Makarios is a Greek word that appears fifty times in the New Testament. In Strong’s Lexicon it is catalogued as 3107 and is defined as ‘blessed, happy’. A prolonged form of makar; supremely blessed; by extension, fortunate, well-off. HELPS adds ‘properly, when God extends His benefits.’ One in an enviable position from receiving God’s favour and grace. This happiness is when obeying the Lord in faith. Hence faith (pistis - 4102) and makarios are closely related.
It makes its first appearance in Matthew 5:3, the first of eight beatitudes. Some translations go with ‘Happy are…’ (NWT et al). Others translate it as ‘Blessed are…’ (KJV, NIV et al). Why the difference? Is being happy and being blessed one and the same? It appears not.
The difference is down to source and depth. Happiness is an emotional state, a response to favourable circumstances yet can be transient. We are happy when the sun shines, when in good company and enjoying good food, when life is serene. Blessedness is deeply rooted and enduring. It describes a sense of divine favour, purpose or grace. It is a condition that is bestowed rather than achieved. One can feel blessed even when unhappy due to our love and faith in God, his provisions and promises.
In Greek mythology makarios described the Gods on Mount Olympus, supremely fortunate, untouched by the daily struggles of mere mortals. They were beyond worry, suffering or need. This seems to mimic today’s super-rich. According to Oxfam the richest 1% own almost half of the world’s wealth. Are these ‘gods’ blessed? Are they supremely fortunate, untouched by the travails of being poor – food insecurity, without decent housing, and no access to suitable health care? It might seem so. But that is not according to Jesus. In the New Testament its meaning is flipped over. Blessed describes those who are not fortunate in a worldly way; those who are seemingly poor, troubled and helpless. It describes a deep spiritual contentment rooted, not in circumstances, but in one’s relationship with God. Happiness is fleeting, emotional whereas makarios implies a state of flourishing aligned with divine purpose. It is active and relational built upon grace and faith. It is spiritual contentment and inner peace that transcends the circumstances of life.
For followers of Christ today those who are blessed have peace, not because everything is wonderful but due to their being rooted in something enduring – Jesus himself and the gospel message. We can embrace humility, mercy or mourning as opportunities that lead to transformation, knowing that a blessed state is measured by faith and love and how we interact with the world around us. It is not about what we have but who we are, or aspire to be.
The following is a catalogue of all fifty occurrences of makarios in the New Testament, starting with Matthew chapter five and those beatitudes. All quotations are from NIV unless otherwise stated.
Note the inclusio – bookends – ‘theirs is the kingdom of heaven’.
Matthew 5:3 / Luke 6:20 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Greek - ptochos 4434 – a beggar, pauper; (fig) distressed; (lit) strictly denoting absolute or public dependency on charity.
In most societies it is the poor who are marginalised and powerless, often innocent victims of those in power, who also just happen to be the most wealthy. Wealth and power just go together. Nevertheless Jesus here flips the norm completely on its head. It is the poor who inherit the riches and privileges of the Kingdom of Heaven. Of course Jesus has no interest in material wealth. He is referring to spiritual well-being and prosperity; those who are humble and recognise their own spiritual needs, their own insufficiency and their need for divine grace. They reject pride and self-sufficiency, acknowledging that all blessings come from the Lord, which in turn fosters a deep relationship with God (Jas 2:5). This is a direct challenge to the elite and poor alike to reconsider what it means to be righteous, and that dependence on God alone will lead to true riches. Let us not forget the Laodiceans who thought they were rich but were destitute of true riches; spiritually they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked (Rev 3:17).
Matthew 5:4 / Luke 6:21 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. / Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Greek - penthountes 3996 – to mourn, lament, feel guilt. Not limited to personal grief – the profound, loss of a loved one, but deep sorrow over sin and world alienation from God.
