Castle's Keep

We will be continuing our series on The Beatitudes:

Some of the most well known teachings of Jesus (even within the world) come from the Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew Chapters 5-7. This sermon encapsulates much of the character of the New Law which Christ was going to usher in after His death, burial, and resurrection. This sermon begins with a powerful listing of “blessings” – blessings for things which the world at large, and many Jews themselves would consider folly. These “blessings” (commonly referred to as the Beatitudes, from a Latin word meaning “perfect happiness”) are important because they describe certain necessary qualities for the child of God.

Extra Meaning

The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “truth” in English is the Greek word aletheia. Although the common usage of this word is similar to English, signifying that a particular idea or fact was not false, the New Testament in particular added extra force to this word’s usage.

Expectation vs. Desire

The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “hope” in English is the Greek word elpis. In that original language the word carried with it more an idea of expectation rather than desire (for which there is a different word). Understanding this difference is key to understanding the original intention of the New Testament writers. In modern usage, “hope” has become a somewhat flippant term used for wish lists or for dreams which seldom are connected with expected reality.

More Than Emotion

The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “joy” in English is the Greek word chara. In that original language (as in Hebrew of the Old Testament) this word described more than an emotional state, but instead and entire disposition of thought. This can be quite different from our modern concept of “joy” which is linked with one’s personal feelings.