The concept of being "fortunate" in the biblical context often aligns with the idea of being blessed or favored by God. While the term "fortunate" itself is not commonly used in most English translations of the Bible, the underlying themes of divine favor and blessing are prevalent throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often associated with being fortunate or blessed is "ashre," which is frequently translated as "blessed" or "happy." This is evident in passages such as Psalm 1:1, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers." Here, the idea of being fortunate is linked to living a life in accordance with God's law and avoiding sinful influences.

The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often depicted as fortunate due to the covenantal promises and blessings bestowed upon them by God. Genesis 12:2 records God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This divine favor is seen as the ultimate source of fortune.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "makarios" is used to describe those who are blessed or fortunate. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 are a prime example, where Jesus declares various groups as "blessed," such as "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Here, the concept of being fortunate is tied to spiritual realities and the coming kingdom of God, rather than material wealth or earthly success.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the idea of spiritual fortune in Ephesians 1:3, "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 passage emphasizes that true fortune comes from the spiritual blessings found in a relationship with Christ.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, being fortunate is not merely about material prosperity or favorable circumstances. Instead, it is deeply connected to one's relationship with God and the spiritual blessings that flow from it. The Bible consistently teaches that those who are truly fortunate are those who know God, follow His commandments, and live in accordance with His will.

The concept of fortune is also tied to the sovereignty of God, who bestows blessings according to His divine purpose and plan. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse underscores the belief that God's providential care ensures that His people are ultimately fortunate, regardless of their present circumstances.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding biblical fortune involves recognizing the blessings of salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life. It encourages a perspective that values spiritual riches over temporal gains and fosters contentment in God's provision. As 1 Timothy 6:6-7 reminds us, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

In summary, the biblical notion of being fortunate transcends worldly definitions and is rooted in the spiritual blessings and eternal promises granted by God to those who love and serve Him.1. (n.) Coming by good luck or favorable chance; bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain; presaging happiness; auspicious; as, a fortunate event; a fortunate concurrence of circumstances; a fortunate investment.

2. (n.) Receiving same unforeseen or unexpected good, or some good which was not dependent on one's own skill or efforts; favored with good fortune; lucky.

5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea
... 5343, 5344. Phelix. 5345 . "fortunate," Felix ... Word Origin of Latin origin
Definition "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea NASB Word Usage Felix (9). Felix ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5344.htm - 7k

3107. makarios -- blessed, happy
... 3107 ("blessed") describes a believer in ("fortunate") position from receiving () --
which (literally) ("make long, large") His grace (benefits). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3107.htm - 7k

5415. Phortounatos -- "prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian
... Fortunatus. Of Latin origin; "fortunate"; Fortunatus, a Christian -- Fortunatus.
(phortounatou) -- 1 Occurrence. 5414, 5415. Phortounatos. 5416 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5415.htm - 6k

2161. Eutuchos -- "well-fated," Eutychus, a young man restored to ...
... Eutychus. From eu and a derivative of tugchano; well- fated, ie Fortunate; Eutychus,
a young man -- Eutychus. see GREEK eu. see GREEK tugchano. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2161.htm - 6k

5190. Tuchikos -- "fortuitous," Tychicus, a Christian
... Tychicus. From a derivative of tugchano; fortuitous, ie Fortunate; Tychicus, a
Christian -- Tychicus. see GREEK tugchano. (tuchikon) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5190.htm - 6k

3106. makarizo -- to bless
... call blessed, count happy. From makarios; to beatify, ie Pronounce (or esteem)
fortunate -- call blessed, count happy. see GREEK makarios. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3106.htm - 7k

1409. gad -- fortune, good fortune
... 1408, 1409. gad. 1410 . fortune, good fortune. Transliteration: gad
Phonetic Spelling: (gawd) Short Definition: fortunate. Word ...
/hebrew/1409.htm - 6k

1424. Gadi -- an Israelite
... Word Origin from gad Definition an Isr. NASB Word Usage Gadi (2). Gadi. From gad;
fortunate; Gadi, an Israelite -- Gadi. see HEBREW gad. 1423, 1424. ...
/hebrew/1424.htm - 6k