It is true that mourning follows tragedy – the loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, a financial disaster and similar. This usually involves feelings of guilt. We turn inward and condemn ourselves for having failed in some way by the things we did, should have done, or cannot now do, looking back with regrets. This kind of mourning rarely brings blessings. The Jewish custom was to don sackcloth and ashes, and make a public show of fasting, lamentation, and sorrow. We might recall Job in his pitiful state (Job 2:8) or Jacob when he was lamenting the loss of his favoured son Joseph (Gen 37:34). These extravagant outward shows of piety and grief might have impressed some onlookers but it was not what Jesus was referring to. Jesus is talking of mourning in a profound way; over our sinful state and the need for repentance. This can lead to a deeper experience of God’s presence and grace and is a form of repentance. The blessing lies in the knowledge that beyond mourning is hope. We gain comfort in the assurance of God’s future intervention in man’s affairs, from a compassionate and loving Father (Rev 21:1-4).
Jesus offers comfort, solace and rest in his gentle and humble nature. He invites us to join him under his yoke so that he can carry our load for us (Mt 11:28-30). We also have the Spirit of truth as our advocate, sent from the Father at Jesus’s request (Jo 14:16-17). At 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Paul focuses on the communal aspect of comfort that is available right now, but then looks forward in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 to the comfort of future glories in Christ for those facing trials and persecution. If, on a daily basis, we immerse ourselves in prayer, read God’s word, rely on holy spirit and through our community of believers bear each others burdens (and we can because Jesus is carrying our load) then those who mourn truly are blessed by the abundance of comfort available.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Greek - praeis 4239 – mild, gentle, humble.
Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is not passive. Meekness is strength under control, restrained power channelled for good. Meekness is active. Meekness is highly valued. Moses was by far the meekest of men (Num 12:3), and the Psalmist notes that it is the meek who will inherit the earth (Ps 37:11). Meekness appears as an aspect of the fruit of the spirit at Galatians 5:23 as gentleness. Jesus was meek, both in his dealings with people and in his submission to his father’s will. Meekness determines how we interact with others in a way that leads to peace and unity. It is a conscious choice to submit to God’s will and to prioritise others above self. We gain the opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love for the world to the world. We inherit the earth now in that we experience peace and contentment by living in harmony with creation. In eschatology the meek inherit a new heaven and a new earth, a gift from God for the meek where righteousness dwells (2 Pe 3:13).
Matthew 5:6 / Luke 6:21 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. / Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Greek - peinontes 3983 and dipsontes 1372 – to be hungry/thirsty, fig. to crave, have intense longing such as that of a starving, dehydrated man.
Does physical food and drink truly satisfy? For a short while, yes. How delightful it is to sit down to a tasty meal when feeling hungry, to have a draft of a cold, refreshing drink on a hot day. Having been satisfied, after a while those feelings will return and we need to start again. Oh what frustration! Perhaps Jesus was correct when he observed that man cannot live on bread alone (Mt 4:4) but would need a constant supply of spiritual nourishment to satisfy his inmost needs and desires. From where do we receive this sustenance? The word of God, he said. And what does that say on the matter? I am the bread of life, said Jesus to some Jews (Jo 6:35). I have living water that will permanently satisfy, eternally, he said to a woman hauling buckets of liquid out of Jacob’s well (Jo 4:14). To those Jews, he went on to explain that ‘Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood real drink (Jo 6:54-55). Thinking literally of cannibalism, they were disgusted and refused to associate with him any further. But those who did stick with him through this troublesome period (Lord, to whom shall we go?) were blessed with enlightenment at that last supper. Eat, drink, for this is my body and blood, referring to the bread and wine metonymically.
Amos tells of a famine, not of food and water but for hearing the words of Jehovah (8:11). It is possible to become complacent, to think that we are well-fed, unaware that our diet is spiritual UPF – not actually whole food but industrial products that mimic food, that mess with the body’s natural processes and lack any nutritional value. To reap eternal satisfaction we must chortasthesontai 5526 – to feed, fatten satisfy, to gorge – on God’s word, being fascinated by it, delving deep into its rich treasures to find every morsel of goodness. Those who do so are assured of a wonderful future – to serve in God’s presence, never again hungering or thirsting, and having had their every tear wiped from their eyes by God himself (Re 7:15-17).
