Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) 

But what exactly did He mean? This is His first, and perhaps most compelling and intriguing statement in His infamous Sermon on the Mount, or The Beatitudes, as it is more commonly known.

The Sermon is well known, but this opener to Jesus’ Proclamations may not be so well understood. Upon researching what Theologians have to say regarding these Profound Words spoken by our Lord, a picture of humility and separation unto God and apart from self begins to take shape.

Another key observation about what it means to be spiritually poor, is that Jesus was referring to the spirit of man, not God’s Spirit. The most obvious way this is revealed is through the fact that the ‘s’ is not capitalized. IF He has stated His Words by referencing God’s Spirit, He would NOT have used the word ‘poor,’ but RICH. We are rich in the Spirit, but poor in the spirit.

And yet another noteworthy observation regarding being spiritually poor is to consider what the opposite would imply. Jesus would not refer to those who do not pay any attention to their Creator as spiritually poor, maybe spiritually untamed, irresponsible or out of control. Moreover, other phraseology like going with the wind, dangerously carefree and full of self also come to mind.  .

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Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:3

#1 “Blessed are…”
Happy are they who are blessed by God. It could also mean favored, fortunate, or even holy.

#2 “…the poor in spirit,”
This would be the opposite of having arrogance and hubris. Those who believe that they are enough in and of themselves, see no need for God. Their “spirit” is rich without their maker. This is, of course, a false path that will end in destruction. The opposite of blessed is cursed.

#3 “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God, is no place for those who believe they are their own king, but it belongs to the poor in spirit. This means that they will benefit from the rule of God in the world. The poor in spirit have gained his favor with their humility.

(connectusfund.org)

This Principle could be called a great and unusual norm; inasmuch as there is no other case in which being poor is actually a good thing! The ‘poor in spirit’ are rich in the LORD, and have learned to rely completely on God, blessed and happy; hanging on the Vine that IS Jesus:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

NKJV

Matthew 5:3 Meaning of Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit – ConnectUS (connectusfund.org)

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.