Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
ECUMENICAL 1ST CENTURY AD
The Beatitudes
Also known as The Beatitudes as Prayer ยท Blessed Are
Other forms
Luke's form (shorter, four beatitudes)
Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you shall be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you
and when they exclude you and revile you
and spurn your name as evil,
on account of the Son of Man.
About this prayer
The Beatitudes are the opening statements of the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew's Gospel (5:3-12) and in a shorter form in Luke's Gospel (6:20-23). The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin "beatus," meaning blessed or happy. Jesus delivers eight declarations of blessing, each addressed to a different group: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness. Each declaration pairs a present condition with a promised outcome. The Beatitudes function both as a description of the character of those in God's kingdom and as a reversal of common assumptions about who is honored and who is not. They are used as a reading, a meditation, and a responsive prayer across traditions.
When it's said
In Orthodox Divine Liturgy, a liturgical adaptation of the Beatitudes is sung during the Little Entrance, the procession of the Gospel book. In Catholic and Protestant practice, the Beatitudes are read as a Scripture passage rather than as a fixed liturgical prayer, though they appear in lectionary readings throughout the year. They are commonly used in funeral services, where the promise of comfort to those who mourn is especially apt. Many Christians use them as a daily meditation or reading.
Notes on the text
Matthew's version (5:3-12) has eight beatitudes addressed in the third person. Luke's version (6:20-23) has four beatitudes addressed directly to the disciples in the second person, and is paired with four corresponding woes not present in Matthew. Matthew's "poor in spirit" becomes simply "poor" in Luke. The Matthew version is the one used in liturgical practice across traditions.
Common questions
What are the Beatitudes?
The Beatitudes are the opening declarations of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Each begins 'Blessed are...' and identifies a category of people (the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and others) and the blessing they will receive. The word 'beatitude' comes from the Latin 'beatus,' meaning 'blessed.'
Are the Beatitudes in both Matthew and Luke?
Yes, but in slightly different forms. Matthew 5:3-12 contains eight or nine Beatitudes depending on how they are counted, in the Sermon on the Mount. Luke 6:20-23 contains four Beatitudes (plus four corresponding 'woes' in verses 24-26), in the Sermon on the Plain. The Matthew form is more widely known and used liturgically; the Luke form is shorter and more direct. Both reflect the same teaching but with different emphases.
Are the Beatitudes a prayer or teaching?
Strictly they are teaching, not a prayer addressed to God. But the Beatitudes are widely used as a prayer or meditation text in the Christian tradition, particularly in Eastern Orthodox worship, where they are sung as part of the Divine Liturgy. In Catholic and Anglican use they are often read at the beginning of the third hour of the Liturgy of the Hours or as a Gospel reading at the start of a liturgical season. Many Christians use them as a daily personal meditation.
Source
Matthew 5:3-12 (New Testament). English text from the English Standard Version (ESV), 2001. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.