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Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />"Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in the spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"How blessed are those who are destitute in spirit, because the kingdom from heaven belongs to them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Blessed the poor in spirit—because theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />"Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in the spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Happy the poor in spirit -- because theirs is the reign of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Happy the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of the heavens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in pride, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Blessed by The Spirit are the poor, because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Blessed are the poor in spirit: because the kingdom of the heavens is theirs.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their?s is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Blessed are they, that are of an humble spirit, for of such is the kingdom of the Messias.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>"Happy <i>are</i> the poor in spirit; because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Blessed <Fr><i>are</i><FR> the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/5-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=831" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">The Beatitudes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2</span>and He began to teach them, saying: <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3107.htm" title="3107: Makarioi (Adj-NMP) -- Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.">“Blessed are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- 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/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchoi (Adj-NMP) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">poor</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: Hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">for</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">theirs</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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/932.htm" title="932: basileia (N-NFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Psalm 34:18</a></span><br />The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></span><br />For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Proverbs 16:19</a></span><br />It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a></span><br />Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Zephaniah 2:3</a></span><br />Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></span><br />The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a></span><br />A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-19.htm">Isaiah 29:19</a></span><br />The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Psalm 37:11</a></span><br />But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a></span><br />I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</p><p class="hdg">blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4-11</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> they that mourn: for they shall be comforted… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-6.htm">Matthew 11:6</a></b></br> And blessed is <i>he</i>, whosoever shall not be offended in me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-16.htm">Matthew 13:16</a></b></br> But blessed <i>are</i> your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.</p><p class="hdg">the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></b></br> At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Matthew 18:1-3</a></b></br> At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Leviticus 26:41,42</a></b></br> And <i>that</i> I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: … </p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a></b></br> And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/8-11.htm">Matthew 8:11</a></b></br> And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/10-14.htm">Mark 10:14</a></b></br> But when Jesus saw <i>it</i>, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-11.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Theirs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Theirs</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a></span><br></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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It implies divine favor and approval. The phrase "poor in spirit" suggests humility and recognition of one's spiritual neediness and dependence on God. This humility is a foundational attitude for entering the kingdom of heaven. In biblical context, being "poor" often meant being marginalized or oppressed, but here it is spiritual poverty that is emphasized. This aligns with <a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a>, where God esteems those who are humble and contrite in spirit. The cultural context of Jesus' time valued honor and status, making this teaching countercultural and radical.<p><b>for theirs is the kingdom of heaven</b><br>The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, referring to God's sovereign rule and the realm where His will is fulfilled. It is both a present reality and a future hope. The promise that the kingdom belongs to the "poor in spirit" highlights the reversal of worldly values, where the humble and lowly are exalted. This echoes the prophetic vision in <a href="/daniel/7-27.htm">Daniel 7:27</a>, where the kingdom is given to the saints of the Most High. The phrase assures believers of their present and future participation in God's kingdom, emphasizing that spiritual humility is the key to true citizenship in this divine realm.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of the Beatitudes, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which includes <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>. Jesus is addressing His disciples and the gathered crowd.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, representing those who are committed to following Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>A larger group of people from various regions who have come to hear Jesus' teachings and witness His miracles.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a></b><br>A central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's reign and the spiritual realm where God's will is fulfilled.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>The setting for this teaching, a significant discourse by Jesus that outlines the principles of His kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_poor_in_spirit.htm">Understanding Poor in Spirit</a></b><br>The term "poor in spirit" refers to a recognition of one's spiritual need and dependence on God. It is an acknowledgment of spiritual poverty and a humble posture before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_promise_of_the_kingdom.htm">The Promise of the Kingdom</a></b><br>Those who are "poor in spirit" are promised the kingdom of heaven. This indicates that spiritual humility is a prerequisite for entering and experiencing God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_humility.htm">Cultivating Humility</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to cultivate a humble spirit by recognizing their need for God's grace and mercy daily. This involves regular self-examination and repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_beatitudes.htm">Living Out the Beatitudes</a></b><br>The Beatitudes, including being "poor in spirit," are not just ideals but practical ways of living that reflect the values of God's kingdom. They call for a counter-cultural lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual over material wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Being "poor in spirit" leads to a deeper dependence on God for strength, guidance, and provision. It shifts the focus from self-reliance to God-reliance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_beatification_mean.htm">What does beatification mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'poor_in_spirit'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of being poor in spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_true_happiness_and_fortune.htm">What is the nature of true happiness and fortune?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'inclusio'_mean.htm">What does "inclusio" mean?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Blessed.</span>--The word differs from that used in <a href="/matthew/23-39.htm" title="For I say to you, You shall not see me from now on, till you shall say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.">Matthew 23:39</a>; <a href="/matthew/25-34.htm" title="Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:">Matthew 25:34</a>, as expressing a permanent state of felicity, rather than the passive reception of a blessing bestowed by another.<p><span class= "bld">The poor in spirit.</span>--The limitation, as in "the pure <span class= "ital">in heart,"</span> points to the region of life in which the poverty is found. In <a href="/luke/6-20.htm" title="And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be you poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.">Luke 6:20</a> there is no such qualifying clause, and there the words speak of outward poverty, as in itself a less perilous and therefore happier state than that of riches. Here the blessedness is that of those who, whatever their outward state may be, are in their inward life as those who feel that they have nothing of their own, must be receivers before they give, must be dependent on another's bounty, and be, as it were, the "bedesmen" of the great King. To that temper of mind belongs the "kingdom of heaven," the eternal realities, in this life and the life to come, of that society of which Christ is the Head. Things are sometimes best understood by their contraries, and we may point to the description of the church of Laodicea as showing us the opposite type of character, thinking itself "rich" in the spiritual life, when it is really as "the pauper," destitute of the true riches, blind and naked.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3</span> - <a href="/matthew/7-27.htm">Matthew 7:27</a>. - THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. The following may serve as a brief summary. <p><span class="Text_Heading">1.</span> The <span class="accented">ideal character</span> of his disciples (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3-10</a>), which must be allowed to appear (<a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-16</a>). <p><span class="Text_Heading">2.</span> The <span class="accented">relation</span> that they ought to hold towards the religion of the day, of which the Law was the accepted standard (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17 - 6:18</a>). <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> The fundamental principle of this relation is found in the relation which Christ himself holds towards the Law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-20</a>). . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Blessed [are]</span><br /><span class="grk">Μακάριοι</span> <span class="translit">(Makarioi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3107.htm">Strong's 3107: </a> </span><span class="str2">Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poor</span><br /><span class="grk">πτωχοὶ</span> <span class="translit">(ptōchoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit,</span><br /><span class="grk">πνεύματι</span> <span class="translit">(pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(Hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">theirs</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kingdom</span><br /><span class="grk">βασιλεία</span> <span class="translit">(basileia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> </span><span class="str2">From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heaven.</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐρανῶν</span> <span class="translit">(ouranōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:4" /></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>