The Beatitudes are some of the most
well-known verses of biblical Scripture. They are those that start out as “blessed
are…” followed by a qualifying “why” statement. For example, Matthew 5:7 says, “blessed
are the merciful, [why?] for they will be shown mercy.”
I love these verses because Jesus
is teaching what dependence on the sovereignty and grace of God looks like.
However, many people grossly misinterpret the meaning of the word “blessed” in
these passages. How so? Keep reading.
In ancient Greek, that is koine Greek
or common Greek (the language used by New Testament writers) the work for
blessed does not necessarily mean that one will be showered by God with certain
gifts/blessings. That is a Western reading of an ancient Greek text. When read
this way, one is guilty of reading their own understanding into Scripture
before understanding the original meaning of the text.
The Greek word μακάριος,
pronounced mä-kä'-rē-os, is what is translated to the English word “blessed.”
The ancients understood this word, in the context in which Jesus spoke, to mean
“happy,” or more literally “in your happy place.” Yes, even the ancients
sometimes had to go to their happy place. It also indicates a current state of
being with the “why” statement indicating a future state of being or indicating
a gift already received.
With this knowledge, let us revisit
Matthew 5:7. The New International Version translates the verse thusly: “Blessed
are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Using what we know of the word
μακάριος let us see how the ancient listeners understood it:
The merciful are in their happy
place, [why] because they know that in the future, likely on judgement day, they
too will be shown mercy from the Merciful One.
Notice Matthew 5:3 indicates a gift already given as we see
how the original audience understood the verse:
The poor in spirit[1]
are in their happy place, [why?] because the kingdom of heaven already belongs
to them.
We are not to expect some great
earthly reward for humility, mercy, etc. but our eternal reward for being
Christ-like is waiting for us in heaven above. The knowledge of a future
eternity in the presence of the Almighty God puts Christians in their happy
place. Keep this knowledge at the front of your mind as you go through your day
and you will find you will remain in your happy place as well. Let me hear your thoughts.
Many blessings,
Josh
Heavenly Father help us to act
and to love as Jesus loves us. Help us to be an example, the light of the world,
the city on a hill for all to see and let that light always shine for the
greater glory of your kingdom. Thank you, Father, that in our daily walk we can
remain in our own happy place both spiritually and emotionally knowing you are
guiding us on the path to Glory. We love you and thank you for the many blessings
you give us and for μακάριος. It is in the precious and holy name of Jesus that
we pray and give thanks today.
Amen
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[1]
For a better understanding of what it means to be “poor in spirit” see this
article, https://activechristianity.org/20-examples-of-what-it-means-to-be-poor-in-spirit
