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Matthew 5:12

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Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Rejoice {G5463}, and {G2532} be exceeding glad {G21}: for {G3754} great {G4183} is your {G5216} reward {G3408} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: for {G1063} so {G3779} persecuted they {G1377} the prophets {G4396} which {G3588} were before {G4253} you {G5216}.

Rejoice, be glad, because your reward in heaven is great -- they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

Commentary

Matthew 5:12 is a powerful culmination of the Beatitudes, found within Jesus' pivotal Sermon on the Mount. This verse calls believers to an extraordinary response in the face of adversity, offering a profound spiritual perspective on suffering for righteousness.

Context

This verse directly follows Matthew 5:10-11, which declare blessings upon those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake and for Christ's name. It serves as a climactic exhortation within the section of the Beatitudes that describes the character and ultimate destiny of true disciples. Jesus is speaking to His disciples and a large crowd, outlining the counter-cultural values of God's Kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Joy in Persecution: The command to "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad" is a radical call to find deep joy even amidst suffering and opposition for one's faith. This is not a superficial happiness but a profound spiritual joy rooted in divine assurance. The Greek word for "rejoice" (chairō) means to be cheerful or calmly happy, while "be exceeding glad" (agalliaō) implies to leap for joy or exult with great delight. This points to an inner spiritual exuberance that transcends external circumstances.
  • Heavenly Reward: The promise "for great is your reward in heaven" provides the ultimate motivation for such joy. It underscores the eternal perspective of the Kingdom of God, where earthly suffering for Christ's sake is directly linked to an immeasurable, lasting recompense. This contrasts sharply with any temporary discomfort or loss experienced on earth, shifting the focus to eternal value. A parallel thought is found in Luke 6:23.
  • Prophetic Legacy: The phrase "for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" connects the suffering of Jesus' disciples to a long and venerable lineage of God's messengers. Throughout Old Testament history, prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Isaiah often faced rejection, ridicule, and violence for delivering God's truth. This alignment with the prophets validates the disciples' experience, assuring them that their suffering is not arbitrary but part of a divine pattern and a noble calling. The early church understood this well, as seen in the apostles' reaction after being flogged for Christ's name in Acts 5:41.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:12 profoundly challenges believers to evaluate their response to adversity. It teaches that suffering for Christ's name is not a sign of God's displeasure but often a confirmation of true discipleship and a pathway to great spiritual reward. Instead of shrinking from opposition, believers are called to embrace it with joy, knowing their ultimate reward and vindication await them in heaven. This verse encourages a steadfast, joyful endurance, reminding us that our identity and destiny are rooted in Christ, not in the fleeting opinions or actions of the world.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 6:23 (37 votes)

    Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

  • James 1:2 (28 votes)

    ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

  • Colossians 3:24 (26 votes)

    Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

  • 1 Peter 4:13 (24 votes)

    But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

  • Colossians 1:24 (18 votes)

    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

  • Romans 5:3 (15 votes)

    And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

  • Ruth 2:12 (15 votes)

    The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.