The Beatitudes

Bible in Basic English (BBE)

Mat 5:1–12

1 And seeing great masses of people he went up into the mountain; and when he was seated his disciples came to him.
2 And with these words he gave them teaching, saying,
3 Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
4 Happy are those who are sad: for they will be comforted.
5 Happy are the gentle: for the earth will be their heritage.
6 Happy are those whose heart's desire is for righteousness: for they will have their desire.
7 Happy are those who have mercy: for they will be given mercy.
8 Happy are the clean in heart: for they will see God.
9 Happy are the peacemakers: for they will be named sons of God.
10 Happy are those who are attacked on account of righteousness: for the kingdom of heaven will be theirs.
11 Happy are you when men give you a bad name, and are cruel to you, and say all evil things against you falsely, because of me.
12 Be glad and full of joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so were the prophets attacked who were before you.

20 And turning his eyes to his disciples he said, Happy are you who are poor: for the kingdom of God is yours.
21 Happy are you who are in need of food now: for you will be made full. Happy are you who are weeping now; for you will be glad.
22 Happy are you, when men have hate for you, and put you away from among them and say angry words to you, turning away in disgust at your name, because of the Son of man.
23 Be glad in that day, and be lifted up for joy, for your reward in heaven will be great: for their fathers did these same things to the prophets.