "rich in faith" (Jam 2:5; compare Co2 6:10; Rev 2:9); while it is often "the ungodly" who "prosper in the world" (Psa 73:12). Accordingly, in Luk 6:20-21, it seems to be this class--the literally "poor" and "hungry"--that are specially addressed. But since God's people are in so many places styled "the poor" and "the needy," with no evident reference to their temporal circumstances (as in Psa 68:10; Psa 69:29-33; Psa 132:15; Isa 61:1; Isa 66:2), it is plainly a frame of mind which those terms are meant to express. Accordingly, our translators sometimes render such words "the humble" (Psa 10:12, Psa 10:17), "the meek" (Psa 22:26), "the lowly" (Pro 3:34), as having no reference to outward circumstances. But here the explanatory words, "in spirit," fix the sense to "those who in their deepest consciousness realize their entire need" (compare the Greek of Luk 10:21; Joh 11:33; Joh 13:21; Act 20:22; Rom 12:11; Co1 5:3; Phi 3:3). This self-emptying conviction, that "before God we are void of everything," lies at the foundation of all spiritual excellence, according to the teaching of Scripture. Without it we are inaccessible to the riches of Christ; with it we are in the fitting state for receiving all spiritual supplies (Rev 3:17-18; Mat 9:12-13). for theirs is the kingdom of heaven--(See on Mat 3:2). The poor in spirit not only shall have--they already have--the kingdom. The very sense of their poverty is begun riches. While others "walk in a vain show"--"in a shadow," "an image"--in an unreal world, taking a false view of themselves and all around them--the poor in spirit are rich in the knowledge of their real case. Having courage to look this in the face, and own it guilelessly, they feel strong in the assurance that "unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness" (Psa 112:4); and soon it breaks forth as the morning. God wants nothing from us as the price of His saving gifts; we have but to feel our universal destitution, and cast ourselves upon His compassion (Job 33:27-28; Jo1 1:9). So the poor in spirit are enriched with the fulness of Christ, which is the kingdom in substance; and when He shall say to them from His great white throne, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you," He will invite them merely to the full enjoyment of an already possessed inheritance.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Blessed--Of the two words which our translators render "blessed," the one here used points more to what is inward, and so might be rendered "happy," in a lofty sense; while the other denotes rather what comes to us from without (as Mat 25:34). But the distinction is not always clearly carried out. One Hebrew word expresses both. On these precious Beatitudes, observe that though eight in number, there are here but seven distinct features of character. The eighth one--the "persecuted for righteousness' sake"--denotes merely the possessors of the seven preceding features, on account of which it is that they are persecuted (Ti2 3:12). Accordingly, instead of any distinct promise to this class, we have merely a repetition of the first promise. This has been noticed by several critics, who by the sevenfold character thus set forth have rightly observed that a complete character is meant to be depicted, and by the sevenfold blessedness attached to it, a perfect blessedness is intended. Observe, again, that the language in which these Beatitudes are couched is purposely fetched from the Old Testament, to show that the new kingdom is but the old in a new form; while the characters described are but the varied forms of that spirituality which was the essence of real religion all along, but had well-nigh disappeared under corrupt teaching. Further, the things here promised, far from being mere arbitrary rewards, will be found in each case to grow out of the characters to which they are attached, and in their completed form are but the appropriate coronation of them. Once more, as "the kingdom of heaven," which is the first and the last thing here promised, has two stages--a present and a future, an initial and a consummate stage--so the fulfilment of each of these promises has two stages--a present and a future, a partial and a perfect stage.

