Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8).
"Pure in heart" has two interrelated meanings. It means inner moral purity as opposed to merely external piety (cf. Duet 10:16; 1 Sam 15:22; Psm 24:3-4; Matt 23:25-28); it also means singlemindedness, a heart free from deceit.
"Pure in heart" has two interrelated meanings. It means inner moral purity as opposed to merely external piety (cf. Duet 10:16; 1 Sam 15:22; Psm 24:3-4; Matt 23:25-28); it also means singlemindedness, a heart free from deceit.
It is impossible to have one characteristic without the other. The one who is singleminded in commitment to the kingdom and its righteousness (Matt 6:33) will also be inwardly pure. Inward sham, deciet, and moral filth cannot coexist with sincere devotion to Christ. Either way, the beatitude excoriates hypocrisy (see Matt 6:1-18). The pure in heart will "see God"-now with the eyes of faith and finally in the dazzling brilliance of the beatific vision (cf. Heb 12:14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Rev 21:22-27).
[NIV BIBLE COMMENTARY Volume 2: New Testament].
[NIV BIBLE COMMENTARY Volume 2: New Testament].
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