Bible Chapter Summary
Matthew 5 Summary
The Sermon on the Mount -- Beatitudes and Kingdom Ethics
Jesus begins his most famous sermon with the Beatitudes, pronouncing blessing on the poor in spirit, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. He teaches that his followers are salt and light, and then raises the ethical bar beyond external law-keeping to matters of the heart, including anger, lust, honesty, love of enemies, and true righteousness.
Key themes
Key verses
Matthew 5:3-12
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Matthew 5:14-16
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 5:48
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
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