Blessed are the poor in spirit--All familiar with Old Testament phraseology know how frequently God's true people are styled "the poor" (the "oppressed," "afflicted," "miserable") or "the needy"--or both together (as in Psa 40:17; Isa 41:17). The explanation of this lies in the fact that it is generally "the poor of this world" who are "rich in faith" (Jam 2:5; compare Co2 6:10; Rev 2:9); while it is often "the ungodly" who "prosper in the world" (Psa 73:12). Accordingly, in Luk 6:20-21, it seems to be this class--the literally "poor" and "hungry"--that are specially addressed. But since God's people are in so many places styled "the poor" and "the needy," with no evident reference to their temporal circumstances (as in Psa 68:10; Psa 69:29-33; Psa 132:15; Isa 61:1; Isa 66:2), it is plainly a frame of mind which those terms are meant to express. Accordingly, our translators sometimes render such words "the humble" (Psa 10:12, Psa 10:17), "the meek" (Psa 22:26), "the lowly" (Pro 3:34), as having no reference to outward circumstances. But here the explanatory words, "in spirit," fix the sense to "those who in their deepest consciousness realize their entire need" (compare the Greek of Luk 10:21; Joh 11:33; Joh 13:21; Act 20:22; Rom 12:11; Co1 5:3; Phi 3:3). This self-emptying conviction, that "before God we are void of everything," lies at the foundation of all spiritual excellence, according to the teaching of Scripture. Without it we are inaccessible to the riches of Christ; with it we are in the fitting state for receiving all spiritual supplies (Rev 3:17-18; Mat 9:12-13).

