The Sermon on the Mount
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 · Berean Standard Bible
Blessed are those who are treated badly because they do what's right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Living God's way won't always be popular, but it will always be worth it.
Doing the right thing sometimes costs you. Jesus is honest about that. But He's also honest about the reward: everything that matters.
Jesus continues the Beatitudes.
Suffering for doing good isn't a sign that something has gone wrong. In God's kingdom, it's a sign you're on the right track.
Those persecuted 'because of righteousness' (heneken dikaiosynes) receive the same reward as the first Beatitude: the kingdom of heaven. This creates an inclusio (literary bookend) around the Beatitudes, framing all eight in the context of kingdom membership.
Persecution for righteousness was a present reality for Matthew's community, likely facing expulsion from synagogues and social ostracism for their faith in Jesus.
Jesus, continuing the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes begin and end with the kingdom of heaven, encompassing suffering within the promise of divine blessing.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad