The Catholic Message Board

I don't think it's under major debate, but there is some question for some if there are 8 Beatitudes or 9.

The Beatitudes are presented in the Gospel of Matthew as follows:

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.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The last "Blessed" (the 9th one) is said to be part of the previous one, or 8th one. Is it because that's the only one that starts with "Blessed are you," as opposed to "Blessed are the" and "Blessed are those?"

Anyone?

I think of the "ninth" one as elaborating on the eighth one.

Also, Luke has only 4, but pairs them with 4 'woes' for the absence of beatitudes.

The traditional number is 8 beatitudes

Since Jesus used that "blessed" word nine times in a row, let's go with his more ancient tradition.

The commentary I am reading says there are 8 blessings in the third person plural (e.g. blessed are poor in spirit) and one blessing in the second person plural (blessed are you...)

VeryTas wrote: ↑Thu Jan 29, 2026 9:55 am Since Jesus used that "blessed" word nine times in a row, let's go with his more ancient tradition.

The last one is counted as part of the previous one, it is not a new blessing

Bartholomew wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 8:43 am I don't think it's under major debate, but there is some question for some if there are 8 Beatitudes or 9.

Whether this topic is under major debate or not, accuracy always matters. And, it's my understanding that there are nine beatitudes:

1. "How happy I will be if I am poor in spirit." (Matt. 5:3)
2. "How happy I will be if I am gentle." (Matt. 5:5)
3. "How happy I will be if I mourn without rebelling." (Matt. 5:4, Lk. 6:21)
4. "How happy I will be if I hunger and thirst for justice." (Matt. 5:6, Lk. 6:21)
5. "How happy I will be if I am merciful." (Matt. 5:7)
6. "How happy I will be if I am pure in heart." (Matt. 5:8)
7. "How happy I will be if I am peaceful in spirit." (Matt. 5:9)
8. "How happy I will be if I am persecuted in the cause of right." (Matt. 5:10)
9. "How happy I will be if I am accused and abused falsely." (Matt. 5:11-12, Lk. 6:22-23)

The Evangelists, Matthew and Luke, gave summarized but sufficient accounts of the Sermon on the Mount, the minimum necessary for bringing people to belief and salvation.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.