Luke6:20
Next VerseTranslation
Paraphrase
The poor have had their lives extended in length and increased in influence because God has conferred His favor and His special provision on them; therefore the kingdom of God belongs to those of you who are poor.
Footnotes
1
The Greek word “blessed” comes from a word meaning “to make or become large or long, to extend.” This could be an extension of life or an increase in influence or some other benefit. Think how radical that sounds, that the poor have increased influence in society. This extending of life or increase in influence was always tied to God’s conferring his favor and special provision on someone. Yes, the word can also be translated “happy,” but doing so robs it of its connection to the favor and provision of God and the resulting “fullness.”