Happiness is... Matthew 5:3 for starters

SCRIPTURE

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

LANGUAGE

My Bible app (Olive Tree) offers translation of words in the original language. I like this feature, as translators have to make a choice of how to translate a Greek word, and sometimes their choice may not convey the best or clearest meaning. Now I know that they know much more about the translation of the Bible than I do, but since they do not always even agree with one another, I like having this information.

The word translated "Blessed" in verse 3, can also be thought of as "fortunate," "well off," or "happy." In fact, this same Greek word is translated as Happy or Happier 6 times in the New Testament.

The word "poor" in this verse means more than just one who lacks funds, it means a pauper or begger.

The word "spirit" can be understood to mean a breeze or current of air.

COMMENTS

So I might read the Beatitude this way, "Happy are those who are so poor they have to beg for air, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How can those who are so poor be happy? I think about some of the people I have encountered who do not have as much as so many others, and often they do not appear happy. But the thought occurs, maybe it is because they are not poor enough. Think about it for a moment. No amount of money guarantees happiness. Middle class to upper class to filthy rich, you can and will find those who are still not happy. Perhaps it is only those who are truly devoid of all wealth who can realize that God is in control. After all, are they not still alive? I think of the widow who gave her last penny to God as an offering. (Mark 12:41-44) Surely she did not do this begrudgingly. The text does not say, but how could one give their last cent unless they had confidence that God was in control. And if you have that kind of confidence in God, would joy not fill your heart? I'm not talking about the Prosperity Gospel kind of joy, where you give because some preacher has told you God will multiply the amount. I am not talking about planting seed money and then hopefully waiting for it to grow. I am talking about the kind of joy that Paul and Silas had, singing hymns while in prison. The kind of joy that caused Stephen to ask God not to hold those stoning him guilty, the kind of joy that does not consider the consequences or fortunes of the situation. The kind of joy that knows that God is in control, and this will turn out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28), even if that means in the next life.

I want that kind of joy.