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The Beatitudes

When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.(A) And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(B)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.(C)

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.(D)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.(E)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.(F)

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(G)

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account.(H) 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(I)

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.(J)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.(K) 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.(L) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.(M)

The Law and the Prophets

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.(N) 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[c] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.(O) 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[d] one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.(P) 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Concerning Anger

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’(Q) 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[e] you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult[f] a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[g] of fire.(R) 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,(S) 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[h] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.(T) 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

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Footnotes

  1. 5.1 Gk he
  2. 5.11 Other ancient authorities lack falsely
  3. 5.18 Gk one iota
  4. 5.19 Or annuls
  5. 5.22 Other ancient authorities add without cause
  6. 5.22 Gk say Raca to (an obscure term of abuse)
  7. 5.22 Gk Gehenna
  8. 5.25 Gk lacks to court