Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Blessedness, in the biblical context, refers to a state of spiritual well-being and deep joy that comes from a right relationship with God. It is often associated with divine favor and the experience of God's presence and grace. The concept of blessedness is central to both the Old and New Testaments, where it is depicted as the ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment for believers. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, blessedness is frequently linked to obedience to God's commandments and living a life that aligns with His will. The Hebrew word often translated as "blessed" is "esher," which conveys happiness and contentment. Psalm 1:1-3 illustrates this: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." The covenantal relationship between God and Israel is a key aspect of blessedness in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that come from obedience to God's laws, including prosperity, health, and protection. Conversely, disobedience leads to curses, highlighting the conditional nature of blessedness under the Old Covenant. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, blessedness takes on a more spiritual and eternal dimension. The Greek word "makarios" is used to describe the blessedness of those who are part of God's kingdom. Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a profound insight into the nature of true blessedness: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted... Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." The Beatitudes reveal that blessedness is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the inner qualities and attitudes that align with God's kingdom values. It is a paradoxical blessedness that often involves suffering and sacrifice but promises eternal rewards. Theological Significance: Blessedness in the Christian life is closely tied to the concept of grace. It is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." This verse underscores the spiritual blessings believers receive through their union with Christ, including redemption, adoption, and the hope of eternal life. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of blessedness in Romans 4:7-8 , quoting Psalm 32: "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Here, blessedness is associated with the forgiveness of sins and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Practical Implications: For believers, the pursuit of blessedness involves cultivating a life of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's promises. It calls for a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth and a commitment to living out the values of God's kingdom. The assurance of blessedness provides comfort and hope amid trials, as believers trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose for their lives. Conclusion: While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that blessedness is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both temporal and eternal dimensions. It is a state of being that reflects the believer's relationship with God and is characterized by joy, peace, and fulfillment in His presence. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state of being blessed; happiness; felicity; bliss; heavenly joys; the favor of God.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BLESSEDNESSbles'-ed-nes: This translation of makarismos (a word signifying "beatification" or "the ascription of blessing"), is used but three times, in Romans 4:6, 9, and Galatians 4:15, in the King James Version only. In the first two instances it refers to the happy state or condition of a man to whom Christ's righteousness is imputed by faith, and in the last to a man's experience of that condition. Greek 3108. makarismos -- a declaration of blessedness ... a declaration of blessedness. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: makarismos Phonetic Spelling: (mak-ar-is-mos') Short Definition: regarding as ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3108.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 835. esher -- happiness, blessedness... 834, 835. esher. 836 . happiness, blessedness. Transliteration: esher Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-sher) Short Definition: blessed. Word ... /hebrew/835.htm - 6k Library The Blessedness of Giving Blessedness and Praise The Will to Possess Blessedness is one in All, but the Variety of ... There is a Blessedness in Reversion The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life December the Ninth National Blessedness What the Cause of the Blessedness of the Good Angels Is, and what ... Whether Eternal Blessedness is the Proper Object of Hope The Business and Blessedness of Glorified Saints, Rev. 7 13 &C. The Blessedness of the Devout. Thesaurus Blessedness (6 Occurrences)... God. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BLESSEDNESS. bles ... condition. See HAPPINESS. Multi-Version Concordance Blessedness (6 Occurrences). Romans ... /b/blessedness.htm - 9k Faithful (136 Occurrences) Beatitudes Jesus (10891 Occurrences) Sayings (134 Occurrences) Immortal (3 Occurrences) Immortality (6 Occurrences) Earnest (33 Occurrences) Credit (39 Occurrences) Abraham's (34 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to be blessed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does “blessed are those who mourn” mean? | GotQuestions.org What are the beatitudes? | GotQuestions.org Blessedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blessedness (6 Occurrences)Romans 4:6 Romans 4:9 Galatians 4:15 Hebrews 11:40 Isaiah 30:18 Daniel 12:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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