· Bible dictionary
Beatitudes
The eight "blessed are" statements that open the Sermon on the Mount — Jesus' surprising portrait of who is happy in the kingdom of God.
The word means "blessings." Each beatitude turns the world's value system upside down: the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness.
They are not entrance requirements but kingdom realities — Jesus is describing the character of his people.
They culminate in being persecuted for righteousness' sake, the same blessing as the prophets carried.
Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.