Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
in heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
in heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
5 of 10
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 10
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτοὶ
they
G846
αὐτοὶ
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 10
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 24:4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Proverbs 22:11He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Psalms 15:2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Historical Context
Jewish purity laws focused extensively on external ritual cleanness, with elaborate systems for ceremonial purification. Jesus' emphasis on heart purity challenges this external focus, anticipating His later conflicts with Pharisees over tradition versus internal righteousness (Matthew 15:1-20). 'Seeing God' was considered impossible and fatal in Old Testament theology (Exodus 33:20), making this promise revolutionary. It anticipates the beatific vision - direct knowledge of God in His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between external religious performance and genuine purity of heart?
- How does heart purity enable us to perceive God's presence and character?
- In what ways do divided loyalties and mixed motives cloud our vision of God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This beatitude proclaims 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God' (Greek: καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ, 'pure in heart'). Purity here is not mere external ritual cleanliness but internal moral integrity. The 'heart' (καρδία) in Hebrew thought represents the center of volition, emotion, and moral decision-making. 'They shall see God' (θεὸν ὄψονται) promises direct vision and intimate knowledge of God - the ultimate blessing. This echoes Psalm 24:3-4's question about who may ascend God's hill, answered by those with clean hands and pure hearts. Only the internally transformed can perceive and enjoy God's presence.