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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
— *Matthew 5:3–5 (ESV)*
The central theme of this song is the *upside-down kingdom* of God—what I would call “The Kingdom of the Humble.” It declares a central paradox of the Christian life: what the world despises, God exalts; what the world values, God rejects. The song repeats and emphasizes one core reality:
> “Humble hearts, empty hands—
> God’s kingdom belongs to them now.”
According to Jesus, access to the kingdom of heaven does not begin with self-confidence, human strength, or religious performance. It begins with *poverty of spirit*—an inward condition of total dependence upon God. This is the gateway to the rest of the Beatitudes. Every other blessing Jesus mentions rests on this foundation.
Let us look at what the Word of God says about these three declarations: the poor in spirit, the mourners, and the meek.
Matthew 5 opens what we call “The Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus has just begun His public ministry. Crowds are following Him because of His miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, delivering the oppressed (Matthew 4:23–25). People are attracted by His power. Now He sits down to teach them the principles of the kingdom that produces that power.
Matthew 5:1–2:
> “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying…”
In Jewish culture, when a rabbi sat down, it meant he was about to give authoritative teaching. The mountain echoes Sinai—where God gave the Law to Moses. Here, the Messiah gives the law of His kingdom. He is not abolishing the law, but fulfilling and deepening it (Matthew 5:17).
We must picture the crowd. These are not rich, powerful people. Many are poor, burdened, oppressed by Rome, weighed down with religious demands they cannot fulfill. To such people Jesus announces blessings—*beatitudes*—statements of God’s favor. Not to the self-sufficient, but to the broken, the needy, the humble.
In that setting, Jesus opens His mouth and the first word of the new covenant kingdom is: “Blessed.”
And the first category of people He blesses is not the wise, nor the mighty, nor the noble, but:
> “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
> for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
This is not accidental. This is foundational. The kingdom starts where human sufficiency ends.
To understand these words deeply, we must examine two key Greek terms: “poor” and “meek.”
### 3.1 “Poor” – *ptōchos* (πτωχός)
The word translated “poor” in “poor in spirit” is *ptōchos*. This is not the word for someone who is merely low-income. It describes a beggar—someone utterly destitute, totally dependent on others for survival.
*Ptōchos* comes from a verb meaning “to crouch” or “to cower,” like a beggar who has nothing and must stretch out his hand for mercy. It paints a picture of absolute helplessness—not partial lack, but complete dependence.
Jesus is not commending material poverty in itself, nor self-hatred. He is describing an inward disposition: those who see themselves spiritually as *ptōchos*—unable to save themselves, unable to improve themselves, unable to stand before God on their own merit.
So when the song says:
> “Humble hearts, empty hands—
> God’s kingdom belongs to them now.”
This corresponds exactly to *ptōchos* in spirit: empty hands—nothing to offer God but need; humble hearts—no claim to righteousness apart from Him.
### 3.2 “Meek” – *praus* (πραΰς)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
The word “meek” is *praus*. In English, “meek” is often misunderstood as weak, timid, passive. That is not the biblical idea. In classical Greek, *praus* described a wild animal that had been tamed—its strength brought under control.
A warhorse that has been trained is *praus*: powerful, energetic, strong—but submitted to the bit and the bridle. The issue is not lack of strength, but controlled strength under authority.
Biblical meekness, then, is strength surrendered to God’s will.
This transforms our understanding. The meek are not the pushovers of the earth. They are those who have laid down their right to assert themselves, to dominate, to exalt self. They willingly submit to God’s dealings, God’s timing, and God’s ways—even when it costs them.
In the song we read:
> “Blessed are the meek,
> for they will inherit the earth.”
Inheritance in Scripture comes by relationship and submission, not by ambition or force. Those who are *praus*—under God’s authority—are safe to rule with Christ. That is why they inherit the earth.
Let us now move line by line through the key themes of the lyrics and see what Scripture reveals.
### 4.1 “Blessed are the poor in spirit… Humble hearts, empty hands”
The repeated refrain:
> “Blessed are the poor in spirit—
> the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
> Humble hearts, empty hands—
> God’s kingdom belongs to them now.”
This states a present reality: “theirs *is* the kingdom of heaven.” Not merely in the future, but now. In the Beatitudes, only the first and the last (Matthew 5:3, 10) are in the present tense: “theirs is the kingdom.” Everything else is future—“shall be comforted,” “shall inherit,” “shall be filled.”
This shows us that *poverty of spirit is the doorway* into all other kingdom blessings. Without this doorway, the rest remains out of reach.
Why is this so?
1. Poverty of spirit is the opposite of pride.
Proverbs 16:5: “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD.”
James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Grace is God’s power and favor given freely. But it cannot coexist with pride. Poverty of spirit is the heart-position that receives grace.
2. Poverty of spirit acknowledges our true condition.
Revelation 3:17 describes the Laodicean church:
> “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor (*ptōchos*), blind, and naked.”
