The eight Beatitudes of Matt 5:3-12 are best understood and interpreted by the eight contrasts, or "Woes" of 23:13-33. The comparison shows that 5:10-12 form one (the eighth) Beatitude, having one subject (persecution) corresponding with the eighth "Woe" of 23:29-33.
They may be thus set out :--
| "THE BEATITUDES" (5:3-12) | "THE WOES" (23:13-33) |
| 1. The kingdom opened to the poor (v. 3) | 1. The kingdom shut (v. 13) |
| 2. Comfort for mourners (v. 4) | 2. Mourners distressed (v. 14) |
| 3. The meek inheriting the earth (v. 5) | 3. Fanatics compassing the earth (v. 15) |
| 4. True righteousness sought by true desire (v. 6) | 4. False righteousness sought by casuistry (vv. 16-22) |
| 5. The merciful obtaining mercy (v. 7) | 5. Mercy "omitted" and "left undone" (vv. 23, 24) |
| 6. Purity within, and the vision of God hereafter (v. 8) | 6. Purity without, uncleanness within. "Blindness" (vv. 25, 26) |
| 7. Peacemakers, the sons of God (v. 9) | 7. Hypocrites, and lawless (vv. 27, 28) |
| 8. The persecuted (vv. 10-12) | 8. The persecutors (vv. 29-33) |
Beside these eight contrasts there is an internal correspondence of the principal thoughts, suggested by the combined series, and forming the Structure given in the note on Matt. 5:3, 4.
It may be further noted that these Beatitudes rest on special passages
in the Psalms : Matt. 5:3 (Ps. 40:17); 5:4 (Ps. 119:136);
5:5 (Ps. 37:11); 5:6 (Ps. 42:1, 2); 5:7 (Ps. 41:1); 5:8
(Ps. 24:4; 73:1); 5:9 (Ps. 133:1); 5:10 (Ps. 37;
39; 40).