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven--(See on Mat 3:2). The poor in spirit not only shall have--they already have--the kingdom. The very sense of their poverty is begun riches. While others "walk in a vain show"--"in a shadow," "an image"--in an unreal world, taking a false view of themselves and all around them--the poor in spirit are rich in the knowledge of their real case. Having courage to look this in the face, and own it guilelessly, they feel strong in the assurance that "unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness" (Psa 112:4); and soon it breaks forth as the morning. God wants nothing from us as the price of His saving gifts; we have but to feel our universal destitution, and cast ourselves upon His compassion (Job 33:27-28; Jo1 1:9). So the poor in spirit are enriched with the fulness of Christ, which is the kingdom in substance; and when He shall say to them from His great white throne, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you," He will invite them merely to the full enjoyment of an already possessed inheritance.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Blessed are the poor in spirit - The word "blessed" means "happy," referring to that which produces felicity, from whatever quarter it may come. Poor in spirit - Luke says simply, Blessed are the poor. It has been disputed whether Christ meant the poor in reference to the things of this life, or to the humble. The gospel is said to be preached to the poor, Luk 4:18; Mat 11:5. It was predicted that the Messiah would preach to the poor, Isa 61:1. It is said that they have special facilities for being saved, Mat 19:23; Luk 18:24. The state of such persons is therefore comparatively blessed, or happy. Riches produce care, anxiety, and dangers, and not the least is the danger of losing heaven by them. To be poor in spirit is to have a humble opinion of ourselves; to be sensible that we are sinners, and have no righteousness of our own; to be willing to be saved only by the rich grace and mercy of God; to be willing to be where God places us, to bear what he lays on us, to go where he bids us, and to die when he commands; to be willing to be in his hands, and to feel that we deserve no favor from him. It is opposed to pride, and vanity, and ambition. Such are happy: 1. Because there is more real enjoyment in thinking of ourselves as we are, than in being filled with pride and vanity. 2. Because such Jesus chooses to bless, and on them he confers his favors here. 3. Because theirs will be the kingdom of heaven hereafter. It is remarkable that Jesus began his ministry in this manner, so unlike all others. Other teachers had taught that happiness was to be found in honor, or riches, or splendor, or sensual pleasure. Jesus overlooked all those things, and fixed his eye on the poor and the humble, and said that happiness was to be found in the lowly vale of poverty more than in the pomp and splendors of life. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven - That is, either they have special facilities for entering the kingdom of heaven, and of becoming Christians here, or they shall enter heaven hereafter. Both these ideas are probably included. A state of poverty a state where we are despised or unhonored by people is a state where people are most ready to seek the comforts of religion here, and a home in the heavens hereafter. See the notes at Mat 2:2.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Blessed (μακάριοι) As this word and its cognates occur at least fifty-five times in the New Testament, it is important to understand its history, which is interesting because it is one of those numerous words which exhibit the influence of Christian association and usage in enlarging and dignifying their meaning. It is commonly rendered blessed, both in the A. V. and Rev., and that rendering might properly be given it in every instance. Its root is supposed to be a word meaning great, and its earlier meaning appears to be limited to outward prosperity; so that it is used at times as synonymous with rich. It scarcely varies from this meaning in its frequent applications to the Grecian gods, since the popular Greek ideal of divine blessedness was not essentially moral. The gods were blessed because of their power and dignity, not because of their holiness. "In general," says Mr. Gladstone ("Homer and the Homeric Age") "the chief note of deity with Homer is emancipation from the restraints of moral law. Though the Homeric gods have not yet ceased to be the vindicators of morality upon earth, they have personally ceased to observe its rules, either for or among themselves. As compared with men, in conduct they are generally characterized by superior force and intellect, but by inferior morality." In its peculiar application to the dead, there is indicated the despair of earthly happiness underlying the thought of even the cheerful and mercurial Greek. Hence the word was used as synonymous with dead. Only the dead could be called truly blessed. Thus Sophocles ("Oedipus Tyrannus"): "From hence the lesson learn ye To reckon no man happy till ye witness The closing day; until he pass the border Which severs life from death, unscathed by sorrow." And again ("Oedipus at Colonus"): "Happiest beyond compare, Never to taste of life: Happiest in order next, Being born, with quickest speed Thither again to turn From whence we came." Nevertheless, even in its pagan use, the word was not altogether without a moral background. The Greeks recognized a prosperity which waited on the observance of the laws of natural morality, and an avenging Fate which pursued and punished their violation. This conception appears often in the works of the tragedians; for instance, in the "Oedipus Tyrannus" of Sophocles, where the main motive is the judgment which waits upon even unwitting violations of natural ties. Still, this prosperity is external, consisting either in wealth, or power, or exemption from calamity. With the philosophers a moral element comes definitely into the word. The conception rises from outward propriety to inward correctness as the essence of happiness. But in all of them, from Socrates onward, virtue depends primarily upon knowledge; so that to be happy is, first of ail, to know. It is thus apparent that the Greek philosophy had no conception of sin in the Bible sense. As virtue depended on knowledge, sin was the outcome of ignorance, and virtue and its consequent happiness were therefore the prerogative of the few and the learned. The biblical use of the word lifted it into the region of the spiritual, as distinguished from the merely intellectual, and besides, intrusted to it alone the task of representing this higher conception. The pagan word for happiness (εὐδαιμονία, under the protection of a good genius or daemon) nowhere occurs in the New Testament nor in the Scriptures, having fallen into disrepute because the word daemon, which originally meant a deity, good or evil, had acquired among the Jews the bad sense which we attach to demon. Happiness, or better, blessedness, was therefore represented both in the Old and in the New Testament by this word μακάριος. In the Old Testament the idea involves more of outward prosperity than in the New Testament, yet it almost universally occurs in connections which emphasize, as its principal element, a sense of God's approval founded in righteousness which rests ultimately on love to God. Thus the word passed up into the higher region of Christian thought, and was stamped with the gospel signet, and laden with all the rich significance of gospel blessedness. It now takes on a group of ideas strange to the best pagan morality, and contradictory of its fundamental positions. Shaking itself loose from all thoughts of outward good, it becomes the express symbol of a happiness identified with pure character. Behind it lies the clear cognition of sin as the fountain-head of all misery, and of holiness as the final and effectual cure for every woe. For knowledge as the basis of virtue, and therefore of happiness, it substitutes faith and love. For the aristocracy of the learned virtuous, it introduces the truth of the Fatherhood of God and the corollary of the family of believers. While the pagan word carries the isolation of the virtuous and the contraction of human sympathy, the Gospel pushes these out with an ideal of a world-wide sympathy and of a happiness realized in ministry. The vague outlines of an abstract good vanish from it, and give place to the pure heart's vision of God, and its personal communion with the Father in heaven. Where it told of the Stoic's self-sufficiency, it now tells of the Christian's poverty of spirit and meekness. Where it hinted at the Stoic's self-repression and strangling of emotion, it now throbs with a holy sensitiveness, and with a monition to rejoice with them that rejoice, and to weep with them that weep. From the pagan word the flavor of immortality is absent. No vision of abiding rest imparts patience and courage amid the bitterness and struggle of life; no menace of the destiny of evil imposes a check on human lusts. The Christian word blessed is full of the light of heaven. It sternly throws away from itself every hint of the Stoic's asserted right of suicide as a refuge from human ills, and emphasizes something which thrives on trial and persecution, which glories in tribulation, which not only endures but conquers the world, and expects its crown in heaven. The poor (οἱ πρωχιὸ) Three words expressing poverty are found in the New Testament. Two of them, πὲνης and πενιχρός, are kindred terms, the latter being merely a poetic form of the other, and neither of these occurs more than once (Luk 21:2; Co2 9:9). The word used in this verse is therefore the current word for poor, occurring thirty-four times, and covering every gradation of want; so that it is evident that the New Testament writers did not recognize any nice distinctions of meaning which called for the use of other terms. Luke, for instance (Luk 21:2, Luk 21:3), calls the widow who bestowed her two mites both πενιχρὰν and πρωχὴ. Nevertheless, there is a distinction, recognized by both classical and ecclesiastical writers. While ὁ πένης is of narrow means, one who "earns a scanty pittance," πρωχός is allied to the verb πτώσσειν, to crouch or cringe, and therefore conveys the idea of utter destitution, which abjectly solicits and lives by alms. Hence it is applied to Lazarus (Luk 16:20, Luk 16:22), and rendered beggar. Thus distinguished, it is very graphic and appropriate here, as denoting the utter spiritual destitution, the consciousness of which precedes the entrance into the kingdom of God, and which cannot be relieved by one's own efforts, but only by the free mercy of God. (See on Co2 6:10; and see Co2 8:9.)