Their problem was not that they were poor, but that they were poor without knowing it. The poor in spirit are those who *do* recognize their poverty—and therefore they come to God with empty hands.
The song’s line “Humble hearts, empty hands” reflects a biblical principle: God fills what is empty, not what is already full.
Luke 1:53:
> “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”
This has direct application in the spiritual life. If we come to God with our hands full of our own righteousness, our own wisdom, our own plans, there is no room for His kingdom. But if we come as beggars—*ptōchos*—He can entrust us with His riches.
### 4.2 “The kingdom of heaven is theirs… God’s kingdom belongs to them now”
What is meant by “the kingdom of heaven”?
The Greek word is *basileia*—not a geographical territory, but a rule, a reign, a government. The kingdom of heaven is the effective rule of God. When Jesus says “theirs is the kingdom,” He is saying: *To such people belongs the right to live under, and participate in, God’s rule.*
Romans 14:17 defines the kingdom in moral terms:
> “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Who experiences this righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit? Those who have renounced self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, and self-rule.
So when the song declares:
> “God’s kingdom belongs to them now.”
It is stating a spiritual reality. Wherever there is true poverty of spirit, God’s rule can enter. That is why revival, true spiritual renewal, never begins with human confidence. It begins with brokenness, repentance, and the confession: “Lord, I have nothing. I am nothing. I can do nothing apart from You” (compare John 15:5).
### 4.3 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
The second Beatitude develops naturally from the first. When a man or woman truly sees their spiritual poverty, they do not merely acknowledge it intellectually. They *mourn* over it.
The Greek word for “mourn” here is *pentheō*—the strongest word for grief, often used of mourning the dead. It is not superficial sadness; it is deep, heart-level sorrow.
There are at least three dimensions of godly mourning:
1. Mourning over personal sin.
2 Corinthians 7:10:
> “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
Worldly grief is self-pity, wounded pride, or regret over consequences. Godly mourning cares that we have offended a holy God.
Psalm 51:17:
> “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
> a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
2. Mourning over the condition of God’s people.
Nehemiah, when he heard of the ruined walls of Jerusalem, sat down and wept and mourned for days (Nehemiah 1:4). Such mourning moves us to intercession.
3. Mourning under the burden of a fallen world.
Romans 8:22–23 speaks of creation groaning and believers groaning inwardly as we await full redemption.
To such mourners, Jesus promises: “they shall be comforted.” The Greek word for “comforted” is *parakaleō*—related to *Paraklētos*, the name Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26). The Holy Spirit is “the Comforter,” “the One called alongside to help.”
Those who mourn with godly sorrow are the ones who experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit most deeply.
The song highlights this Beatitude briefly:
> “Blessed are those who mourn,
> for they will be comforted.”
We must see the sequence. Poverty of spirit leads to mourning. Mourning leads to comfort. Many desire the comfort of the Holy Spirit, but God has ordained a pathway: brokenness before blessing, repentance before restoration.
### 4.4 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
The third Beatitude in the song introduces a remarkable promise: inheritance of the earth.
This is not a new idea. Jesus is quoting Psalm 37:11:
> “But the meek shall inherit the land
> and delight themselves in abundant peace.”
Psalm 37 contrasts the wicked, who seem to prosper temporarily, with the righteous, who wait patiently for the Lord. The meek do not grab, strive, or manipulate. They “commit their way to the LORD” and “wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:5, 7).
In spiritual warfare, there is a crucial principle here. Satan’s original sin was pride and self-exaltation:
> “I will ascend… I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13–14)
He seduced Adam and Eve with the same temptation: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). The whole fallen world system exalts self-assertion, self-promotion, and personal power.
The meek, by contrast, refuse this satanic pattern. They yield their rights, submit to God, and choose God’s way of the cross. Jesus Himself said:
> “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek (*praus*) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, KJV)
Notice: Jesus, the One with all authority in heaven and on earth, describes Himself as *praus*—meek. There is no contradiction between authority and meekness in the kingdom. True authority flows from submission to the Father.
So when the song declares:
> “Blessed are the meek,
> for they will inherit the earth.”
It is pointing to a kingdom reality that will be fully manifest in the age to come. Those who refuse to grab the earth now will inherit it with Christ later.
Revelation 5:10 speaks of the redeemed:
> “You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
> and they shall reign on the earth.”
Who will reign? Those who have learned meekness.
### 4.5 “Come poor in spirit, come as you are”
The song closes with an invitation:
> “Come poor in spirit, come as you are—
> the kingdom of heaven is yours.”
This is deeply in line with the gospel call. Isaiah 55:1:
> “Come, everyone who thirsts,
> come to the waters;
> and he who has no money,
> come, buy and eat!”
Notice the paradox: “he who has no money, come, buy.” How do you buy without money? With humility. With acknowledgment of need. With faith in God’s free provision.
