Matthew 5:6

Matthew 5:6 is one of the verses from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, and one of the eight Beatitudes delivered by Jesus to his disciples and a large crowd of followers. The verse specifically states: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Text

The original text was written in Koine Greek. This verse, as translated into English in the New International Version, reads:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Interpretation

In Matthew 5:6, the metaphor of hungering and thirsting expresses a strong desire, in this case, for "righteousness". Righteousness, within the context of the Beatitudes and the teachings of Jesus, encompasses justice, moral uprightness, and the condition of being in right relationship with God. The promise that "they will be filled" suggests that those who earnestly seek righteousness will be satisfied or rewarded by God.

This Beatitude, like the others, outlines the values of the Kingdom of Heaven, contrasting with worldly values. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual aspirations over physical or material desires. The verse has been interpreted to mean that true fulfillment and happiness come from striving for justice, peace, and ethical living in accordance with God's will.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:6 has been significant in Christian theology as it highlights the concept of divine justice and the Christian pursuit of ethical living. It reassures believers that their spiritual needs will be met by God, much as physical hunger and thirst are satisfied by food and water. This verse has also been influential in Christian social justice movements, inspiring believers to work towards a more just and righteous world.

See Also

• Beatitudes
• Sermon on the Mount
• Gospel of Matthew
• Christian ethics