Declarations of blessing. Beatitudes occur throughout the Bible, but the best-known Beatitudes are those associated with the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew (Matt 5:3-12) and the Sermon on the Plain in Luke (Luke 6:20-23). They are pronouncements that confer an end-time blessing upon persons who are characterized by what they are (e.g., the poor) or do (e.g., the peacemakers). Luke has four Beatitudes balanced by four woes (Luke 6:20-26), and all take the form of direct address in the second-person plural (“Blessed are you . . .”). Matthew has nine Beatitudes and no woes (Matt 5:3-12), and all but the last are in the third-person plural (“Blessed are the . . .” or “Blessed are those who . . .”).
Matt 5:3-12
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5“Blessed are the meek, for they ... View more
Luke 6:20-23
Blessings and Woes
20Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who are hungr ... View more
Luke 6:20-26
Blessings and Woes
20Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who are hungr ... View more
Matt 5:3-12
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5“Blessed are the meek, for they ... View more
