Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Original Language Analysis
χαίρετε
Rejoice
G5463
χαίρετε
Rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
1 of 19
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθὸς
reward
G3408
μισθὸς
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
6 of 19
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
πολὺς
great
G4183
πολὺς
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς·
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς·
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 19
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐδίωξαν
persecuted they
G1377
ἐδίωξαν
persecuted they
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
14 of 19
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτας
the prophets
G4396
προφήτας
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
16 of 19
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 6:23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Colossians 3:24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;Ruth 2:12The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.Psalms 58:11So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition honored prophetic martyrs - Isaiah reportedly sawn in two, Jeremiah imprisoned, many killed. Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7) explicitly connects his persecution with prophetic tradition. The early church embraced suffering joyfully (Acts 5:41), viewing it as privilege and participation in Christ's sufferings. This verse shaped martyrological theology where suffering became a badge of authenticity and union with Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we genuinely rejoice in suffering without denying its painfulness?
- What does it mean to have an eternal reward perspective that transforms present hardship?
- How does connecting our experience with the prophets encourage faithfulness under opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commands a counterintuitive response to persecution: 'Rejoice, and be exceeding glad' (Greek: χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, 'rejoice and exult greatly'). Two reasons are given: 'great is your reward in heaven' and 'so persecuted they the prophets.' The future reward transcends present suffering, providing eternal perspective. Linking disciples with prophets places them in the succession of faithful witnesses who suffered for truth. This establishes persecution as the normative experience of God's messengers, not an aberration. Joy in suffering demonstrates kingdom values that invert worldly logic.