Matthew 5:9

KJV

Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} are the peacemakers {G1518}: for {G3754} they {G846} shall be called {G2564} the children {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

American Standard Version

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:9, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and specifically one of the Beatitudes, unveils a profound aspect of godly character and its divine reward. This verse pronounces a blessing upon those who actively work to establish peace, promising them the unique and intimate status of being called "the children of God," thereby highlighting a deep resemblance to God's own character and a participation in His reconciling mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This Beatitude is strategically placed within a series of counter-cultural blessings that Jesus delivers to a multitude of disciples and curious crowds. Following declarations that bless the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the blessing on peacemakers shifts the focus from an internal disposition to an active, outward expression of a transformed life. It underscores that true blessedness, or divine favor, is found not in worldly power or comfort, but in embodying virtues that reflect God's nature. This progression from inner spiritual posture to active engagement in the world culminates in the call to be persecuted for righteousness' sake, framing peacemaking as a challenging yet divinely affirmed endeavor within the framework of the [kingdom of heaven](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Kingdom of Heaven").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a land rife with conflict and division. Under Roman occupation, tensions simmered between various Jewish factions—Zealots advocating for armed rebellion, Pharisees striving for strict adherence to the Law, Sadducees cooperating with Roman rule, and Essenes retreating from society. The prevailing expectation for a Messiah often involved a military leader who would overthrow oppressors and establish a political kingdom. Against this backdrop of social, political, and religious fragmentation, Jesus' emphasis on "peacemaking" was revolutionary. It challenged the common understanding of power and success, redirecting His audience towards a divine, rather than human, means of achieving true peace, or *shalom*, which encompasses holistic well-being, justice, and harmony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Active Peacemaking**, distinguishing between mere passive avoidance of conflict and the intentional, often costly, work of reconciliation and harmony. This active pursuit mirrors God's own initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself through Christ, as seen in passages like [2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation"). Secondly, the promise of **Divine Sonship** ("children of God") signifies more than a mere title; it implies a deep, familial resemblance to God's character. Just as a child reflects the parent, peacemakers reflect the nature of God, who is Himself the ultimate Peacemaker, sending His Son to establish peace between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood")). Finally, the verse implicitly defines the **Nature of True Peace**. It is not merely the absence of strife but the comprehensive, holistic well-being (*shalom*) that encompasses right relationships with God, self, others, and creation, a theme foundational to the [Old Testament prophets](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From a poetical form, this word signifies being "supremely blest," "fortunate," or "well off." It describes a state of profound divine favor and inner contentment that is independent of external circumstances, a spiritual prosperity bestowed by God. It is the opposite of worldly happiness, often found in paradoxically difficult situations.
* **Peacemakers (Greek, _eirēnopoiós'_):** Derived from *eirēnē* (peace) and *poiéō* (to make or do), this compound word denotes someone who actively produces, creates, or establishes peace. It implies an intentional, deliberate, and often challenging effort to resolve conflict, reconcile broken relationships, and foster harmony, rather than simply desiring peace or avoiding strife.
* **Called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This word means "to call," often aloud, and is used in a variety of applications. In this context, "they shall be called" signifies not merely a designation or title, but a true and recognized status or identity. To be "called the children of God" means they genuinely are, and are recognized as, God's children, reflecting His nature.
* **Children of God (Greek, _huiós theós'_):** *Huiós* means "son" and is used broadly for kinship, while *theós* refers to the supreme Divinity. This phrase denotes a profound spiritual adoption and familial relationship with God. It implies sharing in God's character and mission, particularly His work of reconciliation and peace, underscoring a deep resemblance to the divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed are the peacemakers":** This opening clause pronounces divine favor and spiritual well-being upon those who actively engage in the work of peacemaking. It is not a passive state of being peaceful, but an active, intentional, and often difficult endeavor to bring about harmony, reconciliation, and holistic well-being (shalom) in a fractured world. This blessing is a declaration of God's approval and the inherent spiritual reward for such action.
* **"for they shall be called the children of God.":** This clause provides the profound reason and ultimate reward for peacemaking. To be "called the children of God" signifies a deep, familial relationship and an intimate identity with God Himself. It means that peacemakers reflect God's very nature and character, as God is the ultimate Peacemaker who initiated reconciliation with humanity through Christ. This status implies not only divine favor but also a participation in God's ongoing work of restoring harmony and wholeness to creation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:9 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Beatitude** form itself, a declaration of blessing or happiness upon a specific group, which is characteristic of [Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes"). This structure immediately elevates the described quality to a divinely favored status. There is also a subtle **Paradox** at play; in a world that often values strength, conflict, and self-assertion, Jesus blesses those who actively seek peace, a quality often perceived as weakness. The promise "they shall be called the children of God" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, establishing a profound familial relationship between the peacemaker and God. This is not merely a title, but an ontological reality—peacemakers embody God's character, reflecting His nature as the ultimate reconciler. The phrase also suggests **Divine Recognition**, implying that God Himself acknowledges and affirms their identity as His own.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:9 stands as a testament to God's own character as the ultimate Peacemaker and calls His followers to embody this divine attribute. Theologically, it connects the active pursuit of peace with the very essence of God, who, through Christ, initiated the greatest act of reconciliation by bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This verse elevates peacemaking from a mere social skill to a spiritual calling, demonstrating that those who strive for harmony and reconciliation are participating in God's redemptive work in the world. It underscores that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of holistic well-being, justice, and right relationships, reflecting the biblical concept of *shalom*. To be a child of God, then, is to bear the family likeness of a God who actively seeks to reconcile and restore.