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Happy are the poor - In the following discourse there is, A sweet invitation to true holiness and happiness, Mat 5:3-12. A persuasive to impart it to others, Mat 5:13-16. A description of true Christian holiness, Mat 5:17; Mat 7:12. (in which it is easy to observe, the latter part exactly answers the former.) The conclusion: giving a sure mark of the true way, warning against false prophets, exhorting to follow after holiness. The poor in spirit - They who are unfeignedly penitent, they who are truly convinced of sin; who see and feel the state they are in by nature, being deeply sensible of their sinfulness, guiltiness, helplessness. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven - The present inward kingdom: righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, as well as the eternal kingdom, if they endure to the end. Luk 6:20.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc. - Or, happy, μακαριοι from μα or μη, not, and κηρ, fate, or death: intimating, that such persons were endued with immortality, and consequently were not liable to the caprices of fate. Homer, Iliad i, 330, calls the supreme gods, Θεων μακαρων, the ever happy and Immortal gods, and opposes them to θνητων ανθρωπων, mortal men. τω δ' αυτω μαρτυροι εστων Προς τε Θεων μακαρων, προς τε θνητων ανθροπων "Be ye witnesses before the immortal gods, and before mortal men." From this definition we may learn, that the person whom Christ terms happy is one who is not under the influence of fate or chance, but is governed by an all-wise providence, having every step directed to the attainment of immortal glory, being transformed by the power into the likeness of the ever-blessed God. Though some of the persons, whose states are mentioned in these verses, cannot be said to be as yet blessed or happy, in being made partakers of the Divine nature; yet they are termed happy by our Lord, because they are on the straight way to this blessedness. Taken in this light the meaning is similar to that expressed by the poet when describing a happy man. Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas: Atque metus omnes et inexorabile Fatum Subjecit pedibus; strepitumque Acherontis avari! Virg. Geor. ii. v. 490 Which may be thus paraphrased: - "Happy is he who gains the knowledge of the first cause of all things; who can trample on every fear, and the doctrine of inexorable Fate; and who is not terrified by death, nor by the threatened torments of the invisible world!" Poor in spirit - One who is deeply sensible of his spiritual poverty and wretchedness. Πτωχος, a poor man, comes from πτωσσω, to tremble, or shrink with fear. Being destitute of the true riches, he is tremblingly alive to the necessities of his soul, shrinking with fear lest he should perish without the salvation of God. Such Christ pronounces happy, because there is but a step between them and that kingdom which is here promised. Some contend, that μακαριοι should be referred to πνευματι, and the verse translated thus: Happy, or blessed in spirit, are the poor. But our Lord seems to have the humiliation of the spirit particularly in view. Kingdom of heaven - Or, των ουρανων, of the heavens. A participation of all the blessings of the new covenant here, and the blessings of glory above. See this phrase explained, Mat 3:2 (note). Blessed are the poor! This is God's word; but who believes it? Do we not say, Yea, rather, Blessed is the rich? The Jewish rabbins have many good sayings relative to that poverty and humility of spirit which Christ recommends in this verse. In the treatise called Bammidbar Rabbi, s. 20, we have these words: There were three (evils) in Balaam: the evil eye, (envy), the towering spirit, (pride), and the extensive mind (avarice). Tanchum, fol. 84. The law does not abide with those who have the extensive mind, (avarice), but with him only who has a contrite heart. Rabbi Chanina said, "Why are the words of the law compared to water? Because as waters flow from heights, and settle in low places, so the words of the law rest only with him who is of an humble heart." See Schoettgen.

