Matthew 5:6
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled--"shall be saturated." "From this verse," says THOLUCK, "the reference to the Old Testament background ceases." Surprising! On the contrary, none of these beatitudes is more manifestly dug out of the rich mine of the Old Testament. Indeed, how could any one who found in the Old Testament "the poor in spirit," and "the mourners in Zion," doubt that he would also find those same characters also craving that righteousness which they feel and mourn their want of? But what is the precise meaning of "righteousness" here? Lutheran expositors, and some of our own, seem to have a hankering after that more restricted sense of the term in which it is used with reference to the sinner's justification before God. (See Jer 23:6; Isa 45:24; Rom 4:6; Co2 5:21). But, in so comprehensive a saying as this, it is clearly to be taken--as in Mat 5:10 also--in a much wider sense, as denoting that spiritual and entire conformity to the law of God, under the want of which the saints groan, and the possession of which constitutes the only true saintship. The Old Testament dwells much on this righteousness, as that which alone God regards with approbation (Psa 11:7; Psa 23:3; Psa 106:3; Pro 12:28; Pro 16:31; Isa 64:5, &c.). As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, our Lord, by employing this figure here, plainly means "those whose deepest cravings are after spiritual blessings." And in the Old Testament we find this craving variously expressed: "Hearken unto Me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord" (Isa 51:1); "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord," exclaimed dying Jacob (Gen 49:18); "My soul," says the sweet Psalmist, "breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at all times" (Psa 119:20): and in similar breathings does he give vent to his deepest longings in that and other Psalms. Well, our Lord just takes up here--this blessed frame of mind, representing it as--the surest pledge of the coveted supplies, as it is the best preparative, and indeed itself the beginning of them. "They shall be saturated," He says; they shall not only have what they so highly value and long to possess, but they shall have their fill of it. Not here, however. Even in the Old Testament this was well understood. "Deliver me," says the Psalmist, in language which, beyond all doubt, stretches beyond the present scene, "from men of the world, which have their portion in this life: as for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" (Psa 17:13-15). The foregoing beatitudes--the first four--represent the saints rather as conscious of their need of salvation, and acting suitably to that character, than as possessed of it. The next three are of a different kind--representing the saints as having now found salvation, and conducting themselves accordingly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst,.... Not after the riches, honours, and pleasures of this world, but after righteousness; by which is meant, not justice and equity, as persons oppressed and injured; nor a moral, legal righteousness, which the generality of the Jewish nation were eagerly pursuing; but the justifying righteousness of Christ, which is imputed by God the Father, and received by faith. To "hunger and thirst" after this, supposes a want of righteousness, which is the case of all men; a sense of want of it, which is only perceived by persons spiritually enlightened; a discovery of the righteousness of Christ to them, which is made in the Gospel, and by the Spirit of God; a value for it, and a preference of it to all other righteousness; and an earnest desire after it, to be possessed of it, and found in it; and that nothing can be more grateful than that, because of its perfection, purity, suitableness, and use: happy souls are these, for they shall be filled: with that righteousness, and with all other good things, in consequence of it; and particularly with joy and peace, which are the certain effects of it: or, "they shall be satisfied", that they have an interest in it; and so satisfied with it, that they shall never seek for any other righteousness, as a justifying one, in the sight of God; this being full, perfect, sufficient, and entirely complete.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:6 those who hunger and thirst for justice (or for righteousness): This refers either to the follower of Jesus whose driving purpose in life is to obey the Lord (cp. 3:15; 5:10, 20) or to the disciple’s desire to see justice for all people (Pss 11:7; 85:10-12; Isa 11:1-4; Jer 23:5-6; 33:16). One with such a longing often prays, “May your will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10). • Christ has brought justice and righteousness (Rom 3:21-22; 5:1); the disciples will be satisfied with it (cp. Pss 42:1-2; 63:1-2).
Matthew 5:6
The Beatitudes
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Beginning of Miracles - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman9.7K29:08MiraclesMAT 5:6MAT 6:33MAT 28:6JHN 20:2In this sermon, Catherine Kuhlman shares the story of how miracles began happening in her ministry. She reflects on her early years of ministry, when she was full of energy and hunger for God's word. Despite facing challenges and hardships, she devoted herself to studying the Bible and seeking God's guidance. Kuhlman emphasizes the importance of starting from the bottom and being faithful in small things before aspiring to greatness. She also mentions receiving calls from different countries, indicating the growing impact of her ministry.
