The Sermon on the Mount
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 · Berean Standard Bible
Blessed are those who show mercy, because mercy will come back to them. When you're compassionate with others, you open the door to experiencing God's compassion for you.
It's easy to be harsh with people. Mercy costs something. But Jesus says those who give it freely will receive it generously.
Jesus continues the Beatitudes.
The kingdom runs on mercy, not merit. What you give to others, God gives to you.
The merciful (eleemones) are those who show compassion in action, not mere sentiment. The promise of receiving mercy creates a reciprocal dynamic central to Jesus's ethics (cf. 6:14-15, 18:33-35).
In a culture that valued honor and retribution, showing mercy to those who 'deserved' punishment was radical. Jesus makes mercy a defining characteristic of kingdom citizens.
Jesus, continuing the Beatitudes.
Mercy is both a gift received and a way of life. Those who extend mercy to others reveal they understand the mercy God has shown them.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
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