Matthew 5:7

KJV

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} are the merciful {G1655}: for {G3754} they {G846} shall obtain mercy {G1653}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How blessed are those who show mercy! for they will be shown mercy.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

American Standard Version

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:7, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, pronounces a profound blessing upon those who embody mercy. This Beatitude reveals a core principle of the Kingdom of God, asserting that active compassion and forgiveness towards others are not merely virtuous acts, but fundamental dispositions that lead to the reception of divine mercy. It underscores a spiritual reciprocity, where the character of God, demonstrated through His boundless compassion, is reflected and rewarded in the lives of His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the fifth of the nine Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which serve as the foundational preamble to Jesus' most extensive recorded sermon. Delivered to a multitude on a mountainside, these declarations outline the radical, counter-cultural character and dispositions of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. The Beatitudes are not a list of disconnected virtues but build upon one another, suggesting a progression. The "merciful" heart is often cultivated in those who have recognized their spiritual poverty, mourned over sin, embraced meekness, and hungered for righteousness, as described in the preceding Beatitudes. This cumulative effect emphasizes that true blessedness stems from an internal transformation that naturally extends outward in acts of compassion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience consisted primarily of Jews living under Roman occupation, many of whom were steeped in the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders. There was a prevailing emphasis on external obedience, legalistic interpretations, and a desire for a Messiah who would bring political liberation and judgment upon their oppressors. In this context, Jesus' teaching on mercy stood in stark contrast to the "eye for an eye" mentality (though that was a legal principle, not a call for personal vengeance) and the rigid social hierarchies of the day. His call to mercy challenged the prevailing notions of justice and righteousness, urging a return to the heart of the Law and the Prophets, which often emphasized compassion for the vulnerable and forgiveness. The concept of divine mercy was deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is frequently described as "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The Lord, a Merciful God"). Jesus re-emphasizes this divine attribute as a quality to be emulated by His followers.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Reciprocity**, a principle that those who extend mercy will, in turn, receive it. This is not a transactional quid pro quo but a reflection of God's character and the natural consequence of a transformed heart. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Active Compassion**, distinguishing mercy not merely as a feeling of pity but as a benevolent response to the needs or failings of others, encompassing forgiveness, forbearance, and practical help. This aligns with Jesus' later teachings on loving one's neighbor and even enemies, as seen in [Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love for Enemies"). Thirdly, to be merciful is to **Reflect God's Character**, echoing the Old Testament portrayal of God as merciful and gracious (e.g., [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful")). Finally, the Beatitude underscores that mercy is a **Path to Blessing**, indicating that this quality leads to true spiritual well-being and favor from God, culminating in the ultimate reception of divine compassion and forgiveness, particularly in the day of judgment, as well as experiencing God's favor in this life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From a prolonged form of the poetical (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off. This term signifies a state of deep, inner well-being and favor from God, independent of external circumstances. It describes the spiritual flourishing and divine approval experienced by those who embody the qualities Jesus describes.
* **merciful (Greek, _eleḗmōn'_):** From ἐλεέω; compassionate (actively). This word denotes not just a feeling of pity or sympathy, but an active, benevolent disposition that leads to practical acts of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. It implies a willingness to alleviate suffering, show clemency, and extend grace to those in need or those who have wronged us.
* **obtain mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** From ἔλεος; to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace):--have compassion (pity on), have (obtain, receive, shew) mercy (on). This verb, used in the passive voice ("shall obtain mercy"), indicates that the mercy received is ultimately from God. It signifies the divine response to human mercy, encompassing forgiveness, grace, and compassion, particularly in the context of salvation and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed are the merciful:"** This initial clause declares a state of profound spiritual happiness and divine favor upon those who actively practice mercy. It sets forth a characteristic that God Himself values and rewards. The "merciful" are not merely those who feel pity, but those whose pity translates into compassionate action and forgiveness towards others, especially the vulnerable, the suffering, or those who have erred.
* **"for they shall obtain mercy."** This second clause provides the reason or consequence for the blessing. The mercy extended by individuals will be reciprocated, primarily by God Himself. This promise encompasses both the forgiveness and grace received from God in this life and, crucially, the favorable judgment and ultimate salvation extended by God in the eschatological sense. It highlights a divine principle of sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm, where our treatment of others reflects our understanding and reception of God's own mercy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The primary device is the **Beatitude** itself, a form of blessing or declaration of happiness that characterizes the recipients of divine favor. Jesus uses this structure throughout [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes") to articulate the counter-cultural values of His Kingdom. The verse also exhibits a clear **Parallelism** in its structure, where the second clause ("for they shall obtain mercy") directly corresponds to and explains the first ("Blessed are the merciful"). This creates a sense of balance and reinforces the direct correlation between giving and receiving mercy. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of **Divine Reciprocity**, implying that the character of God is reflected in His people, and He, in turn, responds to that reflection. This is not a transactional exchange but a profound spiritual principle where the merciful heart aligns with God's own nature, inviting His compassionate response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:7 encapsulates a fundamental theological principle: that God's character of mercy is to be emulated by His people, and that this emulation is met with divine favor. It underscores that true righteousness is not merely adherence to external laws but a transformation of the heart that expresses itself in active compassion. This verse ties into the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for His people to reflect His attributes to the world. The call to mercy is a call to participate in God's redemptive work, extending grace as He has extended it to us. It challenges believers to move beyond self-interest and legalism, embracing a posture of generous forgiveness and active benevolence, knowing that their capacity to show mercy is itself a gift from God.

* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")
* [Luke 6:36](/luke/6-36 "Luke 6:36 - Be Merciful, Just as Your Father Is Merciful")
* [Colossians 3:12-13](/colossians/3-12-13 "Colossians 3:12-13 - Clothe Yourselves with Compassion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:7 calls us to a profound transformation of character, urging us to cultivate a heart that actively seeks to alleviate suffering, forgive offenses, and extend grace, just as God has done for us. This isn't a passive sentiment but an active, benevolent posture toward all people, especially those in need or those who have wronged us. In a world often characterized by judgment, retribution, and self-preservation, Jesus' call to mercy stands as a radical counter-cultural imperative. It challenges us to look beyond our own hurts and perceived injustices, to see others through the lens of compassion, and to respond with kindness and understanding. Embracing this Beatitude means intentionally practicing forgiveness, offering practical help to the vulnerable, and showing patience and forbearance even when it is difficult. It reminds us that our capacity to receive God's boundless mercy is often intimately tied to our willingness to extend it to others, fostering a cycle of grace that transforms both the giver and the receiver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I actively demonstrate mercy in my daily interactions, rather than just feeling pity?**
* **How does my willingness to forgive others reflect my understanding and appreciation of God's mercy towards me?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I am withholding mercy, and what steps can I take to cultivate a more compassionate heart in those areas?**

### FAQ
**What does "merciful" truly mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In Matthew 5:7, "merciful" (Greek: _eleḗmōn_) signifies more than just a feeling of pity or sympathy. It denotes an active, compassionate disposition that leads to tangible deeds of kindness, forgiveness, and practical help for those in need or those who have wronged us. It implies a willingness to alleviate suffering, show clemency, and extend grace. This active mercy reflects the very character of God, who is described throughout Scripture as "abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The Lord, a Merciful God"). It's about embodying God's compassion in our interactions with others.

**Does "they shall obtain mercy" imply a transactional relationship with God?**

Answer: No, this phrase does not imply a transactional "work-for-reward" relationship with God. Instead, it highlights a profound spiritual principle of divine reciprocity and the natural outflow of a transformed heart. Those who genuinely embody mercy do so because they have first received God's mercy and are reflecting His character. The mercy they "obtain" is both the ongoing experience of God's grace and forgiveness in their lives, and the assurance of His favorable judgment in the future. It underscores that a merciful heart is aligned with God's own nature, and therefore, experiences His continued compassion. As [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You") suggests, the measure we use for others will be measured back to us, not as a payment, but as a consequence of our spiritual posture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the perfect embodiment of mercy, not only in His teachings but in His very life and redemptive work. Jesus consistently demonstrated active compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and forgiving sinners, even those who crucified Him [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners"). His entire ministry was an outpouring of divine mercy, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, which is the supreme act of God's mercy towards humanity, allowing us to "obtain mercy" and forgiveness for our sins [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated"). We, who were once "dead in trespasses and sins," have been made alive "because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved" [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy"). Therefore, to be merciful is to reflect the very character of Christ, to participate in His redemptive mission, and to live out the new nature we have received through Him. Our capacity to show mercy is a direct result of the mercy we have received from the Lord Jesus, empowering us to be channels of His compassion to a world in desperate need of grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Matthew 6:14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

2 Samuel 22:26

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, [and] with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.

Matthew 18:33

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 18:35

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.