BEATITUDESTheBeatitudesare eightblessingsin theSermon on the Mountin theGospel of Matthew. Each is aproverb-like proclamation, without narrative, "cryptic, precise, and full of meaning. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical theme".Four of the blessings also appear in theSermon on the Plainin theGospel of Luke, and these are followed by fourwoeswhich mirror the blessings. The termbeatitudecomes from theLatinnounbetitdwhich means "happiness".[In theVulgate(Latin), the book of Matthew titles this sectionBeatitudines,and "Beatitudes" wasanglicizedfrom that term.Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. In almost every case the condition is from familiarOld Testamentcontext, but Jesus teaches a new interpretation. Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of Christian ideals that focus on a spirit of love andhumilitydifferent in orientation than the usual force and exaction taken. They echo the highest ideals of the teachings of Jesus onmercy, spirituality, and compassion.The eight Beatitudes inMatthew 5:312during theSermon on the Mounteach begins with: Blessed are... ....the poor in spirit: for theirs is thekingdom of Heaven. (5:3) ....those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4) ....the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5) ....those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6) ....themerciful: for they will be shownmercy. (5:7) ....the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8) ....the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9) ....those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.