Beatitudes are the account of 'eight blessedness' preached by Jesus Christ on 'Sermon on the Mount', as recorded in Book of Matthew 5:3-12. Luke also mentions similar list of beatitudes in Luke 6:20-23. This article is an overview of the meaning and list of Beatitudes in the Bible.

Meaning of Beatitudes:

The word 'beatitude' means 'being blessed or happy'. The word has its origin from a Latin word 'Beatus', which means 'state of happiness'. It is interesting that the word 'Beatitude' is not found in the English bible.

List of Beatitudes:

As of in Matthew 5:3-12:

• Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
• for they will be filled.
• Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

As of In Luke 6:20-23:

• Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
• Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
• Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
• Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

There are some minor differences in both these accounts. Scholars have debated, weather it is the different records of same sermon, or they are separate sermons preached by Jesus. Whatever the case may be, the underlining theme of these beatitudes remains the same.

Beatitudes are the great paradox to the worldly notion of happiness. Jesus would have shocked his audience (as He continues to do so) by claiming these blessedness to those whom we often consider the unfortunate, poor and downtrodden of the world. But, those are the people who are recipients of the heavenly blessings. Philip Yancy has put the meaning of beatitudes in this way, "Fortunate are the Unfortunates!" Their reward however, is not earthly, but it is the inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. Its focus is on the Kingdom of God, and not on the worldly kingdom.

Beatitudes are one of the most widely known bible passages, not only among the Christians, but also among many other religions. Mahatma Gandhi spoke highly of the beatitudes, and was deeply influenced by its depth! If you have not read or studied beatitudes, its a great time to learn and dig deeper into riches and treasures of God's Kingdom.