Matthew 5:3-6 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
World English Bible (WEB)
“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 after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
What Matthew 5:3-6 Means
These are the first four of the Beatitudes, which open the Sermon on the Mount. Each begins with Blessed, a word that describes a deep well-being or favored state, not simply a happy mood. The groups named are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They are not ideal people by worldly standards, and the surprising claim is that God's favor rests on them. Poor in spirit points to those who know their need of God. Mourning includes grief over loss and over wrongdoing. The meek, or gentle in the WEB, are those who are humble and not self-asserting. Hungering for righteousness means longing for what is right. Each blessing carries a promise of a kingdom, comfort, inheritance, and being filled.
Context of Matthew 5:3-6
Matthew's Gospel is traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, though the text itself is anonymous. Jesus has begun his ministry in Galilee and gathered disciples, and crowds are following him. He goes up on a mountainside and sits to teach. The Beatitudes open that teaching, and they are followed by sayings about salt and light and about how his followers should live. To read the whole book, see random verse from Matthew.
How to Apply Matthew 5:3-6
If you are grieving or feeling short on spiritual resources, these words are meant for you, not to scold you. Let yourself be honest about your need instead of putting on a front. You might also look for ways to be gentle with someone this week, since meekness is often a quiet decision.
Related Verses
- Luke 6:20-21 – And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
- Matthew 5:7-10 – Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Isaiah 61:1-3 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD , that he might be glorified.
- Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Joy, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Beatitudes mean?
They are blessings Jesus pronounced on people who are not usually considered fortunate, such as the humble, the grieving, and those longing for justice. They describe God's kingdom values and promise comfort, inheritance, and fulfillment to those who live by them.
What does poor in spirit mean?
It refers to people who recognize their spiritual need and depend on God rather than on their own resources. Luke's version simply says the poor, and many readers see the two as complementary, covering both inner humility and material poverty.
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