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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/40_Mat_05_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:12 - The Beatitudes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/5-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/5-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm" title="Matthew 5:11">◄</a> Matthew 5:12 <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm" title="Matthew 5:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Rejoice and exult, because great is your reward in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Rejoice and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven! The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in these ways. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted. <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you." <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way. <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be joyful and triumphant, because your reward is great in the Heavens; for so were the Prophets before you persecuted. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> rejoice and be glad, because your reward [is] great in the heavens, for thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Rejoice and exult, because great is your reward in the heavens; for thus they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> rejoice ye and be glad, because your reward is great in the heavens, for thus did they persecute the prophets who were before you. <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Rejoice and be transported with joy; for much your reward in the heavens for so they drove out the prophets which before you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> be glad and exult, for your reward in heaven is plentiful. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then be glad and rejoice, for your reward is increased in heaven; for in this very manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Then rejoice and triumph, because your reward is great in Heaven, for just so they persecuted The Prophets who were before you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Rejoice, and leap for joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Rejoice, and he exceedingly glad: because your reward is great in the heavens: for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Rejoice and exult; for plenteous is your reward in the heavens: for just so they persecuted the prophets who went before you.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be joyful and triumphant, because your reward is great in the Heavens; for so were the Prophets before you persecuted. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Rejoice, and exult; because great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great <Fr>will be<FR> your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets, <Fr>that were<FR> before you.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=881" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">The Beatitudes</a> …11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12<a href="/greek/5463.htm" title="5463: chairete (V-PMA-2P) -- A primary verb; to be cheer ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.">Rejoice</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/21.htm" title="21: agalliasthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult.">be glad,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polys (Adj-NMS) -- Much, many; often. ">great is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3408.htm" title="3408: misthos (N-NMS) -- (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad.">reward</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranois (N-DMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven;</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">in the same way</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: ediōxan (V-AIA-3P) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">they persecuted</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētas (N-AMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">before</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-23.htm">Luke 6:23</a> Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way. <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">1 Peter 4:13-14</a> But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Hebrews 11:35-38</a> Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. / Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. ... <a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a> The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a> For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17-18</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. / I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-8</a> In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. / Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Philippians 1:29</a> For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, <a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a> Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:14-15</a> For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">2 Corinthians 12:10</a> That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Isaiah 51:7-8</a> Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults. / For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.Rejoice.<a href="/luke/6-23.htm">Luke 6:23</a> Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.<a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a> And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.<a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25</a> And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.for great.<a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1,2,4,5,16</a> Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven… <a href="/matthew/10-41.htm">Matthew 10:41,42</a> He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward… <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27</a> For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.for so.<a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Matthew 21:34-38</a> And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it… <a href="/matthew/23-31.htm">Matthew 23:31-37</a> Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets… <a href="/1_kings/18-4.htm">1 Kings 18:4,13</a> For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-7.htm">Exult</a> <a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/2-10.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-18.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/matthew/2-23.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-7.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Triumphant</a> <a href="/matthew/4-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/matthew/8-28.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/matthew/8-28.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Exult</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/matthew/24-9.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/28-9.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">Triumphant</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Greek words used here, "chairo" (rejoice) and "agalliao" (be glad), suggest an exuberant and triumphant joy. This is a countercultural response, as persecution typically brings sorrow. The call to rejoice is rooted in the understanding that suffering for righteousness aligns believers with Christ's own experiences and promises. This joy is not based on present circumstances but on the assurance of future reward and the presence of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a>, <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>).because great is your reward in heaven The promise of a "great reward" in heaven provides motivation and hope for enduring persecution. This reward is not specified in detail but is understood to be eternal and far surpassing any earthly suffering. The concept of heavenly rewards is consistent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the eternal perspective believers are to maintain (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a>, <a href="/revelation/22-12.htm">Revelation 22:12</a>). This reward is a testament to God's justice and faithfulness, ensuring that sacrifices made for His sake are not in vain.for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you This phrase connects the experience of Jesus' followers with the historical persecution of the prophets in the Old Testament. Prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Daniel faced opposition and suffering for delivering God's messages (<a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/20-2.htm">Jeremiah 20:2</a>, <a href="/daniel/6-16.htm">Daniel 6:16</a>). This connection serves to validate the experiences of believers, placing them in a long line of God's faithful servants. It also highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the consistent opposition faced by those who stand for His truth. This historical context reassures believers that persecution is not a sign of God's disfavor but rather a mark of fidelity to His mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of the Sermon on the Mount, delivering teachings to His disciples and the gathered crowd. 