Blessed in Hebrew: The Word “Baruch”
The church sometimes can cause a disconnect with the meaning of the word “Blessed”. It may feel distant. But the Hebrew word for blessed – baruch – is everything but!
The synonymous words ‘benediction’ and ‘beatitude’ are confusing, too. They sound lofty, like they belong in a glass cabinet, behind a church altar. They sound like we have to somehow measure up to deserve them.
In truth, all of these words mean something that can accompany us at every step of our life journey.
So, let’s strip these foreign-sounding words of their extravagance and take a closer look at what a blessing is and what it isn’t. Are we all blessed or is it only for the privileged?
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Baruch Ata Adonai
Almost every Jewish prayer, excluding the Shema, starts with the words “Baruch Ata Adonai” “…ברוך אתה יי”– Blessed are You, our Lord. To welcome someone into your home you say already at the door, Blessed is the one who comes (Baruch Haba).
The first blessing in the Bible over mankind was spoken over Adam and Eve, with instruction to multiply. At this point, God had already blessed the creatures of the sea and the winged birds of the air as well.
But a great many blessings in the Bible are tied to the Sabbath day. This seventh day of the week is all about declarations left and right.
…and God blessed this day when He first created it. (Gen 2:3)
Why God Blesses Us
As the rabbi inFiddler on the Roofsaid, there truly is a blessing for everything. In the Hebraic tradition, it is very common to acknowledge them on a daily basis, and in all circ*mstances. The Jewish scholar, Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo notes:
“How wise were the sages of Israel when they instituted the custom of making a blessing on almost anything, whether it is eating, drinking, observing natural phenomena, or smelling extravagant aromas. They depicted all these activities as nothing less than totally miraculous.”
For an idea this common, it’s astounding how the true power of it has been overlooked. Because to bless and be blessed is a fundamental part of our relationship with God, as well as relationships with other people.
Blessings, whether given or received, help us recognize God in our lives and draw closer to Him. It is not a recognition of riches, rather a humble confession that we are not self-sufficient.
We do not control or dictate the power of blessing – it is all God’s.
How Do We Bless the Lord?
Jewish thinkers explain that to bless means to increase (in joy, in peacefulness). Often in the Bible and in most Jewish traditions, as mentioned above, prayers begin with blessing God. But how can we do that to the One who lacks nothing?
God is all-powerful and perfectly self-sufficient. He didn’t need mankind to begin with, so all the more, He doesn’t need anything from us. But He chose us. He wanted fellowship with individual beings who have free will. In return, His simple presence is a reward that we could never earn or achieve ourselves.
By blessing God, we give Him honor for His grace towards us. Thus, “Blessed are You, Our God” is a declaration of trust and the greatest hope for Him to reign over our circ*mstances.He is good, and we are dependent on His goodness.
As mentioned above, blessing means an increase. When we bless God, it is His presence that increases in us. When we honor Him, we acknowledge how He is increasing the goodness in our lives. It points to the increase of His goodness in our lives. And in order to live fully, we are dependent on His presence.
Aaronic Blessing
In the Book of Numbers, God gives Moses some beautiful instructions on how to bless the chosen nation:
Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
“TheLordbless you andkeep you, theLordmake His face shine upon you, andbe gracious to you, theLord lift up His countenance upon you, andgive you peace.”
So they shallput My name on the children of Israel, andI will bless them. (Numbers 6:23-27)
These words have been declared over the sons of Israel for centuries, and are to this day. What is more, they have been adopted first by the Catholic Church, and later also by many Protestant denominations. This means that various ministers and many Christian leaders speak these words over their congregations practically every week.
But notice whom the emphasis is on in these verses. It is the Lord who is the hero of this passage! Although the recipients of this blessing are the people, it is in fact God Himself who is doing something that we cannot do ourselves.
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God’s Presence and Favor
This Priestly Blessing (Aaron was, after all, a priest) is the highest form of benediction a person can receive. It bestows on a person the honor of experiencing God’s presence, His care and His favor.
When we hear these words and experience the incredible privilege of belonging to God, let’s remember the context and origin. God called Moses His friend and walked the desert with His people, to lead them to the Promised Land. His plans have been good from the beginning, and He delights in us declaring them.
The Lord bless you and keep you! You can read more about Hebrew words and meanings here.
7 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know: Free PDF Download
With the use of the Hebrew language God revealed Himself to mankind. This ancient tongue held the greatest spiritual truths that guided our lives through the ages. And in each generation, they are discovered anew.
We know the Bible can be hard to understand and you want to get more out of it. Which is why we want to teach you seven Hebrew words that will transform the way you read the Bible.
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