The 'Beatitudes'

The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness."  The Phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being.  The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day.  In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities.

Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

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

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Each one is a proverb-like saying packed with meaning and worthy of thorough study.  Still most Bible scholars would agree that the beatitudes give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.

The Sermon on the Mount

A Different View of the Beatitudes

The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus

The Beatitudes - Bible.Org

The Beatitudes: A Path to a New Life

The Beatitudes in Revelation

The Beatitudes by A.W. Pink

Study Guide for The Sermon on the Mount

The Lord is Your Shepherd

At The Cross!