Revelation 22:17:
> “Let the one who is thirsty come;
> let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
To “come as you are” does not mean we cling to sin. It means we do not try to fix ourselves first. We do not bring our religious achievements. We come admitting, “Lord, I am *ptōchos*—a beggar in spirit. I have nothing to offer but need.”
The kingdom belongs to such people.
We must now ask: How do we actually live in the reality of this “kingdom of the humble”? I will give four practical steps, each followed by a simple proclamation you can use.
### Step 1: Acknowledge Your True Condition Before God
First, we must agree with God about our spiritual poverty. This is not self-condemnation. It is truth.
Revelation 3:17–18 shows that Jesus rebukes the church that thinks it is rich. We must instead say, “Lord, apart from You, I am wretched, poor, blind, and naked. Everything I have comes from Your grace.”
Practice: Regularly confess before God your dependence. Renounce any idea that you can live the Christian life in your own strength.
Proclamation 1:
> “Lord, I confess that in myself I am poor in spirit.
> I have nothing I did not receive from You.
> I renounce self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, and self-rule.
> I declare that I depend totally on Your grace and Your Spirit.”
### Step 2: Allow the Holy Spirit to Produce Godly Mourning
Second, we must yield to the Spirit when He convicts us. Do not push away sorrow over sin. Do not harden your heart when He shows you your condition.
James 4:8–10:
> “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
> Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
> Be wretched and mourn and weep.
> Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
There is a time when our light, superficial joy must give way to sincere mourning, so that God can give us lasting comfort.
Practice: When the Lord brings conviction, take time to confess, weep if necessary, and specifically turn from what He shows you.
Proclamation 2:
> “Holy Spirit, I welcome Your conviction.
> I choose godly sorrow over hardness of heart.
> Where I have sinned, I agree with You and turn from it.
> I receive Your promise: as I mourn, You will comfort me.”
### Step 3: Choose Meekness in Your Relationships and Reactions
Third, we must cooperate with God’s process of producing meekness. Meekness is mainly revealed in how we respond when we are wronged, overlooked, or resisted.
1 Peter 2:23, speaking of Jesus:
> “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
This is meekness in action. He did not assert His rights; He trusted the Father.
Practice: When you are criticized or mistreated, instead of immediately defending yourself, pause and commit the situation to God. Refuse the urge to justify yourself in the flesh. Ask: “Lord, how do You want me to respond?”
Proclamation 3:
> “Lord Jesus, You are meek and lowly in heart.
> I submit my strength, my rights, and my reactions to You.
> I refuse to repay evil for evil or insult for insult.
> By Your grace, I choose meekness, that I may inherit with You.”
### Step 4: Come to God Daily with Empty Hands
Fourth, we must maintain the posture of “empty hands”—not once, but daily.
Colossians 2:6:
> “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”
How did you receive Him? As a beggar, by grace through faith, with nothing to offer. That is how you must continue.
Practice: Begin each day by consciously giving up reliance on your own wisdom, strength, and goodness. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill what is empty.
Proclamation 4:
> “Father, today I come with humble heart and empty hands.
> I lay down my own wisdom, my own strength, my own plans.
> I receive Your kingdom afresh—Your rule in my life.
> Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are mine in Christ.”
### A Proclamation of the Kingdom of the Humble
Speak this aloud as an act of faith:
> “In the name of Jesus, I declare:
> I am poor in spirit, and the kingdom of heaven is mine.
> I do not trust in my own righteousness, but in the finished work of Christ.
> I allow the Holy Spirit to produce in me godly mourning over sin,
> and I receive His supernatural comfort.
> I choose meekness—my strength under God’s control—
> and I believe His promise that I will inherit the earth with Christ.
> I come to God with humble heart and empty hands,
> and I receive the present reality of His kingdom—
> righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
> God’s kingdom belongs to me now,
> because I belong wholly to Him.”
### A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You sat on that mountain and opened Your mouth, and You blessed the poor in spirit, the mourners, and the meek. I present myself to You now in that same condition. I acknowledge my spiritual poverty. I confess that apart from You I can do nothing.
Holy Spirit, search my heart. Where there is sin, compromise, pride, or self-reliance, bring it to light. Grant me godly sorrow that leads to true repentance. Do not let me harden my heart. Meet me in my mourning with Your comfort and Your presence.
Father, I yield my strength, my rights, my ambitions, and my reactions to You. Tame me like a warhorse under Your hand. Make me meek—not weak, but surrendered. Train me for the inheritance You have prepared, that I may reign with Christ in righteousness.
Today I come with empty hands. I ask You to fill me with Your kingdom—Your rule, Your order, Your righteousness, Your peace, and Your joy in the Holy Spirit. Let the words of Your Son be fulfilled in my life: that as I am poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is mine.
I ask this in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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