Suffering With Jesus Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill7.4K58:00SufferingMAT 5:6JHN 3:16JHN 16:7JHN 17:1HEB 10:25JUD 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of taking on the yoke of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a train staying on track to illustrate the importance of being in bondage to the will of God. The preacher emphasizes the idea of being witnesses and martyrs for Christ, willing to suffer for Him. He shares a story about a young man named Hughie who faced impending death with joy and anticipation of seeing the King in His beauty. The sermon concludes with a reflection on Jesus' prayer in John's gospel, highlighting the significance of knowing God's timetable in one's own life.
Unity That Brings Revival
By A.W. Tozer5.4K34:50RevivalGEN 12:1EXO 30:30PSA 133:1PSA 133:3MAT 5:6JHN 4:14ACT 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in Christ and His Word. He believes that God cannot bless or bring revival to a church unless its members are fully dedicated to Him. The speaker gives examples of great achievements in history, such as the invention of the electric light and composing musical scores, where individuals had to be fully committed and dedicated to their work. He also highlights the need for unity among believers, focusing on the fundamental truths of Christianity rather than superficial differences. Ultimately, the speaker encourages the audience to have a determination to glorify the Lord alone.
Christian Growth - Part 6
By Alan Redpath4.8K1:09:00Christian GrowthPSA 1:3ISA 44:3EZK 47:1MAT 5:6JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had lived his life independently of God, making mistakes and facing the consequences. Eventually, God brought Jacob to a point of surrender and Jacob confessed his need for God's blessing. The preacher emphasizes that true life and authority come from submitting to the lordship of Jesus Christ. The sermon also touches on the controversy surrounding the Holy Spirit and the importance of being filled with the Spirit in our hearts.
(Matthew) ch.18:21-19:30
By Zac Poonen2.9K50:28MAT 5:6MAT 19:27In this sermon, Jesus addresses the attitude of seeking rewards for serving God. He emphasizes that one cannot serve both God and money, and that the love of money can hinder one from obtaining eternal life. Jesus uses a parable about laborers to illustrate this point, highlighting the importance of serving God without expecting rewards. He also emphasizes the need for forgiveness, comparing the small offenses committed against us by others to the immense debt of our own sins before God.
Here I Am, Send Me
By George Verwer2.3K1:07:52PRO 4:7MAT 5:6ACT 2:421CO 13:2PHP 2:3HEB 12:1JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of wisdom, humility, and perseverance as believers prepare to leave a spiritual gathering. It highlights the need for biblical balance, the integration of power and wisdom, and the practical application of spiritual experiences in daily life. The speaker urges listeners to embrace diversity, generosity, and a global perspective in their faith journey, while emphasizing the significance of humility and the ongoing marathon of spiritual growth.
(Mt Pleasant) 10. Quiet Time Tips
By Gerhard Du Toit2.1K33:53Quiet TimeGEN 49:18MAT 5:6MAT 6:33ROM 3:22HEB 10:141PE 2:24REV 19:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in prayer. He shares that 60% of his commitment to prayer is not based on desire, but on the commitment to discipline. He acknowledges that there are times when he doesn't feel like praying, but he still gets on his knees before God, recognizing that without God's presence, nothing will happen. The speaker also highlights the significance of living a Christian life that creates a supernatural explanation and draws others into a deeper relationship with God. He encourages leaders to be great followers and to create a vacuum in their relationship with God that attracts others to seek Him.
How Deep Is Your Digging
By Wesley H. Wakefield2.1K36:51GEN 5:241KI 18:412KI 3:16PSA 63:1PRO 16:2MAT 5:6MAT 7:24In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just about external excitement or church growth, but about a deep spiritual transformation. He uses the analogy of digging ditches to illustrate the importance of obedience to God and sincere devotion. The preacher also references Luke 6:47, where Jesus teaches about building a house on a solid foundation, emphasizing the need to dig deep and build our lives on the rock of God's word.