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Greek – eleos 1656 – mercy, compassion, pity. Extending kindness, compassion, forgiveness to a person in need or distress.
Later on in his sermon, Jesus stated the opposite – ‘Do not judge, or you will be judged. In the same way you judge others, you will be judged.’ (Mt 7:1-2). That is an awful prospect. Do we wish to be treated mercifully? Then we must be merciful just as Jehovah is merciful with us (Ex 34:6). This is not simply withholding due punishment but actively pursuing the welfare of others, especially of those in need. At Deuteronomy 10:18 Jehovah is described as defending widows and orphans and providing them with food and clothing. The year of Jubilee was a means of reset that prevented capitalism and the permanent loss of hereditary possessions. Jesus’s acts of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and forgiving sins were all in themselves acts of mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 links God’s rich mercy with His grace in redeeming mankind through Christ, even taking the initiative in this while we were dead in our transgressions. Is that a blessing? Could there be a higher state of blessedness?
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Greek - katharos 2513 – clean, clear, pure, fig. spiritually clean because purged (purified) by God, i.e. free from the contaminating influences of sin - kardia 2588 – the heart, thoughts, feelings (never in OT or NT used literally, only figurative).
Those who are pure in heart are sincere, honest and free from deceit or moral corruption. These are qualities entirely lacking in the world around us and so a person who achieves this blessed state implies a single-minded devotion to God free from hypocrisy and ulterior motives. Why? Because it is only those who have clean hands, a pure heart and is without deceit can stand in the holy place of Jehovah (Ps 24:3-4). Although God told Moses no one can see my face (Ex 33:20) in the future those pure in heart will see God (Rev 22:4); those who have been purified by God can stand in his presence. This is both a present spiritual reality (Jas 4:8) and a future hope. So we must commit to prayer, bible reading and meditation, not neglecting our community worship and make a conscious effort to guard our heart against all forms of impurity. The blessing of standing before the throne of God and of the Lamb in New Jerusalem right here on earth, is ineffable (Rev 22:3).
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Greek - eirenopoioi 1518 – pacific, loving peace, someone who bravely declares God’s terms which makes someone whole; from eirene, to join, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God’s gift of wholeness).
In the New Testament peace is never used to describe a mere absence of conflict; it is the positive covenantal state that flows from God’s redemptive work in Christ and applied by the holy spirit. The Hebrew greeting ‘shalom’ implies wholeness, completeness and well-being in all aspects of life. It therefore conveys the idea of complete harmony with God, others and self. One who is a peacemaker actively seeks to reconcile and restore relationships. Jesus’s life and teachings emphasised love forgiveness and reconciliation. Peacemakers are granted honour of being part of God’s family. In the Old Testament Israel were described as God’s children, sons of the living God (Hos 1:10). And this is exactly what they were having been adopted as such in the desert of Sinai. In the New Testament believers are adopted as God’s children through faith in Christ (Rom 8:14-17). This is the New Covenant of which Jesus is the mediator. Peacemakers have a transformed identity such that they promote peace and unity around them. They mediate disputes, advocate for the oppressed, promote unity in the family, in the congregation and everywhere in general. It requires personal sacrifice; they endure hardship through misunderstanding and opposition. In this they follow closely their exemplar Jesus who through his peacemaking reconciled humanity to God (Eph 2:14). If possible we must be at peace with everyone (Rom 12:18). This is our divine calling that aligns with God’s purposes.
Matthew 5:10,11 / Luke 6:22,23 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. / Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
Here is the extraordinary paradox of life in Christ. All these lovely people who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who are merciful, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are pure in heart and seek peace with everyone - will be persecuted! For pursuing purity they will be pursued by evil. What is persecution? Physical abuse – hostility, discrimination, violence due to faith in Jesus Christ. Verbal abuse - insults, mockery, ridicule, social ostracism, slander and reviling. Why? Because of me (Jo 15:20). All persecution that we receive as a direct result of our relationship with Jesus is a blessing. If we suffer due to performing works of the flesh, well that would not be a blessing. That is due punishment (1 Pet 4:13-15). Yet we must rejoice in persecution as it produces character and hope (Rom 5:3-4). It is a means of refining and strengthening the congregation. We must respond with love and forgiveness (Mt 5:44) and bless those who persecute us (Rom 12:14-17).
