 | Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. |
 | Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. |
 | Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. |
Commentary
These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs and even now they hunger and thirst for righteousness. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which is, in itself, a proof of their spiritual rebirth. Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need and hunger and thirst for that which only God can give them. "To hunger" means to be needy. It is joined with "to thirst"; the born-again man has a God-given hunger and thirst (inner passion) for righteousness. This hungering and thirsting continues throughout the life of the believer. He continues to hunger and to be filled and to hunger and to be filled. God supplies his every spiritual need daily. This act of hungering and thirsting after righteousness is the by-product of a regenerated life.
They shall be filled (Gk. chortazō) refers to a complete filling and satisfaction. The psalmist proclaimed: "He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness" (Ps. 107:9). This filling comes from God, who is the total source of satisfaction of His people. It comes now and it will continue to come throughout eternity to those who hunger and thirst for it.
Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mt 5:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.