King James Bible
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus begins the Beatitudes by pronouncing divine favor on those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy before God. Unlike material poverty, being 'poor in spirit' means acknowledging one's complete dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency, reversing common assumptions about who receives God's blessing. The present tense 'is' indicates these humble ones already possess citizenship in God's realm, not merely future access. This kingdom belongs specifically to those who admit their need, establishing the upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom where spiritual humility becomes the entry point to divine rule.