Matthew 13:16 Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.
The question was ‘Why do you speak to them by the use of illustrations?’ The answer was that the disciples had been granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of heaven, unlike those of whom Isaiah noted had become unreceptive and unresponsive (Isa 44:18). But the blessedness was even greater than this. The disciples were seeing and hearing the things that the prophets longed to see, indeed even wrote about and foretold, but could not see, hear or even understand in some cases (Dan 12:8). To be with the Lord Jesus, to listen to him, to see him in action, was a true blessing.
Matthew 16:17 Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my father in heaven.
This time it was Jesus who asked the question as to who people were saying he is. Peter answered ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God’. This had been revealed to him by ‘my Father in heaven’. To have received such knowledge from that source meant that Peter was truly blessed.
Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. (BSB) / Luke 12:37,38,43 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on the watch when he returns… Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed… Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. (BSB)
Regarding the parousia of the Lord, we are told to keep on the watch and stay awake because we do not when this will be, when he will come. Before departing, the master appointed a slave to manage the household and feed the staff. On the beach in Galilee, Peter was commissioned to ‘feed my lambs / take care of my sheep / feed my sheep’ (Jo 21). It was a commission that would span the centuries and would involve many faithful and wise individuals. Would that collective slave prove to be faithful and wise, evil, or deserving of stokes, few or many? Only time will tell. If he is found to be faithful in his service he will be blessed with great privilege and responsibility – to be put in charge of all the master’s possessions. If he succumbs to ambition, exalting himself over everything that is called God, seating himself in God's temple and proclaiming himself to be God, well, that is the man of lawlessness as prophesied by Paul (2 Th 2:3-4). At a personal level, all that God asks is that we are found faithful (2 Cor 4:2) irrespective of the claims of those around us and would exalt themselves over us. We all have to remain alert and ready and ensure that we are fulfilling our service according to our personal understanding of Scripture, not according to someone else’s interpretation. That is our personal responsibility – to be alert, prepared, watchful, daily examining God’s word to ensure that we are heading in the right direction, that what we are told really is so.
Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promise to her! (The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he will keep his promise – CEV).
Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth and as the sound of her greeting was heard the infant in Elizabeth’s womb, John, leaped for joy. Mary was blessed. In verse 42 the word ‘blessed’ appears twice in most English translations. This is a different word, eulogeo (2127). It is a compound of eu – well and logos – word, from where we derive the word eulogise. It is a verb and in normal speech it would mean to speak well of someone, and in a religious setting to bless or praise a person, similar to giving a gift. On the other hand makarios is an adjective that describes the state of being blessed. It is the result of being blessed – the joy and benefit of having received a blessing. Here we have an important example of accuracy in translation. NIV, BSB and others use ‘blessed’ in all three instances and thereby disguising the fact that there are two different Greek words in use. NWT uses ‘blessed’ twice in v42 but then uses ‘happy’ in v45. This does alert the reader to the different words but, as we learned earlier, ‘happy’ does not really capture the essence of makarios. Being happy and being blessed are not interchangeable. I would suggest leaving ‘blessed’ in v45 but using another word in v42, perhaps ‘praised’ (SLT) as a synonym for eulogise. We are slightly digressing. Although poor, from a humble background, Mary was supremely blessed, chosen as she was to be the mother to the Son of God, the Messiah. Mary did believe, never doubted as did Zechariah, knowing that the word from Gabriel would most certainly be fulfilled.
Luke 7:23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.
This is John’s enquiry regarding Jesus – are you the one to come or should we be looking for someone else (v20)? Jesus answered this by performing a whole array of miracles and then told the disciples of John to report back what they had seen and heard. Having witnessed such an outstanding demonstration of power in answer to the question, anyone who would be stumbled would really have no excuse. The opposite of a blessing is a curse. Beware!