Top

⁹ If [1437] we confess [3670] our [2257] sins [266], he is [2076] faithful [4103] and [2532] just [1342] to [2443] forgive [863] us [2254] our sins [266], and [2532] to cleanse [2511] us [2248] from [575] all [3956] unrighteousness [93].

²⁷ He looketh [07789] upon men [0582], and if any say [0559], I have sinned [02398], and perverted [05753] that which was right [03477], and it profited [07737] me not;
²⁸ He will deliver [06299] his soul [05315] from going [05674] into the pit [07845], and his life [02416] shall see [07200] the light [0216].

⁴ Unto the upright [03477] there ariseth [02224] light [0216] in the darkness [02822]: he is gracious [02587], and full of compassion [07349], and righteous [06662].

² And [2532] saying [3004], Repent ye [3340]: for [1063] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] is at hand [1448].

¹² But [1161] when Jesus [2424] heard [191] that, he said [2036] unto them [846], They that be [2192] whole [2480] need [5532] not [3756] a physician [2395], but [235] they that are [2192] sick [2560].
¹³ But [1161] go ye [4198] and learn [3129] what [5101] that meaneth [2076], I will [2309] have mercy [1656], and [2532] not [3756] sacrifice [2378]: for [1063] I am [2064] not [3756] come [2064] to call [2564] the righteous [1342], but [235] sinners [268] to [1519] repentance [3341].

¹⁷ Because [3754] thou sayest [3004], [3754] I am [1510] rich [4145], and [2532] increased with goods [4147], and [2532] have [2192] need [5532] of nothing [3762]; and [2532] knowest [1492] not [3756] that [3754] thou [4771] art [1488] wretched [5005], and [2532] miserable [1652], and [2532] poor [4434], and [2532] blind [5185], and [2532] naked [1131]:
¹⁸ I counsel [4823] thee [4671] to buy [59] of [3844] me [1700] gold [5553] tried [4448] in [1537] the fire [4442], that [2443] thou mayest be rich [4147]; and [2532] white [3022] raiment [2440], that [2443] thou mayest be clothed [4016], and [2532] that the shame [152] of thy [4675] nakedness [1132] do [5319] not [3361] appear [5319]; and [2532] anoint [1472] thine [4675] eyes [3788] with eyesalve [2854], that [2443] thou mayest see [991].

³ For [1063] we [2249] are [2070] the circumcision [4061], which [3588] worship [3000] God [2316] in the spirit [4151], and [2532] rejoice [2744] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424], and [2532] have [3982] no [3756] confidence [3982] in [1722] the flesh [4561].

