Matthew 5 3

Matthew 5:3 kjv

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 nkjv

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 niv

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 esv

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 nlt

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 3 Meaning

Matthew 5:3, the first of the Beatitudes, declares a profound paradox: true spiritual blessedness belongs to those who recognize their complete dependence on God, devoid of self-sufficiency. This recognition of inner spiritual bankruptcy, coupled with humble reliance on divine grace, grants immediate access to and a rightful share in the reign and blessings of God, both presently and eternally. It challenges the world's perception of happiness, favoring an inward disposition of humility over external accomplishments or possessions.

Matthew 5 3 Context

Matthew 5:3 is the inaugural statement of the Beatitudes, found at the very beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). This sermon, delivered to his disciples and a large crowd, serves as a foundational teaching on the ethical and spiritual nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. It contrasts sharply with the prevailing legalistic interpretations and worldly values of the time. Jesus reveals what true blessing means in God's eyes, not according to human achievement or material status, but based on an inner, humble disposition toward God. For Matthew's predominantly Jewish audience, this radical reversal challenged common perceptions that equated God's favor with outward prosperity or meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law without an accompanying inner righteousness.

Matthew 5 3 Word analysis

• Blessed (μακάριοι - makarioi):
  • Signifies more than mere happiness; it describes a state of divine favor and profound well-being bestowed by God.
  • It indicates a deep, inner contentment and prosperity that is independent of external circumstances.
  • Used for someone who is exceptionally fortunate or enviable because they are in God's favor.
  • Contrasts with the world's criteria for "blessing" (e.g., wealth, power, prestige).
• are the (εἰσὶν οἱ - eisin hoi):
  • The Greek verb "eisin" (are) emphasizes a present reality. Those who possess this quality are already, at this very moment, blessed.
• poor (πτωχοί - ptōchoi):
  • Literally means "destitute," "begging," or "utterly impoverished." It describes one who is reduced to public begging, completely lacking resources and utterly dependent on others for survival.
  • This is a stronger term than penēs (πενής), which refers to one who simply struggles to make ends meet through hard work.
  • The significance here is its spiritual application, emphasizing a profound and complete lack of inner resources.
• in spirit (τῷ πνεύματι - tō pneumati):
  • A dative of respect or reference, indicating the sphere or respect in which they are "poor." It clarifies that this poverty is not primarily material but internal and spiritual.
  • Refers to one's innermost being, moral and spiritual character.
  • Signifies an awareness of one's absolute spiritual destitution before God; an absence of self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, or any claim to merit.
  • It's acknowledging one's complete bankruptcy in the face of God's holiness.
• for (ὅτι - hoti):
  • A conjunction introducing the reason or cause for the blessedness.
  • It indicates a direct, immediate consequence.
• theirs (αὐτῶν - autōn):
  • A possessive pronoun emphasizing direct and present ownership.
  • Not "theirs will be," but "theirs is." The Kingdom is immediately accessible.
• is (ἐστίν - estin):
  • The present tense verb reinforces the immediate nature of the inheritance.
• the kingdom of heaven (ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - hē basileia tōn ouranōn):
  • A common phrase in Matthew, referring to God's sovereign rule and reign, His active King-ship.
  • It encompasses both a present spiritual reality (God ruling in hearts) and a future consummation (God's full and visible reign).
  • In this context, it signifies participation in God's redemptive work, receiving His blessings, and becoming a citizen in His divine household.
  • It implies belonging, provision, protection, and fellowship with God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: This phrase is a powerful paradox. Worldly understanding blesses the strong, rich, and proud. Jesus inverts this by declaring divine blessing upon those who acknowledge their complete inner weakness and dependence. It sets the tone for the entire Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing inner righteousness over outward conformity. This is a foundational attitude for all other virtues of the Beatitudes.
• for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: This is the profound consequence and the divine inheritance for those who possess this spiritual humility. The kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality that is accessible to them immediately. It speaks to a deep, transformative relationship with God and His benevolent rule. This contrasts sharply with the self-sufficient who, in their pride, effectively exclude themselves from God's reign.

Matthew 5 3 Bonus section

The "poor in spirit" resonate deeply with the Old Testament concept of the anawim (עֲנָוִים) or ani (עָנִי) – those who are afflicted, humble, and often materially poor, who completely trust in and depend on God. They are the righteous who rely on YHWH, expecting Him alone to vindicate and deliver them (e.g., Psa 34:6; Isa 61:1). Jesus, in this Beatitude, extends this understanding directly to an internal, spiritual poverty, highlighting that a truly receptive heart, one devoid of pride or self-reliance, is essential for spiritual enlightenment and to receive God's favor. This Beatitude is not a call to self-abasement or artificial humility, but a deep, honest recognition of humanity's true condition before a holy God, and thus, an essential first step in a life of faith. It's the starting point from which genuine mourning for sin (v.4) and meekness (v.5) flow.

Matthew 5 3 Commentary

Matthew 5:3 lays the groundwork for all Christian discipleship, revealing the fundamental posture required for entry into and flourishing within God's Kingdom. It declares that true happiness and divine blessing come not from self-sufficiency, achievement, or material wealth, but from a profound awareness of one's absolute spiritual destitution before God. "Poor in spirit" means recognizing one's complete inability to stand before God based on personal merit, righteousness, or any inherent goodness. It's an inner brokenness and utter reliance on God's grace and mercy. This humble acknowledgement opens the door to God's reign, granting a present, full share in His Kingdom – a realm of righteousness, peace, and joy that is available here and now, and fully consummated in eternity. It calls for a radical re-evaluation of values, prioritizing humility and dependence on God above all else.

• Practical application: Consider situations where one is tempted to rely on their own strength, wisdom, or accomplishments instead of God (e.g., when facing a challenge, when performing a good deed, when discussing faith). The verse prompts a return to humility, asking, "Am I poor in spirit here, relying wholly on God, or am I operating from self-sufficiency?"