Luke 10:23 Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
Jesus sent forth seventy (or seventy two) disciples in pairs to prepare the way for him in the towns that he intended to visit. Theirs was a message of peace. They were endowed with the ability to heal the sick and their message was ‘the kingdom of God has come near to you’. They returned with joy having discovered that even the demons had been made subject to them. In a similar vein to Matthew 13:16 they were blessed because so many prophets and kings desired to see and hear the matters that they were part of but were unable. Just to be with Jesus and to witness his work firsthand was a blessing in itself.
Luke 11:27,28 Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you (the womb that bore you, the breasts that nursed you - BSB). He replied ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’
Jesus had been accused of expelling demons by means of Beelzebub by some in the crowd. Masterfully, Jesus demolished their ideas by means of sound logic. A house divided against itself will fall. Whoever is not with me is against me. A woman in the crowd was clearly impressed and called out the above statement. It was a moment of spontaneous praise and recognition, even bold in a society where women were frowned upon for being prominent, for being heard and not just seen. To be the mother of such an amazing man would have been a blessing ordinarily, but that was not according to Jesus. Harking back to the beatitudes Jesus reminded the woman that true blessings come from a spiritual hunger, a yearning for God’s word and then to be motivated to obey. Obedience stemming from faith is the central tenet of salvation.
Luke 14:14,15 and you will be blessed… Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.
Jesus was dining at a Pharisee’s house. The guests were picking the best places of honour at the table and this moved him to tell two parables about humility. Go to the lowest place and perhaps you will be honoured by others. Even better, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, those unable to repay you, and then you will be blessed. Perhaps the person who made the comment in v15 may have assumed that he and his peers were already assured of a place in the kingdom of God, whereas Jesus was challenging that idea. Recalling the beatitudes, it would be those marginalised by society who would inherit the kingdom: the poor, the humble and the meek. Complacency is a dangerous situation to enter!
Luke 23:29 Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.
Simon from Cyrene was carrying the stake behind Jesus, and following them were a large number of people, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and foretold a time of great distress, likely referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Historically among the Jews, being barren was seen as a curse or a sign of God’s disfavour. We might think of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah and Elizabeth and the desperate measures that some of them went to because of their infertility. Sarah suggested that her husband have sex with another woman. Rachel went seeking aphrodisiacs. Hannah, after years of abuse, even tried praying! But what a transformation when infertility would become a blessing, such would be the severity of the coming tribulation. Some of the suffering and atrocities reported by Josephus during the Jewish War do not bear repeating. Those who had never had children would be blessed. Such a turnaround!
John 13:17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
What things? That a servant is not greater than his master, a messenger not greater than the sender. And yet Jesus had girded himself as a slave and washed their feet, setting an example of humility and service. He was teaching that faith manifests itself in tangible acts of love and service. We must be doers of the word, not just hearers (Jas 1:22).
John 20:29 Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Ah yes, doubting Thomas. He wanted physical evidence of the resurrection. Jesus did not deny him. Thomas saw and then believed. But what about those who believe without ever having experienced the Lord in the flesh, with or without holes? They would be blessed. Jesus is promoting the importance of faith, belief based on evidence though not beheld (Heb 11:1). This would be imperative for the generations to come, those who would have just the written word upon which to base their confidence and trust.
Acts 20:35 …remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Here is a saying of Jesus that is nowhere recorded in any of the four gospels, yet we should not doubt its authenticity. As John observed, there were many more things that Jesus did which were never recorded (Jo 21:25). This seems to be a saying that was known and attributed to the Lord among the disciples and that has escaped oblivion through Paul reminding the Ephesians of its veracity. There are sayings of similar nature that are recorded in the gospels. For example, the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mt 20:28). The giving referred to is not out of affluence and abundance but as a result of love and sacrifice. It is the motive behind the generosity that is commended not the gift itself. When we give out of our want, we might feel happy, but in truth we are blessed by Jesus himself. The greatest gift ever was that of Jesus’s lifeblood, poured out for you and me and for which he was exalted to the right hand of God, a superior position (Ac 2:33, Php 2:9). We are supremely blessed by that gift, so in following in his footsteps and giving generously out of our want (Mk 12:44), we show appreciation and share the blessings we have received. We might feel happy but it is the blessing that Jesus really refers to.
