Matthew 5:4

Matthew 5:4 KJV: "Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

This profound declaration is the second of Jesus' Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced during His Sermon on the Mount. It presents a paradox that challenges conventional notions of happiness and reveals the counter-cultural values of God's Kingdom.

Context

Matthew 5:4 is situated within the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12), where Jesus describes the characteristics of those who are truly blessed in God's eyes. These are not conditions for salvation, but rather the spiritual attitudes and dispositions of those who are already part of His Kingdom. Following the blessing on the "poor in spirit," this verse introduces the unexpected idea that sorrow can be a pathway to divine favor.

Key Themes

• The Divine Paradox of Blessedness: Jesus flips the world's understanding of happiness. While the world seeks to avoid sorrow, Jesus declares that those who mourn are "blessed" (makarios), indicating a state of deep spiritual well-being and favor from God, independent of outward circumstances.
• The Nature of Mourning: This is not a blessing on all forms of sorrow. It encompasses several dimensions:
  • Mourning for Sin: A deep sorrow and repentance for one's own sin and the pervasive sinfulness of the world. This aligns with "godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
  • Mourning over Injustice and Brokenness: A heartfelt grief over the suffering, evil, and spiritual decay in the world, longing for God's righteousness to prevail.
  • Mourning through Personal Grief: While not exclusively about personal loss, the promise certainly extends to those who experience deep personal sorrow, knowing that God is intimately involved in their pain and will ultimately bring comfort.
• The Promise of Comfort: The assurance "for they shall be comforted" is central. This comfort comes from God Himself, often through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, who is called the Comforter or Helper (John 14:26). This comfort is both present (strength, peace, hope amidst sorrow) and future, culminating in the complete wiping away of tears in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:4).

Linguistic Insights

• "Blessed" (Greek: makarios - μακάριος): This term signifies more than just 'happy'; it denotes a state of profound well-being, divine favor, and spiritual prosperity. It's a blessing that comes from being in right relationship with God, regardless of outward circumstances.
• "Mourn" (Greek: pentheō - πενθέω): This is a strong word, implying deep, profound grief or lamentation. It's the kind of sorrow one experiences at a death or a profound tragedy. It suggests a sorrow that is not superficial but cuts to the heart, often indicative of a spiritual sensitivity to sin and suffering.
• "Comforted" (Greek: parakaleō - παρακαλέω): This verb means "to call alongside," "to encourage," "to console," or "to strengthen." It is the root for the Greek noun Paraclete, a title for the Holy Spirit. This highlights that the comfort promised is not merely a cessation of pain, but an active, empowering presence and intervention by God.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:4 offers immense encouragement and a call to spiritual depth:

• Embracing Godly Sorrow: It challenges believers to not shy away from sorrow, especially when it stems from a recognition of sin or a compassionate response to the world's brokenness. Such sorrow can lead to repentance, spiritual growth, and a deeper reliance on God.
• Hope Amidst Grief: For those experiencing personal grief or loss, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees their pain and promises ultimate comfort. It affirms that mourning, when brought before God, is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to experiencing His presence and solace.
• A Call to Compassion: Understanding this Beatitude also compels believers to be agents of comfort to others who mourn, reflecting God's compassionate heart in the world.