³ For [1063] I [1473] verily [3303], as [5613] absent [548] in body [4983], but [1161] present [3918] in spirit [4151], have judged [2919] already [2235], as [5613] though I were present [3918], concerning him that hath [2716] so [3779] done [2716] this deed [5124],

¹¹ Not [3361] slothful [3636] in business [4710]; fervent [2204] in spirit [4151]; serving [1398] the Lord [2962];

²² And [2532] now [3568], behold [2400], I [1473] go [4198] bound [1210] in the spirit [4151] unto [1519] Jerusalem [2419], not [3361] knowing [1492] the things that shall befall [4876] me [3427] there [1722] [846]:

²¹ When Jesus [2424] had [2036] thus [5023] said [2036], he was troubled [5015] in spirit [4151], and [2532] testified [3140], and [2532] said [2036], Verily [281], verily [281], I say [3004] unto you [5213], that [3754] one [1520] of [1537] you [5216] shall betray [3860] me [3165].

³³ When [5613] Jesus [2424] therefore [3767] saw [1492] her [846] weeping [2799], and [2532] the Jews [2453] also weeping [2799] which came [4905] with her [846], he groaned [1690] in the spirit [4151], and [2532] was troubled [5015] [1438],

²¹ In [1722] that [846] hour [5610] Jesus [2424] rejoiced in [21] spirit [4151], and [2532] said [2036], I thank [1843] thee [4671], O Father [3962], Lord [2962] of heaven [3772] and [2532] earth [1093], that [3754] thou hast hid [613] these things [5023] from [575] the wise [4680] and [2532] prudent [4908], and [2532] hast revealed [601] them [846] unto babes [3516]: even so [3483], Father [3962]; for [3754] so [3779] it seemed [1096] good [2107] in [1715] thy [4675] sight [1715].

³⁴ Surely he scorneth [03887] the scorners [03887]: but he giveth [05414] grace [02580] unto the lowly [06035] [06041].

²⁶ The meek [06035] shall eat [0398] and be satisfied [07646]: they shall praise [01984] the LORD [03068] that seek [01875] him: your heart [03824] shall live [02421] for ever [05703].

¹⁷ LORD [03068], thou hast heard [08085] the desire [08378] of the humble [06035]: thou wilt prepare [03559] their heart [03820], thou wilt cause thine ear [0241] to hear [07181]:

¹² Arise [06965], O LORD [03068]; O God [0410], lift up [05375] thine hand [03027]: forget [07911] not the humble [06035] [06041].

² For all those things hath mine hand [03027] made [06213], and all those things have been, saith [05002] the LORD [03068]: but to this man will I look [05027], even to him that is poor [06041] and of a contrite [05223] spirit [07307], and trembleth [02730] at my word [01697].

¹ The Spirit [07307] of the Lord [0136] GOD [03069] is upon me; because the LORD [03068] hath anointed [04886] me to preach good tidings [01319] unto the meek [06035]; he hath sent [07971] me to bind up [02280] the brokenhearted [07665] [03820], to proclaim [07121] liberty [01865] to the captives [07617], and the opening of the prison [06495] to them that are bound [0631];

¹⁵ I will abundantly [01288] bless [01288] her provision [06718]: I will satisfy [07646] her poor [034] with bread [03899].

²⁹ But I am poor [06041] and sorrowful [03510]: let thy salvation [03444], O God [0430], set me up on high [07682].
³⁰ I will praise [01984] the name [08034] of God [0430] with a song [07892], and will magnify [01431] him with thanksgiving [08426].
³¹ This also shall please [03190] the LORD [03068] better [03190] than an ox [07794] or bullock [06499] that hath horns [07160] and hoofs [06536].
³² The humble [06035] shall see [07200] this, and be glad [08055]: and your heart [03824] shall live [02421] that seek [01875] God [0430].
³³ For the LORD [03068] heareth [08085] the poor [034], and despiseth [0959] not his prisoners [0615].

¹⁰ Thy congregation [02416] hath dwelt [03427] therein: thou, O God [0430], hast prepared [03559] of thy goodness [02896] for the poor [06041].

²⁰ And [2532] he [846] lifted up [1869] his [846] eyes [3788] on [1519] his [846] disciples [3101], and said [3004], Blessed [3107] be ye poor [4434]: for [3754] yours [5212] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of God [2316].
²¹ Blessed [3107] are ye that hunger [3983] now [3568]: for [3754] ye shall be filled [5526]. Blessed [3107] are ye that weep [2799] now [3568]: for [3754] ye shall laugh [1070].