Acts 26:2 King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate (blessed) to stand before you today as I make my defence against all the accusations of the Jews
This is interesting. While some translations consider Paul happy to stand before the king, most go with fortunate. And yet the Greek word is makarios – blessed. Perhaps suggesting that Paul defending himself to a slimy politician, one who was living in incest with his sister Bernice at that, as a blessing is more than most translators can stomach. Or perhaps Paul was being sycophantic for practical reasons. Agrippa II was well-known as an expert on Jewish laws and customs and so having someone to address who was already familiar with the proceedings would be helpful. And after all, it was his father Agrippa I who was devoured by worms in Caesarea at the instigation of the angel of the Lord. However, at Matthew 10:18 Jesus prophesied that ‘you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and the Gentiles’. To see the outworking of prophecy first-hand and to be instrumental in it is a true blessing.
Romans 4:7,8 Blessed are those whose transgressions (Gr, anomiai – lawlessness) are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.
This is a direct quote from Psalm 32:1-2, a maskil of David. Paul is here extolling the wonders of divine forgiveness. Abraham received the promise that he would be heir to the world through the righteousness of faith, and not by law. Our sins are forgiven by the grace of God. We cannot earn salvation - not through works of law, good deeds, powerful works or anything else apart from faith. Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our righteousness. This forgiveness is complete. The Greek word in v7 translated here as ‘are covered’ is epikalupto, comprising two parts epi – over and kalupto to cover. This paints a picture of complete and utter forgiveness. Yes we have been forgiven but should any hint, any trace of the sin remain, it will be covered so completely that it will never be seen again. It will really be as if it never occurred.
Romans 14:22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. (What you believe about these things should be kept between you and God. You are fortunate, if your actions don’t make you have doubts - CEV).
This passage of the letter to the Romans, now known as chapter 14, is all about not judging our fellow believer, especially one whose faith is weak. The congregation is filled with diversity – we all have different ideas and beliefs on non-essential matters such as diet and holidays. However we are required to respect one another so that the fruitage of the spirit can prosper amongst the brethren. We want our relationships to be built upon righteousness, peace, joy and, above all love. We must not judge. Neither must my freedom become a stumbling block to my brother. We all stand before the judgement seat on our own merits. Our own matters of conscience are ours alone and should remain private. Then, in living in accord with God’s will, we will have a clear conscience before God (1 Jo 3:21). This brings inner peace and that is a true blessing.
1 Corinthians 7:40 In my judgement, she is happier (blessed) if she stays as she is – and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
This is the widow. If her husbands dies she is free to marry anyone else, in the Lord. But, in Paul’s opinion, she would have greater blessings if she remains a widow, unhindered and distracted by marital responsibilities. She can then focus on spiritual matters and offer her undivided devotion to the Lord.
1 Timothy 1:11 we know that the law is good if one uses it properly… that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
Many translations here insert the word 'glorious' before 'gospel' (BSB, NLT, KJV et al) although in the Greek it seems to refer to the blessed God (tes doxes tou makariou theou). I am not qualified to arbitrate. The gospel message is certainly glorious and our blessed God is equally glorious. The gospel is glorious because it reveals the majesty and grace of God through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is glorious as it declares God’s power for salvation (Rom 1:16, 2 Cor 4:4-6). Bless Jehovah, O my soul, even everything within me, his holy name. Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and do not forget all his doings (Ps 103:1-2).
1 Timothy 6:15 God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal…
A difficult passage. Here is the complete section according to NWT:
13 Before God, who preserves all things alive, and Christ Jesus, who as a witness made the fine public declaration before Pontius Pilate, I give you orders 14 to observe the commandment in a spotless and irreprehensible way until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which the happy and only Potentate will show in its own appointed times. He is the King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, 16 the one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To him be honor [sic] and eternal might. Amen.’
