Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
The eighth and final Beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount. Its promise of the kingdom of heaven matches the first Beatitude, framing the entire set and leading into Jesus' words on persecution that follow.
What Does Matthew 5:10 Mean?
Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, promising them the very kingdom of heaven. This final Beatitude takes a startling turn: the blessed life may bring opposition and suffering when one stands for what is right. Far from being a sign of failure, such persecution places a person among the truly blessed.
The key phrase is "for righteousness' sake." Jesus is not blessing suffering in general, nor trouble brought on by our own wrongdoing, but the cost paid by those who live faithfully in a world that resists righteousness. The promise here matches the very first Beatitude -- "theirs is the kingdom of heaven" -- forming a frame around all eight blessings. This repetition signals that the entire kingdom belongs to those whose hearts and lives are shaped this way, even when it costs them. There is deep comfort in this for anyone who has paid a price for doing right. The opposition of the world cannot rob them of what God has promised; in fact, it confirms their place in His kingdom. Jesus prepares His followers to expect that righteousness may not be welcomed, yet He assures them that the reward far outweighs the cost. To stand firm under such pressure is to hold, even now, the kingdom of heaven.
In the Original Language
The Greek dioko, "persecuted," means to be pursued or driven out. The suffering is qualified as heneken dikaiosynes, "for the sake of righteousness," tying the blessing to faithful living.
Cross References
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”
- 1 Peter 3:14
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
- 2 Timothy 3:12
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”
- John 15:20
Application
When standing for what is right brings opposition, take heart: such suffering does not exclude you from blessing but confirms your place in God's kingdom.