¹² Behold, these are the ungodly [07563], who prosper [07961] in the world [05769]; they increase [07685] in riches [02428].

⁹ I know [1492] thy [4675] works [2041], and [2532] tribulation [2347], and [2532] poverty [4432], (but [1161] thou art [1488] rich [4145]) and [2532] I know the blasphemy [988] of them which [3588] say [3004] they [1438] are [1511] Jews [2453], and [2532] are [1526] not [3756], but [235] are the synagogue [4864] of Satan [4567].

¹⁰ As [5613] sorrowful [3076], yet [1161] alway [104] rejoicing [5463]; as [5613] poor [4434], yet [1161] making [4148] many [4183] rich [4148]; as [5613] having [2192] nothing [3367], and [2532] yet possessing [2722] all things [3956].

⁵ Hearken [191], my [3450] beloved [27] brethren [80], Hath [1586] not [3756] God [2316] chosen [1586] the poor [4434] of this [5127] world [2889] rich [4145] in [1722] faith [4102], and [2532] heirs [2818] of the kingdom [932] which [3739] he hath promised [1861] to them that love [25] him [846]?

¹⁷ When the poor [06041] and needy [034] seek [01245] water [04325], and there is none, and their tongue [03956] faileth [05405] for thirst [06772], I the LORD [03068] will hear [06030] them, I the God [0430] of Israel [03478] will not forsake [05800] them.

¹⁷ But I am poor [06041] and needy [034]; yet the Lord [0136] thinketh [02803] upon me: thou art my help [05833] and my deliverer [06403]; make no tarrying [0309], O my God [0430].

¹² Yea [1161], and [2532] all [3956] that will [2309] live [2198] godly [2153] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] shall suffer persecution [1377].

³⁴ Then [5119] shall the King [935] say [2046] unto them on [1537] his [846] right hand [1188], Come [1205], ye blessed [2127] of my [3450] Father [3962], inherit [2816] the kingdom [932] prepared [2090] for you [5213] from [575] the foundation [2602] of the world [2889]:

² Saying [3004], Where [4226] is [2076] he that is born [5088] King [935] of the Jews [2453]? for [1063] we have seen [1492] his [846] star [792] in [1722] the east [395], and [2532] are come [2064] to worship [4352] him [846].

²⁴ And [1161] when Jesus [2424] saw [1492] that he [846] was [1096] very sorrowful [4036], he said [2036], How [4459] hardly [1423] shall they [1525] that have [2192] riches [5536] enter [1525] into [1519] the kingdom [932] of God [2316]!

²³ Then [1161] said [2036] Jesus [2424] unto his [846] disciples [3101], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], That [3754] a rich man [4145] shall hardly [1423] enter [1525] into [1519] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772].

⁵ The blind [5185] receive their sight [308], and [2532] the lame [5560] walk [4043], the lepers [3015] are cleansed [2511], and [2532] the deaf [2974] hear [191], the dead [3498] are raised up [1453], and [2532] the poor [4434] have the gospel preached to them [2097].

¹⁸ The Spirit [4151] of the Lord [2962] is upon [1909] me [1691], because [1752] he hath anointed [5548] me [3165] to preach the gospel [2097] to the poor [4434]; he hath sent [649] me [3165] to heal [2390] the brokenhearted [4937] [2588], to preach [2784] deliverance [859] to the captives [164], and [2532] recovering of sight [309] to the blind [5185], to set [649] at [1722] liberty [859] them that are bruised [2352],

⁹ For [1063] ye know [1097] the grace [5485] of our [2257] Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], that [3754], though he was [5607] rich [4145], yet for [1223] your [5209] sakes [1223] he became poor [4433], that [2443] ye [5210] through his [1565] poverty [4432] might be rich [4147].

