Blessing — Meaning in the Bible

God's gift of good, or words that call down God's good on someone. People also "bless" God when they praise him.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

What it means

God blesses creation and Abraham, promising that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. Fathers such as Isaac and Jacob pass on blessings to their children. Genesis 1:28 Genesis 12:1–3 Genesis 27:27–29

The priests spoke the blessing "The LORD bless you, and keep you". Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with blessings ("Blessed are..."), and blessed children. Numbers 6:24–26 Matthew 5:3–12 Mark 10:16

Key passages

Genesis 12:1–3 — Blessed to be a blessing.
Genesis 27:1–40 — Isaac's blessing.
Numbers 6:22–27 — The priestly blessing.
Psalm 103:1–2 — "Bless the LORD, my soul."
Mark 10:13–16 — Jesus blesses the children.

For children

A blessing is a good gift from God, or kind words asking God to do good to someone. Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them. Mark 10:16

Jesus Welcomes Children

Study further

Genesis 12:1–3 The blessing promised.
Numbers 6:22–27 How priests blessed.
Matthew 5:1–12 Jesus' blessings.