Learn the Beatitudes in Aramaic
Dr. Rocco A. Errico is an ordained minister, international lecturer and author, spiritual counselor, and one of the nation’s leading Biblical scholars working from the original Aramaic Peshitta texts. He also holds a special title of Teacher, Prime Exegete, Maplana d’miltha dalaha, among the Federation of St. Thomas Christians of the order of Antioch.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BEATITUDES
By Dr. Rocco A Errico from his book Aramaic Light on the Beatitudes
“According to Matthew’s writings, Jesus saw the
crowds of people gathering to hear him and to be
healed by him. But he went up the side of the
mountain and sat down to quietly meditate and
contemplate. His disciples came closer to him but
did not disturb him. Sensing their presence and
nearness, he looked up and decided to speak. Now
he was ready to teach and nourish the hungry and
thirsting souls of those who felt powerless over their
present social, political, and religious conditions.
Affectionately he says to them:
Blissful are they, the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
consulship of the heavens.
Blissful are they, the mournful, for they will be
strengthened morally and emotionally.
Blissful are they, the gentle, for they inherit land.
Blissful are they, those who are hungering after and
thirsting for justice, for they will be well satisfied.
Blissful are they, the compassionate, for upon them
is compassion.
Blissful are they, those who are pure in their heart,
for they see God.
Blissful are they, the peaceworkers, for they are
being called sons of God.
Blissful are they, those who are persecuted because
of justice, for theirs is the consulship of the
heavens.
Blissful are you, when they are reviling you and
persecuting you and are saying every malicious
word against you falsely because of me; Then rejoice and thrive because your reward is
increased in heaven; For in like manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Tears of joy ran down the cheeks of some of the
women, and the men held their beards tightly as they
responded in a positive manner to these warm
hearted, encouraging words of the master teacher of
Galilee. “
What Does The Blissful Poor in Spirit Mean?
By Dr. Rocco A Errico from his book Aramaic Light on the Beatitudes
“Those who are familiar with Jesus’ Beatitudes
may be wondering why I translated the Aramaic
word toowayhon as “blissful” instead of “blessed.”
The Aramaic noun toowa has several meanings
–such as, “blessing, bliss, blessedness, beatitude,
happiness, fortunate, delight, lucky,” and much
more.
What the word expresses is “an extreme state
of happiness,” in other words, “bliss.” The Hebrew
equivalent of toowa is ashre and is defined as
“happy.”
Jesus’ style of teaching and preaching, especially
the Beatitudes, was direct because as he spoke he
held a fixed gaze on individuals who exuded a certain
demeanor. This is the reason he said: “Blissful are
they, the poor in spirit, for theirs is the consulship of
the heavens.”
“Poor in spirit” is an idiomatic
expression of speech pointing to those who are not
full of false pride, people who have surrendered to a
loving and benevolent form of consciousness within
their own mind and soul. When people awaken and
surrender to their own higher and gracious inner
sensibilities, there is no room for self-pretentious
greatness or importance. They have come to a
deeper understanding of themselves that brings an
inner state of bliss.
Also, the phrase “poor in spirit” has several
meanings.” It refers to the modest, unassuming, non
arrogant. This is a mental and emotional state that is
free of negative opinions. It is a non-judgmental
attitude that does not see itself as above anyone or
anything racially, nationally, religiously, politically,
educationally, or spiritually.
This attitude grants the
ability to interpret matters on the basis of the
situation and not on the individuals involved. It is a
mode of being that promotes bliss and happiness.
But it does not mean that you have lost a balanced
understanding of just judgement and discernment.
It simply recognizes the profound worth of every
human being, even those who may have lost their
way.”
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