The Catholic Message Board

I don't think it's under major debate, but there is some question for some if there are 8 Beatitudes or 9.

The Beatitudes are presented in the Gospel of Matthew as follows:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The last "Blessed" (the 9th one) is said to be part of the previous one, or 8th one. Is it because that's the only one that starts with "Blessed are you," as opposed to "Blessed are the" and "Blessed are those?"

Anyone?

I think of the "ninth" one as elaborating on the eighth one.

Also, Luke has only 4, but pairs them with 4 'woes' for the absence of beatitudes.