Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρηνοποιοί·
are the peacemakers
G1518
εἰρηνοποιοί·
are the peacemakers
Strong's:
G1518
Word #:
3 of 8
pacificatory, i.e., (subjectively) peaceable
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτοὶ
they
G846
αὐτοὶ
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 8
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
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
6 of 8
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Psalms 120:6My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.Romans 8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.Luke 6:35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.Colossians 3:13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Psalms 34:12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Historical Context
In Roman-occupied Palestine, 'peace' (pax Romana) meant military domination. Jesus redefines peace as shalom - wholeness, reconciliation, and right relationships. Jewish messianic expectations often included violent overthrow of Rome, but Jesus' kingdom operates through reconciliation, not revolution. Peacemaking would be costly in this volatile political climate, requiring courage to stand against both zealot violence and oppressive power.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between peacekeeping (avoiding conflict) and peacemaking (creating reconciliation)?
- How does actively pursuing reconciliation demonstrate that we are children of God?
- In what relationships or situations is God calling you to be a peacemaker?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This beatitude states 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God' (Greek: εἰρηνοποιοί, 'peacemakers'). Peacemakers actively create peace (ποιέω, to make or do), not merely avoid conflict. They reflect God's character as the ultimate peacemaker who reconciles humanity to Himself through Christ. 'They shall be called children of God' (υἱοὶ θεοῦ κληθήσονται) indicates both recognition and reality - they will be identified as bearing family resemblance to the Father. This goes beyond passive pacifism to active reconciliation ministry.