Luke 6:20
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for your's is the kingdom of God.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
5 of 21
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔλεγεν
and said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
and said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μακάριοι
Blessed
G3107
Μακάριοι
Blessed
Strong's:
G3107
Word #:
12 of 21
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοί
be ye poor
G4434
πτωχοί
be ye poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
14 of 21
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Matthew 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Revelation 2:9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.Isaiah 29:19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.Zephaniah 3:12I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine had sharp wealth disparities. Roman occupation, taxation, and debt impoverished many Jews. Religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, priests) were often wealthy, while common people struggled. Jesus' ministry attracted the poor (Luke 4:18), who had nothing to lose and everything to gain from the kingdom. The beatitude challenged cultural assumptions that wealth indicated God's favor and poverty His disfavor (a view Jesus repeatedly corrected). Kingdom membership depends on grace, not socioeconomic status, and often the poor more readily acknowledge their need for God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does poverty—whether economic or spiritual—create receptivity to the gospel that wealth and self-sufficiency often prevent?
- What does Jesus' pronouncement of blessing on the poor teach about the kingdom's values versus worldly values?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Plain: 'Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.' This beatitude pronounces blessing on the 'poor' (Greek 'ptōchoi,' πτωχοί, destitute, beggars), not merely low-income but utterly dependent. Luke's version says 'ye poor' (you who are poor) rather than Matthew's 'poor in spirit,' emphasizing actual poverty but with spiritual implications—those who recognize complete dependence on God. The kingdom belongs to such people because they know they cannot earn it. Poverty strips away self-sufficiency, creating receptivity to grace.