Matthew 5:4

Commentary on Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

Passage

Matthew 5:4 (NKJV): “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”

Context and Insights

Matthew 5:4 is part of the Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). The Beatitudes describe the characteristics and rewards of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. In this context, Jesus addresses various aspects of spiritual life and the attitudes that should characterise His followers.

Theological Teaching

Matthew 5:4 is a profound statement about the nature of true repentance and the comfort that comes from God. The mourning in this verse is not merely a general sorrow but a deep, spiritual mourning over sin. This mourning recognises one’s sinfulness and the world’s sinfulness, leading to genuine repentance and a turning towards God.

Key Points:

1. Spiritual Mourning: The mourning in Matthew 5:4 is a godly sorrow for sin. It involves recognising the gravity of personal and communal sin and feeling a deep sense of grief over it. This is consistent with humanity’s total depravity and the need for repentance.
2. Comfort from God: The promise of comfort is a central theme of Christian theology. This comfort comes from the assurance of forgiveness and the presence of the Holy Spirit, often called the Comforter. The comfort is present and future, as believers experience God’s grace now and look forward to eternal comfort in His presence.
3. Application to Modern Christian Living: This verse encourages a lifestyle of continual repentance and reliance on God’s grace for modern Christians. It calls believers to be aware of their sinfulness, to mourn over it, and to seek God’s forgiveness and comfort. This attitude fosters humility, dependence on God, and a deeper appreciation of His grace.

Application

In practical terms, Matthew 5:4 teaches Christians to:

• Acknowledge Sin: Regularly examine their lives, confess their sins, and seek God’s forgiveness.
• Seek God’s Comfort: Rely on the Holy Spirit for comfort and strength in times of sorrow and repentance.
• Live Humbly: Maintain a humble attitude, recognising their need for God’s grace and mercy.

Bibliography

1. Bible Study Tools. “Matthew 5:4 – Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary.” Bible Study Tools.
2. Enduring Word. “Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 5.” Enduring Word.
3. Bible Gateway. “Matthew 5, Matthew 4 – New International Version.” Bible Gateway.
4. Gill’s Exposition of the Bible. “Matthew 5:4 – Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary.” Bible Study Tools.
5. Bible Hub. “Matthew 5:4 – Commentaries.” Bible Hub.
6. Forerunner Commentary. “Matthew 5:4 (KJV).” Bible Tools.
7. Mark Thompson. “What does it mean to be Reformed Evangelical?” Moore College.
8. R.C. Sproul. “Catholic, Evangelical, and Reformed.” Ligonier Ministries.

1. Matthew 5:4 – Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary – Bible Study Tools
2. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 5
3. Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 5, Matthew 4 – New International Version
4. Matthew 5:4 Meaning and Commentary – Bible Study Tools
5. Matthew 5:4 – Bible Hub
6. Matthew 5:4 (KJV) – Forerunner Commentary – Bible Tools
7. What does it mean to be Reformed Evangelical? – Mark Thompson
8. Catholic, Evangelical, and Reformed by R.C. Sproul from What Is …
9. What Is Reformed Theology? – Ligonier Ministries
10. Best Resources on Reformed Theology – Ligonier Ministries
11. Matt. 5:17–20 – Four Contexts — R. L. Solberg
12. Matthew 5:5 (KJV) – Forerunner Commentary – Bible Tools
13. James 5 Commentary – Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)