Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεδιωγμένοι
are they which are persecuted
G1377
δεδιωγμένοι
are they which are persecuted
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
3 of 12
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness' sake
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness' sake
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
5 of 12
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτῶν
theirs
G846
αὐτῶν
theirs
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
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.2 Corinthians 4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;Matthew 5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.Luke 6:22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.2 Timothy 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:Luke 21:12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.Philippians 1:28And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Historical Context
Early Christians faced persecution from both Jewish authorities (excommunication from synagogues) and Roman officials (refusing Caesar worship). Jesus' original audience, living under Roman occupation with memories of Maccabean martyrs, understood persecution. This beatitude would prepare disciples for coming opposition. The emphasis on suffering for righteousness echoes Israel's prophetic tradition where faithful witnesses often faced violent rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between suffering for righteousness and suffering due to our own poor choices?
- Why is persecution considered a mark of authentic kingdom citizenship?
- In what ways might we face persecution for righteousness in our cultural context?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This beatitude declares 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Greek: δεδιωγμένοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης, 'having been persecuted on account of righteousness'). The passive voice indicates suffering inflicted by others, not self-imposed hardship. The critical qualifier 'for righteousness' sake' distinguishes suffering for faithful living from suffering due to foolishness or sin. The promise 'theirs is the kingdom' uses present tense, indicating current possession despite present persecution. Persecution becomes the paradoxical mark of kingdom citizenship.