"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
— Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
Matthew 5:9 is the "blessed are the peacemakers" verse, the seventh of the Beatitudes that open the Sermon on the Mount. This page gives the verse, what the key words mean, where it sits in Matthew 5, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about peace, Love and peace, and Bible verses about loving others.
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The verse
The King James reads: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
"Blessed" is makarios (G3107), happy or favored by God. "Peacemakers" is eirēnopoios (G1518), a single word found only here in the New Testament, built from "peace" and "make." "Called" is kaleō (G2564), and "children" is huios (G5207), sons or children.
Where it sits in Matthew 5
The Beatitudes are a run of short blessings. Just before this one: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:7-8). Right after: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).
Later in the same chapter Jesus ties being God's children to loving enemies: "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45).
What the verse is saying
Jesus blesses people who make peace, not only people who keep quiet or avoid conflict. A peacemaker works to bring people back together: owning their part, speaking honestly, and refusing to stir things up.
The promise is that they "will be called children of God." God is the great peacemaker, reconciling people to himself, so those who make peace look like their Father. James says something similar: "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18). Paul gives the practical limit in Romans 12:18: "as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Questions people ask
What does Matthew 5:9 say?
In the NIV it says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." The KJV says, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
What is a peacemaker in the Bible?
A peacemaker actively works for peace between people and with God. It is more than being peaceful or avoiding conflict; it means reconciling, forgiving, and calming tension instead of feeding it.
Why are peacemakers called children of God?
Children resemble their father, and God is the one who makes peace. When people make peace, they show his character, which is why Jesus says they will be called his children.
Is a peacemaker the same as a peacekeeper?
Not quite. Keeping the peace can mean avoiding hard conversations. Making peace often requires them, along with honesty, forgiveness, and a gentle answer like the one in Proverbs 15:1.
What verses go with Matthew 5:9?
Matthew 5:44 (love your enemies), Romans 12:18 (live at peace with everyone), and John 14:27 (peace I leave with you) are close companions.
