Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
What does Matthew 5:4 mean?
Jesus here gives eight characters of blessed people, which represent to us the principal graces of a Christian. The poor in spirit are happy.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Matthew 5:4-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that mourn - This is capable of two meanings: either, that those are blessed who are afflicted with the loss of friends or possessions, or that they who mourn over sin are blessed. As Christ came to preach repentance, to induce people to mourn over their sins and to forsake them, it is probable that he had the latter particularly in view. Compare 2 Corinthians 7:10 . At the same time, it is true that the gospel only can give true comfort to those in affliction, Isaiah 61:1-3 ; Luke 4:18 . Other sources of consolation do not reach the deep sorrows of the soul.
Context in Matthew 5
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Matthew 5 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as birth and preparation. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about grief and loss
Passages for sorrow, bereavement, lament, and the difficult work of hoping in God without denying what has been lost.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.