2. <a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a> Refers to the Old Testament prophets who were persecuted for their faithfulness to God and His message. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven</a> The place of eternal reward and presence with God, promised to those who endure persecution for righteousness. 4. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who follow Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/p/persecution.htm">Persecution</a> The suffering and opposition faced by believers for their faith, likened to the experiences of the prophets.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing_in_persecution.htm">Rejoicing in Persecution</a> Believers are called to rejoice and be glad even in the face of persecution, as it aligns them with the faithful prophets and Christ Himself. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_perspective.htm">Heavenly Perspective</a> Maintaining a focus on the eternal reward in heaven helps believers endure present trials and sufferings with hope and joy. <a href="/topical/h/historical_continuity.htm">Historical Continuity</a> Understanding that persecution is not new but has been experienced by God's faithful throughout history can provide comfort and solidarity. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_and_faithfulness.htm">Endurance and Faithfulness</a> Encouragement to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God sees and rewards those who endure persecution for His sake. <a href="/topical/w/witness_and_testimony.htm">Witness and Testimony</a> Persecution can serve as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the believer's commitment to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a> <a href="/q/is_your_reward_in_heaven_truly_great.htm">Is your reward in heaven truly great?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_genuine_love_without_hypocrisy.htm">Is your reward in heaven truly great?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_a_heaven.htm">Is there a Heaven?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_jehovah's_witnesses.htm">What are Jehovah's Witnesses and their core beliefs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad.--The second word implies a glorious and exulting joy. The same combination is found, possibly as an actual echo of its use here, in <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm" title="Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:">1Peter 1:8</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm" title="But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.">1Peter 4:13</a>; <a href="/revelation/19-7.htm" title="Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.">Revelation 19:7</a>.Your reward.--The teaching of <a href="/luke/17-10.htm" title="So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.">Luke 17:10</a> shows that even here the reward is not "of debt, but of grace" (<a href="/romans/4-4.htm" title="Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.">Romans 4:4</a>). It may be added that the temper to which the "reward" is promised practically excludes the possibility of such claim as of right. The reward is for those only who suffer "for righteousness, for Christ," not for those who are calculating on a future compensation. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad (χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε). Our Lord uses no weaker expressions than those which describe the joy of the saints over the marriage of the Lamb (<a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7</a>). The first word expresses joy as such, the second its effect in stirring the emotions; this thought St. Luke carries still further in σκιρτήσατε. (For joy felt under persecution, cf. <a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Acts 5:41</a>.) For great. The order of the Greek, ὅτι ὀ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, does not bear out the emphatic position assigned to "great" in the English Versions from Tyndale downwards (except Rheims), including Revised Version. Is your reward. The doctrine of recompense, which has so large a place in Jewish thought (for a not often-sire example, cf. 'Ab.,' 2:19, Taylor) comes also in Christ's teaching. In <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Matthew 20:1-16</a> reward is expressly divested of its merely legal side, and exhibited as ultimately dependent on the will of the great Householder. But here it is mentioned without reference to the difficulties involved in the conception. These difficulties centre round the thought of obligation from God to man. But it may be doubted whether these difficulties are not caused by too exclusively regarding the metaphor of contracting, instead of considering the fact indicated by the metaphor. In God's kingdom every action has a corresponding effect, and this effect is the more certain in proportion as the action is in the sphere of morality. The idea of "quantity" hardly enters into the relation of such cause and effect. It is a question of moral correspondence. But such effect may not unfitly be called by the metaphors "hire," "reward," because, on the one hand, it is the result of conditions of moral service, and, on the other, such terms imply a Personal Will at the back of the effect, as well as a will on the part of the human "servant." (For the subject in other connexions, cf. Weiss, 'Bibl. Theol.,' § 32; cf. also ver. 46; <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1, 2, 4, 5, 6</a>.) In heaven. Our Lord says, "your reward is great," because the effect of your exercise of moral powers will be received in a sphere where the accidents of the surroundings will entirely correspond to moral influences. The effect of your present faithfulness, etc., will be seen in the reception Of powers of work and usefulness and enjoyment, beside which those possessed on earth will appear small. On earth the opportunities, etc., are but "few things;" hereafter they will be "many things" (<a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a>). For. Not as giving a reason for the assurance of reward (apparently Meyer and Weiss), but for the command, "rejoice," and be exceeding glad, and perhaps also for the predicate "blessed." Rejoice if persecuted, for such persecutions prove you to be the true successors of the prophets, your predecessors in like faithfulness (cf. <a href="/james/5-10.htm">James 5:10</a>). So. By reproach, e.g. Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17</a>), Amos (<a href="/amos/7-12.htm">Amos 7:12, 13</a>); by persecution, e.g. Hanani (<a href="/2_chronicles/16-10.htm">2 Chronicles 16:10</a>), Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Jeremiah 37:15</a>); by saying all manner of evil, e.g. Amos (<a href="/amos/7-10.htm">Amos 7:10</a>), Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/37-13.htm">Jeremiah 37:13</a>), Daniel (<a href="/daniel/6-13.htm">Daniel 6:13</a>). Which were before you. Added, surely, not as a mere temporal fact, but to indicate spiritual relationship (vide supra). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Rejoice χαίρετε (chairete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5463.htm">Strong's 5463: </a> A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. celebrate, ἀγαλλιᾶσθε (agalliasthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_21.htm">Strong's 21: </a> To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. great [is] πολὺς (polys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. reward μισθὸς (misthos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3408.htm">Strong's 3408: </a> (a) pay, wages, salary, (b) reward, recompense, punishment. Apparently a primary word; pay for service, good or bad. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven; οὐρανοῖς (ouranois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. in the same way οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). they persecuted ἐδίωξαν (ediōxan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prophets προφήτας (prophētas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. before πρὸ (pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. you. ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>