²² And [1161] it came to pass [1096], that the beggar [4434] died [599], and [2532] was carried [667] by [5259] the angels [32] into [1519] Abraham's [11] bosom [2859]: the rich man [4145] also [1161] [2532] died [599], and [2532] was buried [2290];

²⁰ And [1161] there was [2258] a certain [5100] beggar [4434] named [3686] Lazarus [2976], which [3739] was laid [906] at [4314] his [846] gate [4440], full of sores [1669],

³ And [2532] he said [2036], Of a truth [230] I say [3004] unto you [5213], that [3754] this [3778] poor [4434] widow [5503] hath cast [906] in more than [4119] they all [3956]:

² And [1161] he saw [1492] also [2532] a certain [5100] poor [3998] widow [5503] casting [906] in thither [1563] two [1417] mites [3016].

⁹ (As [2531] it is written [1125], He hath dispersed abroad [4650]; he hath given [1325] to the poor [3993]: his [846] righteousness [1343] remaineth [3306] for [1519] ever [165].

² And [1161] he saw [1492] also [2532] a certain [5100] poor [3998] widow [5503] casting [906] in thither [1563] two [1417] mites [3016].

¹² Therefore [3767] all things [3956] whatsoever [302] [3745] ye would [2309] that [2443] men [444] should do [4160] to you [5213], do [4160] ye [5210] even [2532] so [3779] to them [846]: for [1063] this [3778] is [2076] the law [3551] and [2532] the prophets [4396].

¹⁷ Think [3543] not [3361] that [3754] I am come [2064] to destroy [2647] the law [3551], or [2228] the prophets [4396]: I am [2064] not [3756] come [2064] to destroy [2647], but [235] to fulfil [4137].

¹³ Ye [5210] are [2075] the salt [217] of the earth [1093]: but [1161] if [1437] the salt [217] have lost his savour [3471], wherewith [1722] [5101] shall it be salted [233]? it is thenceforth [2089] good [2480] for [1519] nothing [3762], but [1508] to be cast [906] out [1854], and [2532] to be trodden under foot [2662] of [5259] men [444].
¹⁴ Ye [5210] are [2075] the light [5457] of the world [2889]. A city [4172] that is set [2749] on [1883] an hill [3735] cannot [3756] [1410] be hid [2928].
¹⁵ Neither [3761] do men light [2545] a candle [3088], and [2532] put [5087] it [846] under [5259] a bushel [3426], but [235] on [1909] a candlestick [3087]; and [2532] it giveth light [2989] unto all [3956] that are in [1722] the house [3614].
¹⁶ Let your [5216] light [5457] so [3779] shine [2989] before [1715] men [444], that [3704] they may see [1492] your [5216] good [2570] works [2041], and [2532] glorify [1392] your [5216] Father [3962] which [3588] is in [1722] heaven [3772].

³ Blessed [3107] are the poor [4434] in spirit [4151]: for [3754] theirs [846] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772].
⁴ Blessed [3107] are they that mourn [3996]: for [3754] they [846] shall be comforted [3870].
⁵ Blessed [3107] are the meek [4239]: for [3754] they [846] shall inherit [2816] the earth [1093].
⁶ Blessed [3107] are they which [3588] do hunger [3983] and [2532] thirst [1372] after righteousness [1343]: for [3754] they [846] shall be filled [5526].
⁷ Blessed [3107] are the merciful [1655]: for [3754] they [846] shall obtain mercy [1653].
⁸ Blessed [3107] are the pure [2513] in heart [2588]: for [3754] they [846] shall see [3700] God [2316].
⁹ Blessed [3107] are the peacemakers [1518]: for [3754] they [846] shall be called [2564] the children [5207] of God [2316].
¹⁰ Blessed [3107] are they which are persecuted [1377] for [1752] righteousness' sake [1343]: for [3754] theirs [846] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772].
¹¹ Blessed [3107] are ye [2075], when [3752] men shall revile [3679] you [5209], and [2532] persecute [1377] you, and [2532] shall say [2036] all manner [3956] of evil [4190] [4487] against [2596] you [5216] falsely [5574], for my sake [1752] [1700].
¹² Rejoice [5463], and [2532] be exceeding glad [21]: for [3754] great [4183] is your [5216] reward [3408] in [1722] heaven [3772]: for [1063] so [3779] persecuted they [1377] the prophets [4396] which [3588] were before [4253] you [5216].

² And [2532] saying [3004], Repent ye [3340]: for [1063] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] is at hand [1448].