Bible Strands
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus, seated on the mountain, begins teaching his disciples. This is the first of the beatitudes he pronounces.
The words — πτωχοί (ptōchoi) is the word for the beggar, the one who has nothing at all, not merely the one who is lacking. It marks total dependence, not relative poverty.
The thread — The same posture of humility and contrition appears in Proverbs 29:23 (a humble spirit obtains honor) and Psalms 34:18 (the LORD saves the contrite in spirit).
Why it lands — It claims the kingdom for those who see themselves as having nothing, not for those who have earned a place. The reader is asked to examine whether they recognize their own spiritual destitution or are still counting their assets.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.
- Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
- Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
- Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
- Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
- Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
- Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.
- James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
- Luke 6:20 Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.