Historical source transcription

The Eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5,

and The Eight Woes of Matthew

23.

The eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5: 3-12 are best understood and interpreted by the eight contrasts, or " Woes " of 23: 13-33. The comparison shows that 5: 10-12 form one (the eighth) Beatitude, having one subject (persecution) corresponding with the eighth Woe of 23: 29-33. They may be thus set out:-

" T HE B EATITUDES " (Matthew 5: 3-12 ).

1. The kingdom opened to the poor (verse 3 ). 2. Comfort for mourners (verse 4 ). 3. The meek inheriting the earth (verse 5 ). 4. True righteousness sought by true desire (verse 6 ). 5. The merciful obtaining mercy (verse 7 ). 6. Purity within, and the vision of God hereafter (verse 8 ). 7. Peacemakers, the sons of God ( 9 ). 8. The persecuted (verses 10,12 ).

" T HE W OES " (Matthew 23: 13-33 ).

1. The kingdom shut (verse 3 ). 2. Mourners distressed (verse 14 ). 3. Fanatics compassing the earth (verse 15 ). 4. False righteousness sought by casuistry (verses 16-22 ). 5. Mercy " mercy " and " left undone " (verses 23,24 ). 6. Purity without, uncleanness within. " Blindness " (verses 25,26 ). 7. Hypocrites, and lawless (verses 27,28 ). 8. The persecutors (verses 29-33 ).

Besides these eight contrasts there is an internal correspondence of the principal thoughts, suggested by the combined series, and forming the Structure given in the note on Matthew 5: 3,4. It may be further noted that these Beatitudes rest on special passages in the Psalms: Matthew 5: 3 (Psalm 40: 17 ); 5: 4 (Psalm 119: 136 ); 5: 5 (Psalm 37: 11 ); 5: 6 (Psalm 42: 1,2 ); 5: 7 (Psalm 41: 1 ); 5: 8 (Psalm 24: 4; 73: 1 ); 5: 9 (Psalm 133: 1 ); 5: 10 (Psalms 37; 39; 40).