Seeking God
By Bob Jennings1.8K58:58Seeking GodMAT 5:6MAT 6:33MAT 7:7LUK 16:16COL 3:1HEB 11:6JAS 4:8In this sermon, the speaker highlights the lack of genuine prayer in a prayer meeting that was mostly spent on taking prayer requests. He emphasizes the importance of laboring and persevering in prayer, comparing it to the process of waiting for dew to fall or breaking concrete with a hammer. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about people who seemed indifferent to a preacher's message, but reminds listeners that there will come a day when everyone will care about Christ. The main focus of the sermon is on the pursuit of God in prayer, referencing various Bible verses that encourage seeking God diligently and drawing near to Him.
Spiritual Secrets of Smith Wigglesworth - Part 1 by George Storemont
By Smith Wigglesworth1.7K44:37MAT 5:6MRK 11:24LUK 6:382CO 9:8PHP 2:5This sermon reflects on the life and principles of Smith Wigglesworth, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous and holy life, being moved by compassion, keeping one's word, and giving generously to God's work. It highlights the need for faith, simplicity in prayer, and a hunger for righteousness, while acknowledging Wigglesworth's imperfections and his unwavering dedication to God despite limitations.
Lessons Learned From Korah's Rebellion
By Alan Martin1.7K00:00RebellionNUM 16:3PSA 25:5PSA 80:19JER 32:17MAT 5:6LUK 24:32JHN 20:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and understanding the wrath of God. He refers to a story in Numbers where the earth opens up and swallows rebellious individuals, and fire consumes others. Despite witnessing these events, the Israelite community still fails to grasp the seriousness of their situation. God allows someone to be found gathering wood on the Sabbath day, leading to uncertainty about what should be done to him. Moses and Aaron, accused of being mean, can only fall on their faces before God and entrust themselves to His judgment.
Anabaptist History (Day 2) the Early Church
By Dean Taylor1.6K1:19:31MAT 5:6This sermon delves into the teachings and practices of the early church, emphasizing Kingdom Theology as a central concept dear to early Christianity. The importance of embracing the Kingdom understanding, as highlighted by Jesus' teachings on the kingdom, is discussed, urging believers to align their worldview with this paradigm shift. The sermon explores the radical nature of the early church's commitment to Kingdom Theology, impacting their lifestyle, relationships, and faith in Jesus Christ. It also touches on the early church's views on separation from the world, modesty of dress, non-resistance, sharing possessions, and the controversial topic of infant baptism.
(Clip) the Welsh Revival and Preparation by +Todd Atkinson
By Todd Atkinson1.6K00:002CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28MAT 5:6ACT 2:17ROM 12:2EPH 3:20JAS 4:81PE 5:6This sermon reflects on the Welsh Revival of 1904, where God's power transformed an entire nation through the ministry of a young man named Evan Roberts. The revival led to 100,000 conversions in just four months, impacting Wales socially, politically, economically, and spiritually. The miraculous changes, including a significant decrease in crime rates and a fervent pursuit of God, inspired a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and the potential for national revival through individual surrender and faith.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Christians Will Face Persecution
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:09MAT 5:6MAT 24:24MRK 10:29JHN 16:332TI 3:121JN 2:28REV 7:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the face of deception and diluted messages in Christianity. It warns against being misled by false prophets and the need to prioritize reading the Bible over other Christian literature. The speaker highlights the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ, urging believers to persevere and stand firm in faith, even in the midst of tribulations and great trials.
Evaluation of the Present Day Renewal
By Paris Reidhead1.5K31:25RenewalMAT 5:6MAT 23:13LUK 4:18JHN 7:37ACT 1:8ACT 2:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of God's visitation and the hour of His turning. The preacher encourages the congregation to be stirred from lethargy and apathy and to return to the first works of the faith. He also highlights the significance of the class meeting as an invention of God that saved the nation from destruction. Overall, the sermon calls for a return to the heritage, privileges, prophecies, and promises of the Christian and missionary alliance.
