The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes

5 Now when he* saw the crowds, he went up the mountain and after he* sat down, his disciples approached him. 2 And opening his mouth he began to teach them, saying,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are the ones who mourn,

because they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

because they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

because they will be satisfied.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

because they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

because they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

because they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you

when they insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you, lying on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.