Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed {G3107} are they which {G3588} do hunger {G3983} and {G2532} thirst {G1372} after righteousness {G1343}: for {G3754} they {G846} shall be filled {G5526}.
"How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness! for they will be filled.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
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John 4:14
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. -
Psalms 107:9
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. -
John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. -
John 6:48
I am that bread of life. -
John 6:58
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. -
Isaiah 55:1
¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. -
Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.
Matthew 5:6 (KJV)
‹Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.›
Commentary
This verse is part of the Beatitudes, found at the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). In this section, Jesus describes the characteristics and corresponding blessings for those who are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Sermon on the Mount outlines the ethical and spiritual standards of kingdom life.
The imagery of "hunger and thirst" speaks of intense, fundamental human needs. Just as physical hunger and thirst are essential for survival, Jesus uses these powerful metaphors to describe a deep, urgent, and life-sustaining longing for righteousness. This righteousness (Greek: dikaiosynēn) refers not just to moral uprightness, but also to a right relationship with God and others, living in conformity to God's will, and potentially receiving God's own imputed righteousness.
To "hunger and thirst after righteousness" means more than a casual interest; it is a desperate, consuming desire for spiritual purity, holiness, justice, and a right standing before God. It implies a recognition of one's own spiritual poverty and a yearning for something only God can provide.
The promise is clear: "they shall be filled." This filling (Greek: chortasthēsontai, meaning to be satisfied, nourished, or completely filled up) is spiritual satisfaction. It can encompass several aspects: receiving forgiveness and righteousness from God (justification), experiencing the presence and fullness of the Holy Spirit, growing in personal holiness (sanctification), seeing God's justice prevail, and ultimately, finding complete satisfaction in God's presence in the age to come.
This beatitude challenges us to examine our deepest desires. What do we truly crave? Jesus promises that those whose ultimate longing is for God and His righteousness will not be left empty, but will be profoundly satisfied by God Himself.