Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:4 mean?

Matthew 5:4 describes people who are grieving as “blessed” because Jesus promises that they will receive comfort. Jesus places people experiencing deep sorrow among those who have reason to be called blessed, rather than treating their grief as a sign that they are beyond comfort.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples with crowds nearby, early in the Sermon on the Mount. After speaking of those who are “poor in spirit” in verse 3, Jesus turns to those who mourn. His words look beyond their present sorrow to a time when they “shall be comforted.”

The Greek behind Matthew 5:4

• “Blessed” — μακάριος (makarios): This word can describe someone as favored or fortunate. Here Jesus uses it for people who are grieving, so the word carries more than the idea of feeling cheerful.
• “mourn” — πενθέω (pentheō): This word describes grieving or expressing sorrow. It can be used for mourning a death, though Jesus does not name a particular cause of grief here.
• “comforted” — παρακαλέω (parakaleō): This word can carry the sense of giving comfort or encouragement. The form used here points to comfort being received, rather than something the mourners provide for themselves.

Why Matthew 5:4 matters

• Jesus connects the description “blessed” with a promise, not with the absence of sorrow. The word “for” gives the reason: “they shall be comforted.”
• The comfort lies ahead in the wording of the verse. “Shall be comforted” points forward from the mourning Jesus describes.
• Matthew places this saying among a series of statements beginning “Blessed.” The next verse calls “the meek” blessed, showing that Jesus continues to name people in circumstances or with qualities that might not immediately suggest advantage.