The Savior’s sermon begins with declarations referred to as the Beatitudes. These start with a series of statements that declare “blessed are …” (see 3 Nephi 12:1–11). Beatitude means “‘to be fortunate,’ ‘to be happy,’ or ‘to be blessed’” (Matthew 5:3a). Webster’s dictionary defines the word as “a state of utmost bliss” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. [2004], 107). Such words describe the results when Saints apply the teachings of this sermon.
The Bible Dictionary explains that the Beatitudes “describe certain elements that go to form the refined and spiritual character, and all of which will be present whenever that character exists in its perfection. Rather than being isolated statements, the Beatitudes are interrelated and progressive in their arrangement” (“Beatitudes,” 620). The Guide to the Scriptures adds, “The Beatitudes are arranged in such a way that each statement builds upon the one that precedes it” (“Beatitudes”).
President Harold B. Lee taught that the Beatitudes embody the “constitution for a perfect life”: “Four of them have to do with our individual selves,” and four “have to do with man’s social relations with others” (Decisions for Successful Living [1973], 57, 60). The following chart illustrates that relationship:
With Self
With Others
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are the meek.
Blessed are all they that mourn.
Blessed are the merciful.
Blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Blessed are all the peacemakers.
Blessed are all the pure in heart.
Blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake.