The Beatitudes (Matthew 5)
Compare The Message® to any other translation and you’ll see just how much it speaks to the heart.
The Message |
NRSV |
|
Verse 3
|
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
|
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
|
|
Verse 4
|
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
|
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
|
|
Verse 5
|
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
|
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
|
|
Verse 6
|
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
|
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
|
|
Verse 7
|
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
|
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
|
|
Verse 8
|
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
|
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
|
|
Verse 9
|
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
|
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
|
|
Verse 10
|
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom."
|
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
|