Where Does the Bible Say Blessed Are the Pure in Heart?

　　The statement that “blessed are the pure in heart” can be confusing. Some wonder why the pure in heart are blessed. Some wonder what exactly “pure” or “pure in heart” and “blessed” even mean. Several key passages in the Bible state that the pure in heart are blessed. The verses provide vital context—including who the pure in heart are and certain ways that these people are blessed. Furthermore, there are practical ways we can all become pure in heart.

Where Does the Bible Say 'Blessed Are the Pure in Heart'?

　　Other places in the Bible discuss similar concepts in different words. Jeremiah 4:14 says that the pure in heart are saved. Psalms 24:3-4 says that those who have not done evil have pure hearts—those who have not used God’s name to hide their lies and have not made false promises can go up on God’s mountain and stand in his holy temple. Proverbs 20:9 says that those who are pure in heart are free from sin.

Who Are the Pure in Heart?

　　First, there is an emphasis on thinking. According to Matthew 5:8, the pure in heart are those whose thoughts are pure. Here Matthew uses the word kardia for heart, which frequently refers to the mind. Proverbs 4:23 gives extra support for this by saying that a person’s thoughts control their life. Other translations say that “everything you do” flows from the heart. “Everything you do” includes thoughts.

　　Second, there is an emphasis on avoiding sin or being saved. Proverbs 20:9 says those who can say they are free from sin (those who have salvation) can also say that their hearts are pure. Jeremiah 4:14 says the people of Jerusalem who can be saved from ruin have made their hearts pure.

　　Third, there is an emphasis on behavior before God. Psalms 24:3-4 says that those who can go up on God’s mountain and stand in his holy temple are those who have not done evil, have not used God’s name to hide their lies, have not made false promises, and have pure hearts. In the temple, people stood before God, who could see everything about them. People who did not show proper respect before God (like Uzzah, who touched the ark of the covenant) were punished for their irreverence. Charles Spurgeon emphasizes the wide gap between God’s purity and our finiteness that we realize when we come to God, and how to that humbles us so that we pursue him.

　　“‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

　　Purity, even purity of heart, is the main thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. How can those men see a holy God who love unholy things?

　　What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him is heaven below! In Christ Jesus the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ. But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, ‘Mine eyes are ever towards the LORD.’ The desire of Moses, ‘I beseech thee, show me thy glory,’ can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall ‘see him as he is,’ and ‘every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.’ The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. LORD, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!