Matthew 5:6

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God's approval. They will be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
Not after the riches, honours, and pleasures of this world, but

after righteousness;
by which is meant, not justice and equity, as persons oppressed and injured; nor a moral, legal righteousness, which the generality of the Jewish nation were eagerly pursuing; but the justifying righteousness of Christ, which is imputed by God the Father, and received by faith. To "hunger and thirst" after this, supposes a want of righteousness, which is the case of all men; a sense of want of it, which is only perceived by persons spiritually enlightened; a discovery of the righteousness of Christ to them, which is made in the Gospel, and by the Spirit of God; a value for it, and a preference of it to all other righteousness; and an earnest desire after it, to be possessed of it, and found in it; and that nothing can be more grateful than that, because of its perfection, purity, suitableness, and use: happy souls are these,

for they shall be filled:
with that righteousness, and with all other good things, in consequence of it; and particularly with joy and peace, which are the certain effects of it: or, "they shall be satisfied", that they have an interest in it; and so satisfied with it, that they shall never seek for any other righteousness, as a justifying one, in the sight of God; this being full, perfect, sufficient, and entirely complete.

Matthew 5:6 In-Context

4 Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted.

5 Blessed are those who are gentle. They will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God's approval. They will be satisfied.

7 Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully.

8 Blessed are those whose thoughts are pure. They will see God.