The theme of this article is the state of blessedness, makarios, and so I do not intend to get deeply involved in theological discussions here. Nevertheless it does seem reasonable to highlight the main points so that we can have some idea of who is blessed. The manifestation (epiphany) of our Lord refers to the parousia, when Michael stands up in the final part of the days (Dan 12:1), the coming and presence of the Son of Man (Mt 24:27), the arrival of the master (Mt 24:46) etc. But who is the ‘happy and only Potentate’, the ‘blessed and only Ruler’? Potentate is an unusual word to use. It translates dynastes, here making its third and final appearance. Mary used it in magnifying her God and Saviour who ‘has brought down men of power from thrones’ (Lu 1:52). The Ethiopian eunuch was a ‘man of power’ under Candace (Ac 8:27). However it is not a word in common usage in everyday English. There are many synonyms that are instantly recognisable such as sovereign, monarch, ruler, those who wield great power. It appears to be reserved for historical and literary uses. Anyway, I had to look it up. Commentators are divided as to whom it refers. The WTS and Berean Study Bible apply it to Jehovah and God respectively. Trinitarians apply it to the ‘Godhead’ (Matthew Henry et al). Whoever it refers to has great power; more than that of any who might be styled king or lord. It is a blessed position.
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
The difficulties continue. The NWT Reference Bible has a whole appendix devoted to the grammar of this verse (6E). One person or two? The grammar supports both translations (Ellicott, Pulpit et al). The issue is that the WTS cannot have Jesus Christ being described as God. The translators get around it by adding in another ‘of’ therefore making it appear that Paul is referring to two distinct personalities. The appendix refers us to five alternative translations that do likewise, but the fact is that the vast majority do not add this second ‘of’, or ‘of our’, as illustrated by NIV above. What do you believe and why? Are you awaiting the presence of God, Jehovah? In this verse it is the hope that is the matter blessed. As in 1 Timothy we are awaiting the epiphany and parousia of our Lord, which in itself will be glorious. It will usher in great tribulation but that precedes the glories of his presence. He is our saviour through his life, death and resurrection. The name Jesus means ‘Jehovah saves’. Both Jehovah and Jesus are in complete unity, so whatever is done in the name of either one is done in the name of both. One day, will the righteous fully understand divine nature? Yes indeed. In the meantime we have to keep our hope of salvation burning bright, the blessed hope that is accorded by the grace of God and nothing else. For God loved mankind so much…
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Why is suffering such a blessed thing? Perseverance under trial is a recurring Biblical theme, a quality that produces strength of character and refines one’s faith. Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. To receive the crown of life as a reward is a divine blessing. We may even have to suffer unto death but the one who is ultimately faithful will be given the crown of life (Rev 2:10).
James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do.
One who looks intently, (parakypsas; lit. to bend beside) stoops and peers into, and makes a careful examination of God’s Word, will be blessed. The perfect law of freedom refers to the gospel message that liberates the analyst from slavery and bondage to sin and death. This aligns with Jesus’s words of John 8:32 ‘you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’. We are reminded too of the Beroeans who with great eagerness examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Ac 17:11). Do I confirm that what I am told to believe is genuinely of Scripture, or do I assume it is because of its source? A great question! Of course, our Bible study should not be a passing phase in our life, a whim, or a tick-box exercise. We must continue, persist in our study and application of the Scriptures. We must never forget what we learn and the most effective aid in this is by doing, applying avidly the lessons that we learn. It should become part of our personality, our daily routine. This then brings us nicely back the concluding words of the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock’ (Mt 7:24). When trials, difficulties and persecution arise we will stand firm. That is a blessing.
1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’
Peter wrote much about suffering. Apart from his well-publicised personal failings, we know that he was flogged and imprisoned for his faith and yet he rejoiced, knowing that he had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of his beloved Lord. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The beatitudes again. Why? It proves our faith and our complete devotion to doing God’s will. Do not fear their threats echoes Isaiah 8:12. Do not be frightened – with Jehovah at our right hand we cannot be shaken (Ps 16:8). I leave you peace so do not be troubled or afraid (Jo 14:27). Such suffering can do no real harm in the context of everlasting glory.