How a Fortunate Issue Will be of no Avail to Evil Doers, While Bad ...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XII. How a fortunate issue will be of no
avail to evil doers, while bad deeds will not injure good men. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xii how a fortunate.htm

To Brother Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers
... I:said: "O blessed and fortunate wrong!" Then sweet Jesus smiled, and said: "Is
sin fortunate, which is nothing at all? Dost thou know what St. ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother raimondo of capua 3.htm

The Influences that Produced the New Testament
... Therefore it is fortunate that modern discovery and research have thrown so much
light upon the origin of both the Old and the New Testaments. ...
/.../v the influences that produced.htm

The Case of Job who was Tempted by the Devil and of the Lord who ...
... for good to them that love God." [1387] But by saying "All things work together
for good," he includes everything alike, not only things fortunate, but also ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter ix the case of.htm

The Belief, Then, in Antinous, or any Other Such Person...
... such person, whether among the Egyptians or the Greeks, is, so to speak, unfortunate;
while the belief in Jesus would seem to be either a fortunate one, or the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxviii the belief then.htm

Coming to New York
... It was fortunate for me that just at this point where so many young men are tempted
to wander into questionable or even harmful ways, my thoughts were turned ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/coming to new york.htm

The Providence of God.
... in his little book wherein he lays down maxims for a man's advancing himself at
court, advises his reader to associate himself with the fortunate, and to shun ...
/.../sect iii the providence of.htm

Letter xiv. --Singular Favours of God.
... I conclude from these favours that you are of the fortunate number of those from
whom God expects a particular fidelity, and who would run a great risk if they ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv singular favours of god.htm

A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... Nyssa' [4] ." Gregory of Nyssa was equally fortunate in his country, the
name he bore, and the family which produced him. He was ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i a sketch of the.htm

The Church and the Heathen
... doubtful, was made to Poland. [Sidenote: Bohemia.]. The Czechs in Bohemia
were less fortunate. Boleslas Chrobry, ie the Brave, of ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiv the church and.htm

Fortunate (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Coming by good luck or favorable chance; bringing some good thing not foreseen
as certain; presaging happiness; auspicious; as, a fortunate event; a ...
/f/fortunate.htm - 7k

Well (2882 Occurrences)
... 19. (a.) Good in condition or circumstances; desirable, either in a natural or moral
sense; fortunate; convenient; advantageous; happy; as, it is well for the ...
/w/well.htm - 39k

Fortune (7 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To make fortunate; to give either good or bad fortune to. 6. (n.) To provide
with a fortune. ... (WEB WEY NAS NIV). Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, Fortunate! ...
/f/fortune.htm - 9k

Fortunatus (1 Occurrence)
...Fortunate, a disciple of Corinth who visited Paul at Ephesus, and returned with
Stephanas and Achaicus, the bearers of the apostle's first letter to the ...
/f/fortunatus.htm - 7k

Fortunately (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a fortunate manner; luckily; successfully;
happily. Multi-Version Concordance Fortunately (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/fortunately.htm - 6k

Eutychus (1 Occurrence)
...Fortunate, (Acts 20:9-12), a young man of Troas who fell through drowsiness from
the open window of the third floor of the house where Paul was preaching, and ...
/e/eutychus.htm - 8k

Syntyche (1 Occurrence)
...Fortunate; affable, a female member of the church at Philippi, whom Paul beseeches
to be of one mind with Euodias (Philippians 4:2, 3). Int. ...
/s/syntyche.htm - 8k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... In the Authorized Version of 30:11 the words, "A troop cometh: and she called,"
etc., should rather be rendered, "In fortune [RV, `Fortunate']: and she called ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Forts (12 Occurrences)

/f/forts.htm - 10k

Unsuccessful (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not successful; not producing the desired event;
not fortunate; meeting with, or resulting in, failure; unlucky; unhappy. ...
/u/unsuccessful.htm - 7k

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Fortunate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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