King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:6 Mean?

Matthew 5:6 in the King James Version says “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6 · KJV

Context

4

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. This fourth Beatitude presents a profound spiritual truth using the metaphor of physical hunger and thirst. The Greek word peinao (πεινάω, "hunger") and dipsao (διψάω, "thirst") describe intense, desperate longing—not casual interest but deep craving. Jesus elevates this beyond mere physical appetite to describe spiritual hunger for dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη, "righteousness").

This righteousness encompasses both right standing with God (justification) and right living before God (sanctification). Those who hunger for it recognize their spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3), mourn over sin (5:4), and exhibit meekness (5:5). This hunger isn't self-generated but is the work of the Holy Spirit awakening spiritual desire in dead souls. The promise "they shall be filled" (chortasthesontai, χορτασθήσονται) uses a strong future passive—God Himself will satisfy them completely, abundantly, to the full.

This filling occurs progressively in sanctification as believers grow in Christlikeness, and ultimately in glorification when we see Christ face to face. The passive voice indicates that satisfaction is God's work, not our achievement. Christ Himself is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), and only in Him can this hunger be truly satisfied. This Beatitude challenges nominal Christianity that seeks blessings without holiness, comfort without conformity to Christ. True disciples possess an insatiable appetite for God's righteousness that surpasses all earthly desires.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, "righteousness" often referred to ritual purity and legal observance of Torah commands. The Pharisees exemplified this external righteousness through meticulous adherence to traditions and regulations. Jesus radically redefined righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing heart transformation over external conformity. For His Jewish audience, hungering for righteousness would have resonated deeply—the prophets had promised a coming age when God would write His law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and pour out His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

The imagery of hunger and thirst carried special weight in an agricultural society where famine and drought were ever-present threats. Palestine's dependence on seasonal rains meant that thirst was a visceral reality, not just metaphor. Jesus spoke these words on a Galilean hillside to crowds who knew what it meant to truly hunger and thirst physically. By choosing this metaphor, He communicated the urgency and intensity of proper spiritual desire.

This teaching stood in stark contrast to the complacent religious establishment and the prosperity-focused Zealot movement. Jesus called His followers to a righteousness that exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20)—not merely external compliance but internal transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you genuinely hunger and thirst for righteousness more than earthly success, comfort, or approval?
  2. How does your daily life demonstrate this spiritual hunger through time in Scripture, prayer, and pursuit of holiness?
  3. In what areas have you settled for worldly satisfaction instead of being filled by God's righteousness?
  4. How does understanding Christ as your righteousness change the nature of this spiritual hunger?
  5. What specific practices can cultivate deeper hunger for God's righteousness in your heart and mind?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Μακάριοι1 of 10

“Blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

τὴν2 of 10

“are they which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πεινῶντες3 of 10

“do hunger”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

καὶ4 of 10

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διψῶντες5 of 10

“thirst”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

τὴν6 of 10

“are they which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δικαιοσύνην7 of 10

“after righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ὅτι8 of 10

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

αὐτοὶ9 of 10

“they”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χορτασθήσονται10 of 10

“shall be filled”

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:14Psalms 107:9John 6:27John 6:48-58Isaiah 55:1-3Psalms 145:19

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