Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
3 of 17
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διώξωσιν
persecute
G1377
διώξωσιν
persecute
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
7 of 17
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πονηρὸν
of evil
G4190
πονηρὸν
of evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
11 of 17
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ῥῆμα
G4487
ῥῆμα
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
12 of 17
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
καθ'
against
G2596
καθ'
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.Luke 21:17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.Mark 13:13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.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.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:John 15:21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.Matthew 10:39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Historical Context
Within decades of Jesus' ministry, His followers experienced all three forms of opposition: verbal mockery ('Christians' as a derisive term), active persecution (Acts 8:1-3), and false accusations (blamed for Rome's fire under Nero, accused of cannibalism). Jesus prepares disciples for this reality. The qualifier 'falsely' indicates that some accusations would have basis, but twisted truth would be weaponized against them. This verse sustained early martyrs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does persecution for Christ's sake differ from persecution for generally moral living?
- Why does allegiance to Jesus specifically provoke such intense opposition?
- How should we respond when falsely accused because of our Christian identity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus personalizes the persecution beatitude: 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake' (Greek: ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ, 'on account of me'). The shift from third person to second person ('ye') makes this directly applicable to disciples. Three forms of opposition are listed: verbal abuse (ὀνειδίσωσιν, 'revile'), active persecution (διώξωσιν), and slander (ψευδόμενοι, 'lying'). The crucial phrase 'for my sake' identifies Christ Himself as the offense that provokes hostility, not merely ethical teaching. Allegiance to Jesus, not just moral living, brings opposition.