1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Why would such God-fearing, peace-loving people be so abused and insulted? Because of the name of Christ. Jesus was seen as a radical, a threat to established tradition. He was personally rejected by the Jews for whom The Law, the temple liturgy and many associated customs handed down from their patriarchal forefathers, over many centuries, defined who they were. While Jesus personally had little to do with the Romans, his followers and the rapid growth in their numbers would seriously challenge traditional Roman practices. I suppose this reflects the extraordinary fecundity of the children of Israel in Egypt and the fear that engendered slavery and hardship there. And so Christ’s followers were persecuted and insulted because they were seen as a threat to the established world order. Yet they were blessed with God’s favour and approval, powered by the holy spirit, and given much comfort and strength from the outward demonstrations of this power along with a sublime inner peace.
It seems appropriate that in this last book of the Bible, so much of which fulfils the physical creation of Genesis, that there are seven blessings available. The number seven features prominently in Revelation and perhaps counter-balances the seven creative days of Genesis.
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Yes we must read the book of Revelation. We must do so aloud. Somehow hearing and seeing the words makes a deeper impression on the mind. Joshua was told to read in an undertone. The enunciation of each word slows the reader down and gives him time to consider, to ‘take to heart’. The purpose of reading God’s word is not for entertainment, nor as a challenge that must be completed, nor for self-satisfaction. It is that we might understand the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10). Comprehension then allows us to grow and mature as the word planted in us converts us from being passive hearers to active doers of the word. When we know what is required of us we are compelled to be active in the Lord – and then we will be blessed (Jas 1:21-25).
Revelation 14:13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.
Why are those who die in the Lord blessed? The verse continues: ‘they will rest from their labours, for their deeds will follow them.’ This reminds us of the assurance given in the letter to Hebrews – ‘God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for his name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.’ (6:10 BSB). As far as God is concerned the dead are all living to him. There is no difference between life and death. These ones are viewed as sleeping, resting from their labours, and when he awakes them it is as if they have never been gone at all. It is a new morning, a new day, an opportunity to carry on with their good works. That is truly blessed.
Revelation 16:15 Look, I come like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.
This is immediately before the battle of Armageddon. Jesus comes as a thief, suddenly, unexpectedly and unannounced. Being awake, alert, the blessed one will not be caught off-guard. This one is spiritually alert and prepared (Mt 25:1-13), and clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). Much better this than the shame and embarrassment of unpreparedness, when Jesus says ‘I do not know you’ (Mt 7:23).
Revelation 19:9 Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!
It is always a privilege to be invited to a wedding, to celebrate the joy and excitement of the happy couple as they start life’s journey together. But what about being invited to the marriage of the Lamb? Being invited suggests being called and chosen, a special possession, called out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Pe 2:9). What a great blessing this is!
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
There are two resurrections: a resurrection of life and a resurrection to judgement (Jo 5:29); that of the righteous and the unrighteous (Ac 24:15); those who accepted torture to attain a better resurrection (Heb 11:35); Paul who wanted to suffer like Jesus in order to attain the earlier resurrection (Php 3:11). This first resurrection occurs after Satan has been cast into the abyss. Whatever the second resurrection proves to be, to be included in the first one is clearly preferable. To be kings and priests for a thousand years is truly a blessing.
Revelation 22:7 Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.
This reiterates the first blessing. Reading and hearing the words of this prophecy is not enough in itself. It must be followed by obedience. If we take these words to heart we will be motivated; we will be blessed.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Adam and Eve were barred from the tree of life by an armed guard, yet those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb have the right to partake of its fruit. This is why Jesus died; that through faith in his life and death we can gain everlasting life; we are purified by his blood and gain the right to eternal salvation. The white robes of righteousness grant us access into New Jerusalem, into the presence of God himself. We are invited, our arrival is expected, we are warmly welcomed to enter through the gates. For those who are blessed with such an invitation there is no doubt of legitimacy, that perhaps they might seek a secret tunnel or climb over the wall. They accept the invite and enter an environment that offers life and security for all those within and protection from those without.
Makarios – supremely blessed!
Back