The Seriousness of the Kingdom
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now: for you shall laugh.


This is expressed in the same proverbial form as the two preceding beatitudes; and in proverbs, it is to be observed, that one example is selected to represent a class, or one feature to suggest a whole character. Thus, as weeping is generally accompanied with a serious frame of mind, or is the external symptom of sorrow, so it was probably employed to represent such a state (see Ecclesiastes 7:2, 3). Never did any teacher present religion to the world with an aspect so forbidding as it is done by our Saviour in this passage. The Jews expected that the reign of the Messiah would be distinguished by wealth, grandeur, and joy. Our Saviour, therefore, took an early opportunity of undeceiving them, by showing them that those who possessed few or none of the good things of this world were much better fitted to be subjects in that kingdom, and even to exercise authority, than those who were favoured in a high degree with opulence and plenty.

(J. Thomson, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

WEB: Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.




The Folly of Men Rebuked Who are All for Mirth
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