New Testament
Matthew 5:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 7th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus teaches that those who deeply desire righteousness—meaning a right relationship with God and moral integrity—are truly blessed.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Plain Meaning
Jesus says that people who deeply want to be right with God are blessed — that is, genuinely well-off in God's eyes. 'Hunger and thirst' means a strong, urgent craving, not a mild preference. 'Righteousness' here means being right before God and living rightly. The promise is that such people will be 'filled' — fully satisfied. The desire itself is the mark of someone God will satisfy.
Read It in Context
This is one of the Beatitudes, a series of 'blessed are...' statements that open Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Each one names a quality and promises a reward. Verse 20 later makes clear that the righteousness Jesus has in mind goes deeper than outward rule-keeping.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Matthew 5:6 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches that those who deeply desire righteousness—meaning a right relationship with God and moral integrity—are truly blessed. The imagery of hunger and thirst illustrates a strong, urgent longing for spiritual fulfillment. Just as physical hunger and thirst drive us to seek food and water, our spiritual hunger should lead us to seek righteousness. Jesus promises that those who earnestly seek this righteousness will be satisfied or 'filled.' This fulfillment comes from a relationship with God and living according to His will. It emphasizes that true happiness and contentment come from pursuing what is right and just, rather than worldly pleasures. This beatitude encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual needs and to actively seek a life that reflects God's values, assuring them that their efforts will not go unrewarded.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 5:6 to your life
To apply this verse, cultivate a deep desire for righteousness in your life. Engage in prayer, study scripture, and seek to align your actions with God's will. Recognize that true satisfaction comes from living a life that reflects His values and principles.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:6 mean?
Matthew 5:6 means that those who earnestly seek righteousness and a right relationship with God are blessed. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual longing and assures that those who pursue righteousness will find fulfillment.
What is the meaning of 'hunger and thirst' in Matthew 5:6?
In Matthew 5:6, 'hunger and thirst' symbolize a deep, urgent desire for righteousness. Just as physical hunger drives us to seek food, this phrase illustrates the intensity of our spiritual longing for a moral and just life.
How can I apply Matthew 5:6 in my life?
To apply Matthew 5:6, focus on developing a strong desire for righteousness through prayer, scripture study, and aligning your actions with God's will. This pursuit will lead to true satisfaction and fulfillment.
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