Matthew 5:5
What is written? (ESV)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
What does it say?
Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
What is its immediate context?
Jesus’ sermon on the mount (chap 5-7) recorded by Matthew and Luke. Between the two accounts, it was apparently preached several times and earlier in his public ministry. This verse is part of what’s commonly called “the beatitudes” where he outlines the characteristics of a citizen of God’s spiritual kingdom. Each verse highlights a particular trait with a corresponding reward and should be understood altogether or cumulatively. This “beatitude” in particular emphasizes being meek and speaks to a reward of inheriting the “earth” (e.g. land), something the 1st century Jew would be acutely aware of from the Promised Land in the Old Testament.
How Matthew 5:5 is applied across Bible answers
Is socialism in the Bible?
Jesus' message is a spiritual one, announcing the kingdom of God in the early days of his ministry. "Inherit the earth/land" spiritually applied is the inheritance of heaven promised to all the faithful who obey until the end.