* [2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")
* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
To be a peacemaker in today's often polarized and contentious world requires profound intentionality, courage, and a deep reliance on divine wisdom. This blessing challenges believers to move beyond passive avoidance of conflict and to actively engage in the demanding work of reconciliation, whether in personal relationships, within communities, or on a broader societal scale. It calls us to be agents of healing where there is hurt, bridges where there are divides, and voices of understanding where there is discord. This involves listening empathetically, speaking truth in love, mediating disputes, forgiving offenses, and actively seeking common ground, even when it is difficult. Ultimately, living as a peacemaker means embodying the very character of God, who, through Christ, reconciled the world to Himself, inviting us to participate in His ongoing mission of restoration and harmony.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific relationships or contexts in your life are you called to be an active peacemaker, rather than merely avoiding conflict?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to initiate reconciliation or foster harmony in a challenging situation?**
* **How does understanding God as the ultimate Peacemaker inform your own efforts to bring peace?**
* **What fears or obstacles might prevent you from being a more courageous peacemaker, and how can you overcome them?**

### FAQ

**What does it truly mean to be a "peacemaker" according to this verse?**

Answer: Being a "peacemaker" (Greek: *eirēnopoiós*) is not merely about being peaceable or avoiding conflict. It signifies someone who actively "makes" or "creates" peace. This involves intentional effort to resolve disputes, reconcile broken relationships, mediate between conflicting parties, and foster environments of harmony and understanding. It's a proactive, often challenging, endeavor to bring about *shalom*—a holistic well-being that encompasses justice, wholeness, and right relationships—rather than simply a passive desire for calm.

**How does "being called the children of God" relate to peacemaking?**

Answer: The promise "they shall be called the children of God" implies a deep, familial resemblance and identity. Just as children bear the likeness of their parents, peacemakers reflect the very character of God. God Himself is the ultimate Peacemaker, who initiated reconciliation with humanity through [Jesus Christ](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood"). Therefore, to be called His children means that peacemakers are recognized as embodying His nature and participating in His divine mission of bringing harmony and restoration to a fragmented world. It's a statement of both identity and purpose.

**Is the peace Jesus speaks of only internal, or does it extend to external relationships and societal issues?**

Answer: The peace Jesus speaks of is comprehensive, encompassing both internal and external dimensions. While it certainly includes an inner tranquility and spiritual wholeness that comes from reconciliation with God, the active nature of "peacemaking" inherently implies engagement with external relationships and societal issues. It calls believers to work for harmony in their homes, communities, and even the broader world, addressing divisions and seeking justice. This holistic understanding of peace aligns with the Hebrew concept of *shalom*, which signifies well-being in all aspects of life—spiritual, social, and physical, as seen in the prophetic vision of a world at peace in [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the quintessential Peacemaker. He is the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace") prophesied in the Old Testament, whose entire ministry was dedicated to reconciling humanity to God and to one another. Through His life, teachings, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the supreme act of peacemaking, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He did not merely advocate for peace; He embodied it and secured it through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Makes Peace Through His Blood")). As followers of Christ, believers are called to participate in His ongoing ministry of reconciliation, becoming agents of His peace in a world still yearning for true *shalom*, thereby demonstrating their identity as "children of God" by reflecting the very nature of their divine Father and the saving work of their Lord.

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

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Psalms 120:6

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.