What does Matthew 5:4 mean?

Explanation

The verse, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted," is the second of the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

It expresses a paradoxical Christian value: that there is a blessedness or happiness in mourning.

The mourning referred to here is not solely grief over the loss of loved ones but also an expression of sorrow for personal sin and the sins of the world, along with suffering experienced by believers or those oppressed.

The comfort promised here is understood to come from God.

This comfort can be both a present inner peace provided by the Holy Spirit as well as the future ultimate consolation that will occur with the rectification of all things in God's kingdom.

Historical Context

This verse is situated at the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, widely considered one of the central teachings of Jesus and contained in chapters 5-7 of the Gospel of Matthew.

The Beatitudes, a collection of sayings of Jesus, open this sermon, likely delivered around the late 20s or early 30s A.D. in Galilee.

Israel at that time was under Roman occupation, and the people were experiencing both political and religious oppression.

The listeners of Jesus, mainly Jewish peasants, were familiar with suffering and longing for consolation and the coming of God's Kingdom.

Theological Insights

Theologically, different denominations interpret this Beatitude in various ways.

Traditional Roman Catholic doctrine often sees this mourning as part of the penitential aspect of Christian life, mourning for one’s sins and the state of the world because of sin.

Protestant interpretations often emphasize the personal relationship with God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit who consoles those in mourning.

Some Christian mystics view mourning as a necessary step towards spiritual growth, where one empties oneself of worldly attachments to be filled with the divine presence.

Liberation theology views the mourning as solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed, and the comfort as a call to work towards social justice.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching may be applied by developing empathy and compassion for those who suffer, cultivating a sincere and humble heart, and seeking to align oneself with the values of God's kingdom rather than the world’s.

It can also serve as encouragement for those in despair, as it promises divine comfort to those enduring hardship.

Moreover, it can encourage Christians to understand grief as a pathway to healing and growth rather than as a state to be shunned or feared.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 61:2 - "To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;"
• Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Language Study

The key Greek word used in Matthew 5:4 for "mourn" is "pentheo" (πενθέω), which often means to lament, wail, or grieve, particularly for one who has died. It can denote a profound, deep form of mourning rather than a mere feeling of sadness.

The Greek word for "comforted" in this verse is "parakaleo" (παρακαλέω), which includes the idea of calling to one's side to give aid, encouragement, or comfort.

The word "blessed" is translated from the Greek "makarios" (μακάριος), meaning fortunate or happy, but in a deep and lasting sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, such as Buddhism, there’s a recognition of suffering as an essential part of human existence and a path toward enlightenment.

Hindu traditions also speak to the importance of acknowledging one's sorrow as a step on the path to liberation.

Ancient Greek philosophy had similar concepts, with the actions of mourning being an integral part of human expression and the tragedies of Homer and Sophocles being filled with themes of grief and subsequent comfort or catharsis.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports the notion that mourning is a crucial process for emotional healing.

Rather than avoiding grief, expressing and processing mourning can lead to psychological growth and resilience.

Comfort, which might relate to social support and empathy, is shown to be a significant factor in helping individuals cope with loss and trauma, aligning with the verse's assurance of comfort for those who mourn.

commentaries

Commentators such as William Barclay suggest that this Beatitude speaks of the comfort that God gives to those who have the honesty and courage to recognize their own helplessness and complete dependence on God.

John Stott believes that the mourning here is primarily over sin, and the comfort comes from the forgiveness and consolation offered in Christ.

Similarly, D.A.

Carson notes that the kingdom of heaven is for those who mourn their spiritual bankruptcy.

In more progressive interpretations, like those of Jim Wallis, there's an emphasis on social mourning for the state of the oppressed in society, with the comfort being linked to actions for justice.