The American Gospel vs the True Gospel
By Shane Idleman1.4K45:17MAT 5:6MAT 16:24LUK 6:22ACT 3:19ROM 12:2GAL 6:14JAS 4:41JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the need for true revival, challenging the church to surrender all to God and embrace the transformative power of the gospel. It contrasts the American gospel with the true gospel, highlighting the call to repentance, denial of self, and the radical change that comes from following Christ. The speaker addresses the discomfort and challenges that revival brings, urging the congregation to consider if they truly desire God's transformative work in their lives.
What God Requires - Righteousness
By Zac Poonen1.4K58:40MAT 5:6ROM 3:22ROM 6:4ROM 8:3PHP 3:9This sermon delves into the concept of righteousness as required by God, emphasizing the journey from imputed righteousness to imparted righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for honesty, humility, and dependence on God in the battle against sin, drawing parallels to biblical stories like Peter walking on water. The message underscores the importance of seeking divine righteousness and not falling into legalism or comparison with others.
Christians Have a Seeking Problem
By Shane Idleman1.2K07:332CH 7:14PSA 63:1ISA 55:6MAT 5:6JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, highlighting the need for a deep hunger and thirst for His presence and power. It addresses the lack of seeking God in the church, the necessity of breaking and surrendering fully to Him, and the transformative impact of experiencing the manifest power of God in our lives. The speaker calls for a return to true seeking, away from lukewarmness and compromise, and towards a genuine pursuit of God's presence and holiness.
Ernest O'neill's Testimony
By Ernest O'Neill1.2K38:40PSA 51:10MAT 5:6MAT 5:8ACT 15:9ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 7:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for the word of God and being fully committed to it. He shares his personal experience of struggling with sin and realizing the need for obedience to God. The speaker highlights the significance of believing in the Bible and understanding the consequences of sin. He also briefly mentions his background and upbringing in a working-class family and his involvement in the Methodist Church.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 10
By Derek Melton1.1K1:01:48DoctrineMAL 3:7MAT 5:6MAT 6:33LUK 24:45In this sermon, the preacher, Nathan, emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need to experience it personally. He highlights the weight of our sin and God's glory, leading us to feel crushed and hopeless. However, he also points to the cross as the solution, where Jesus took our sins and shame. The preacher then challenges the audience to consider their ways and not exchange their inheritance and birthright for temporary satisfaction. He references the scripture in Matthew 5:6, explaining that hunger and thirst for righteousness indicate a need for repentance.
Hardcore Christianity - Part 1
By Jose Muniz98914:43MAT 5:6JHN 14:151CO 6:19HEB 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being 'hardcore' for Christ, likening it to being a living stone that testifies to God's power, grace, and mercy. It discusses the concept of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, highlighting the need for a strong desire and passion for God's ways. Additionally, it delves into the idea of accountability, stressing the role of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate accountability partner who knows our thoughts, motives, and intentions.
Thirst
By Edwin Fesche95910:20ECC 2:9JER 2:13MAT 5:6LUK 23:42JHN 12:49ACT 16:25The sermon transcript discusses the power of good news to satisfy the soul, comparing it to water quenching thirst. It emphasizes that the good news of the gospel is only meaningful to those who are thirsty for righteousness. The transcript gives examples of individuals who experienced a spiritual thirst and found salvation through believing in Jesus Christ. It also mentions the importance of wanting the gospel and choosing to become a Christian. The sermon references Proverbs 25:25 and includes a story about a soldier in India who found relief from his thirst through a simple drink of water.
Thanksgiving in the Kingdom Part 1
By Chuck Smith94925:04ThanksgivingPSA 106:1ISA 12:2ISA 61:1MAT 5:6JHN 7:37In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the future Kingdom age when the Lord will reign. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as our salvation and finding strength and joy in Him. Pastor Chuck highlights the glorious nature of this future time, where God's will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. He also mentions that during this time, Satan will be bound, and Jesus will begin His reign over a renewed earth, free from fear and violence.
