Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Study Bible

Blessed
The Greek word used here is "makarios," which conveys a sense of divine favor and happiness. In the context of the Beatitudes, "blessed" refers to a state of spiritual well-being and prosperity that comes from a right relationship with God. This blessing is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated joy and contentment that comes from being in God's presence and under His care.

are those who mourn
The Greek word for "mourn" is "pentheo," which means to experience deep grief or sorrow. This mourning is not just any sadness but a profound lamentation over sin and the brokenness of the world. Historically, mourning in Jewish culture involved wearing sackcloth, ashes, and fasting, signifying repentance and humility before God. In a spiritual sense, this mourning reflects a heart that is sensitive to sin and its consequences, both personally and in the broader world.

for they will be comforted
The promise of comfort is rooted in the Greek word "parakaleo," which means to call to one's side, to encourage, or to console. This comfort is not merely a temporary relief from sorrow but a profound assurance of God's presence and the hope of redemption. Scripturally, this comfort is often associated with the Holy Spirit, referred to as the "Comforter" or "Helper" in John 14:16. The comfort promised here is both present and future, as believers experience God's peace now and look forward to the ultimate comfort in His eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of the Beatitudes, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which includes Matthew 5:4. Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd gathered to hear His teachings.

2. The Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, representing those who are committed to following Him and learning from His teachings.

3. The Crowd
A larger group of people from various regions who have gathered to hear Jesus' teachings, representing a diverse audience with different backgrounds and needs.

4. The Mount
The location where Jesus delivers the Sermon, traditionally identified as a hill near the Sea of Galilee, symbolizing a place of revelation and teaching.

5. The Kingdom of Heaven
The overarching theme of the Sermon on the Mount, representing the spiritual realm where God's will is perfectly fulfilled, and the ultimate comfort for those who mourn.

Teaching Points

Understanding Mourning
Mourning in this context refers to a deep sorrow over sin and the brokenness of the world. It is a recognition of our need for God's grace and redemption.

Promise of Comfort
The comfort promised by Jesus is both present and future. It includes the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit now and the ultimate comfort in eternity with God.

Spiritual Growth through Mourning
Mourning can lead to spiritual growth as it drives us to seek God more earnestly and depend on His strength and comfort.

Empathy and Ministry
As recipients of God's comfort, we are called to empathize with others in their mourning and be instruments of God's comfort to them.

Hope in Christ
Our mourning is not without hope. In Christ, we have the assurance of comfort and restoration, both now and in the life to come.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to mourn in the context of Matthew 5:4, and how does this differ from worldly sorrow?

2. How can we experience God's comfort in our lives today, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?

3. In what ways can mourning over sin lead to a deeper relationship with God and spiritual growth?

4. How can we be a source of comfort to others who are mourning, and what practical steps can we take to minister to them?

5. How does the promise of future comfort in Revelation 21:4 provide hope and encouragement in our present circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 61:1-3
This passage speaks of the Messiah's mission to comfort those who mourn, highlighting the prophetic fulfillment in Jesus' ministry.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Paul speaks of God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," who comforts us in our troubles, allowing us to comfort others.

Revelation 21:4
This verse describes the ultimate comfort in the new heaven and new earth, where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more mourning.