Matthew 5:3

5:3 “Blessed ¹  are the poor in spirit, ²  for the kingdom of heaven belongs ³  to them.

Matthew 5:10

5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Matthew 5:19-20

5:19 So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others ⁴  to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law ⁵  and the Pharisees, ⁶  you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

[5:3]  ¹ sn The term Blessed introduces the first of several beatitudes promising blessing to those whom God cares for. They serve as an invitation to come into the grace God offers.

[5:3]  ² sn The poor in spirit is a reference to the “pious poor” for whom God especially cares. See Ps 14:6; 22:24; 25:16; 34:6; 40:17; 69:29.

[5:3]  ³ sn The present tense (belongs) here is significant. Jesus makes the kingdom and its blessings currently available. This phrase is unlike the others in the list with the possessive pronoun being emphasized.

[5:19]  ⁴ tn Grk “teaches men” ( in a generic sense, people).

[5:20]  ⁵ tn Or “that of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

[5:20]  ⁶ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.