“Blest Are the Pure in Heart” is a hymn based on the Beatitude from Matthew 5:8, which states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This hymn emphasizes the importance of purity of heart in the Christian faith, suggesting that those who maintain a pure heart will be able to see and experience God more fully.

The hymn was written by John Keble, an English churchman and one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church in the 19th century. Keble’s hymn reflects his deep theological insights and his desire to inspire a sincere and devout Christian life.

The message of the hymn aligns with the broader teachings of the Beatitudes, which are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These teachings highlight the values and attitudes that are blessed by God, such as humility, mercy, and purity of heart¹².