King James Bible
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
Jesus commands an extreme response to persecution—not mere acceptance but exuberant joy. The Greek suggests leaping for joy, indicating that suffering for righteousness should produce paradoxical celebration rather than despair. The rationale for joy lies in eternal compensation that far outweighs temporary suffering. This heavenly reward is described as 'great,' emphasizing that God's future vindication will abundantly surpass present hardships. Jesus places his disciples in the noble lineage of Old Testament prophets who suffered for proclaiming God's truth. This historical parallel both validates their experience and honors them as continuing the prophetic tradition of righteous suffering.