Matthew 5 11

Matthew 5:11 kjv

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:11 nkjv

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Matthew 5:11 niv

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Matthew 5:11 esv

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Matthew 5:11 nlt

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 11 Meaning

Matthew 5:11 states a blessedness pronounced upon those who endure reproach, persecution, and false accusations of every kind for the sake of Christ. It promises a divine favor, not mere happiness, to those who suffer unjustly due to their unwavering loyalty to Jesus and His teachings. This beatitude directly addresses the disciples, identifying their unique suffering for Christ as a distinct and blessed condition within the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 11 Context

Matthew 5:11 is the ninth beatitude within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a foundational discourse on Kingdom ethics (Matt 5-7). It directly follows the eighth beatitude which broadly states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Verse 11 particularizes and intensifies this concept by directly addressing the listeners ("you") and specifying the nature of persecution: insult, persecution, and false accusations. Crucially, it highlights the reason for such suffering: "because of me." This places the verse not just in the general context of righteousness, but specifically in the context of being a disciple of Jesus. Historically, the early followers of Christ faced growing opposition from both Jewish religious authorities and later the Roman Empire. This beatitude serves as both a comfort and a prophetic warning to the original Jewish Christian audience, affirming their divine standing despite societal hostility.

Matthew 5 11 Word analysis

• Blessed (μακάριοι, makarioi): This term signifies not mere human happiness but a state of divine favor, inner well-being, and spiritual prosperity conferred by God. It indicates one is privileged, approved by God, and stands in a right relationship with Him, irrespective of outward circumstances. This divine favor is tied to their position in God's Kingdom.
• When people insult you (ὅταν ὀνειδίσωσιν ὑμᾶς, hotan oneidisōsin hymas): "Insult" (ὀνειδίζω, oneidizo) means to revile, reproach, or verbally abuse, often with taunts and derision. It speaks of shame-bearing and dishonor publicly directed towards followers of Christ. This is an attack on one's reputation and dignity.
• Persecute you (διώξωσιν, diōxōsin): "Persecute" (διώκω, dioko) refers to a sustained pursuit with hostile intent, literally to chase or pursue, implying a persistent harassment, oppression, or even active physical harm. It denotes opposition leading to suffering, potentially including imprisonment or violence.
• Falsely say all sorts of evil against you (εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ’ ὑμῶν ψευδόμενοι, eiposyn pan ponēron kath' hymon pseudonymenoi):
  • Falsely (ψευδόμενοι, pseudomenoi): This adverb explicitly emphasizes that the accusations are untrue, malicious lies fabricated against the disciples. It distinguishes genuine wrongdoing from suffering due to calumny.
  • All sorts of evil (πᾶν πονηρὸν, pan ponēron): Implies a wide range of wicked and malicious accusations, encompassing any and all forms of slander, libel, and misrepresentation aimed at discrediting or harming the believer. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the false attacks.
• Because of me (ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, heneken emou): This phrase is the critical qualifier. It indicates that the reason for the suffering is not personal flaw, social misbehavior, or a cause unrelated to Christ, but solely due to one's association with, identification with, or commitment to Jesus Himself. It specifies the unique spiritual nature of this suffering.

Words-group analysis

• When people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all sorts of evil against you: This triad of suffering—verbal abuse (insult), physical or systemic oppression (persecute), and reputational harm through lies (falsely say all sorts of evil)—encompasses the full spectrum of social and relational hostility one might face. It moves from public shame to active oppression and deliberate defamation. The original audience would have understood this vividly, given their historical experience with prophets and righteous individuals being rejected and mistreated.
• Because of me: This crucial phrase clarifies the divine justification for the suffering. It differentiates this "blessed" suffering from general hardships or consequences of personal sin. The "because of me" points directly to the Messiah, implying that loyalty to Jesus is the cause of this antagonism, distinguishing His followers from the world, much like prophets suffered for God in the Old Testament. This defines the suffering as truly redemptive and worthy of heavenly reward.

Matthew 5 11 Bonus section

This specific beatitude marks a shift in the Sermon on the Mount's opening blessings. While the initial eight beatitudes use the third person ("Blessed are the poor in spirit...", "Blessed are those who mourn..."), Matthew 5:11 shifts to a direct second-person address ("Blessed are you..."). This makes the pronouncement intensely personal and a direct challenge and comfort to the immediate disciples and future followers. It anticipates the rejection that Jesus Himself would face and forewarns His disciples that they would share in His experience. The suffering described in this verse is not random or without purpose; it aligns the believer with the long line of prophets who also faced similar treatment for their allegiance to God (Mt 5:12, Lk 6:23). This provides historical continuity and theological affirmation, elevating their suffering to a participation in a sacred narrative, a suffering with Christ (Rom 8:17, 1 Pet 4:13). The intensity of the terms "insult," "persecute," and "falsely say all sorts of evil" paints a picture of a relentless, multi-faceted opposition that faithful believers should expect.

Matthew 5 11 Commentary

Matthew 5:11 elaborates on the previous beatitude, intensifying its scope by directly addressing the listeners and specifying the manifold forms of persecution—insults, harassment, and false accusations. The pivotal phrase "because of me" elevates this suffering from mere misfortune to a divinely recognized privilege. It means that the world's hatred for Christ is transferred to His followers. Such opposition validates one's discipleship and testifies to the authentic light of Christ within them, which inherently exposes the world's darkness. This beatitude is not a morbid call to seek suffering, but a profound promise of divine blessing and heavenly reward when inevitable hostility arises from sincere faithfulness to Christ. It calls believers to respond not with bitterness or retaliation, but with joy and steadfastness, understanding that their true reward and identity are found not in worldly approval, but in God's eternal Kingdom.

• Example 1: A Christian student is mocked by peers for refusing to cheat or engage in immoral behavior, facing "insults" and being "falsely" accused of self-righteousness.
• Example 2: An evangelist faces legal restrictions and public "persecution" from authorities for openly sharing the Gospel in a hostile country.
• Example 3: A believer working in media is slandered online with fabricated stories "falsely saying all sorts of evil" to undermine their Christian testimony and professional standing.