Eight declarations of blessedness are found at the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-12). The Greek word translated "blessed" refers to one who enjoys spiritual well-being and prosperity. Happy are those who enjoy divine blessing in the here and hereafter.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Greek word translated "poor" is descriptive of an individual who crouches and cowers, hence, one who is beggarly or poor. It can refer to one who is economically disadvantaged, and also, figuratively, to one who humbly recognizes his dependence upon God. The New Testament employs the term in both its physical (Rom. 15:26-27) and spiritual usage (Rev. 3:17). It correlates with the concept of modest self-effacement (Isa. 57:15; Mic. 6:8).
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." The Greek word translated "mourn" means to experience sadness as the result of some condition or circumstance, to grieve or lament. Such mourning may occur over the loss of loved ones (Mark 16:10), or sad circumstances involving sin (1 Cor. 5:1-2; James 4:8-10).
Blessed Are the Gentle
Jesus said, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." The Greek word translated "gentle" signifies not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance, but rather manifesting a gentle or meek spirit. Jesus exemplifies this quality (Matt. 11:28-30; 21:1-5), and so also should we (1 Pet. 3:1-4; cf. Eph. 4:1-3).
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." The Greek word translated "hunger" means to feel the pangs of lack of food, or to strongly desire something. In Scripture, it refers to physical hunger (Matt. 12:1-2; 25:3436) and also spiritual longing for the bread that comes out of heaven and the water of life (John 4:13-14; 6:30-35).
Blessed are the Merciful
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." The Greek word translated "merciful" pertains to being concerned about people in their time of need, i.e., showing pity or mercy, being sympathetic or compassionate. As Jesus manifests mercy on mankind (Matt. 9:27-31; Heb. 2:14-18), we should be compassionate to one another (Matt. 18:21-35; cf. Luke 12:33-34).
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." The Greek word translated "pure" means to be clean or free of adulterating matter, i.e., to be free of moral guilt or sin. As in the preceding beatitudes, this word refers to physical cleanliness (Matt. 27:57-60; John 13:5-11) and also spiritual purity (Matt. 23:25-26; 2 Tim. 2:20-22).
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." The Greek word translated "peacemakers" refers to one who attempts to reconcile individuals who are alienated or estranged from one another. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), calls us to live according to the principles of peace (Psa. 34:12-14; Rom. 12:14-21).
Blessed Are Those Who Have Been Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Greek word translated "persecuted" means to put to flight, pursue, by implication, to persecute. As our Lord was persecuted (Luke 11:45-54; John 15:18-20), we will experience similar mistreatment if we are faithful to His precepts (Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Tim. 3:10-17).
Conclusion
Note the blessings contained in the beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Truth Magazine, Jan. 2015