Study Desk

When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain,^(a) and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

Then^[a] He began to teach them, saying:^(b)

"The poor in spirit are blessed, ^(c) for the kingdom of heaven^(d) is theirs.

Those who mourn are blessed, ^(e) for they will be comforted.

The gentle are blessed, ^(f) for they will inherit the earth.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, ^(g) for they will be filled.

The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. ^(h)

The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. ⁽ⁱ⁾

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. ^(j)

Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven^(k) is theirs.

"You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.

Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted^(l) the prophets who were before you. ^(m)

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. ⁽ⁿ⁾

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.^(o)

No one lights a lamp^(p) and puts it under a basket,^[b] but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.^(q)

In the same way, let your light shine^[c] before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ^(r)

"Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.^(s)

For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter^[d] or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished.

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.^(t)

For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to our ancestors,^[e] Do not murder , ^(u)[f] and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.^(v)

But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother^[g] will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!'^[h] will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!' will be subject to hellfire. ^[i](w)

So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you,

leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you're on the way with him, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, the judge to^[j] the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.^(x)

I assure you: You will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny! ^[k]