Hunger and Thirst
By Anton Bosch84633:37RighteousnessPSA 17:15PSA 42:1PSA 51:10MAT 5:6MAT 6:33GAL 5:172TI 2:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hunger and thirst for righteousness. He compares these desires to the basic needs of food and water, stating that without them, we lack the essentials of life. The speaker encourages listeners to pursue righteousness with the same intensity and single-mindedness as people pursue fame and fortune. He also highlights the story of the prodigal son, noting that true hunger for righteousness only arises when we are desperate and unsatisfied with the things of the world. The speaker urges listeners to seek a deep and continual longing for the Lord Jesus and his righteousness.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled--"shall be saturated." "From this verse," says THOLUCK, "the reference to the Old Testament background ceases." Surprising! On the contrary, none of these beatitudes is more manifestly dug out of the rich mine of the Old Testament. Indeed, how could any one who found in the Old Testament "the poor in spirit," and "the mourners in Zion," doubt that he would also find those same characters also craving that righteousness which they feel and mourn their want of? But what is the precise meaning of "righteousness" here? Lutheran expositors, and some of our own, seem to have a hankering after that more restricted sense of the term in which it is used with reference to the sinner's justification before God. (See Jer 23:6; Isa 45:24; Rom 4:6; Co2 5:21). But, in so comprehensive a saying as this, it is clearly to be taken--as in Mat 5:10 also--in a much wider sense, as denoting that spiritual and entire conformity to the law of God, under the want of which the saints groan, and the possession of which constitutes the only true saintship. The Old Testament dwells much on this righteousness, as that which alone God regards with approbation (Psa 11:7; Psa 23:3; Psa 106:3; Pro 12:28; Pro 16:31; Isa 64:5, &c.). As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, our Lord, by employing this figure here, plainly means "those whose deepest cravings are after spiritual blessings." And in the Old Testament we find this craving variously expressed: "Hearken unto Me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord" (Isa 51:1); "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord," exclaimed dying Jacob (Gen 49:18); "My soul," says the sweet Psalmist, "breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments at all times" (Psa 119:20): and in similar breathings does he give vent to his deepest longings in that and other Psalms. Well, our Lord just takes up here--this blessed frame of mind, representing it as--the surest pledge of the coveted supplies, as it is the best preparative, and indeed itself the beginning of them. "They shall be saturated," He says; they shall not only have what they so highly value and long to possess, but they shall have their fill of it. Not here, however. Even in the Old Testament this was well understood. "Deliver me," says the Psalmist, in language which, beyond all doubt, stretches beyond the present scene, "from men of the world, which have their portion in this life: as for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" (Psa 17:13-15). The foregoing beatitudes--the first four--represent the saints rather as conscious of their need of salvation, and acting suitably to that character, than as possessed of it. The next three are of a different kind--representing the saints as having now found salvation, and conducting themselves accordingly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst,.... Not after the riches, honours, and pleasures of this world, but after righteousness; by which is meant, not justice and equity, as persons oppressed and injured; nor a moral, legal righteousness, which the generality of the Jewish nation were eagerly pursuing; but the justifying righteousness of Christ, which is imputed by God the Father, and received by faith. To "hunger and thirst" after this, supposes a want of righteousness, which is the case of all men; a sense of want of it, which is only perceived by persons spiritually enlightened; a discovery of the righteousness of Christ to them, which is made in the Gospel, and by the Spirit of God; a value for it, and a preference of it to all other righteousness; and an earnest desire after it, to be possessed of it, and found in it; and that nothing can be more grateful than that, because of its perfection, purity, suitableness, and use: happy souls are these, for they shall be filled: with that righteousness, and with all other good things, in consequence of it; and particularly with joy and peace, which are the certain effects of it: or, "they shall be satisfied", that they have an interest in it; and so satisfied with it, that they shall never seek for any other righteousness, as a justifying one, in the sight of God; this being full, perfect, sufficient, and entirely complete.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:6 those who hunger and thirst for justice (or for righteousness): This refers either to the follower of Jesus whose driving purpose in life is to obey the Lord (cp. 3:15; 5:10, 20) or to the disciple’s desire to see justice for all people (Pss 11:7; 85:10-12; Isa 11:1-4; Jer 23:5-6; 33:16). One with such a longing often prays, “May your will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10). • Christ has brought justice and righteousness (Rom 3:21-22; 5:1); the disciples will be satisfied with it (cp. Pss 42:1-2; 63:1-2).