What does it mean to be blessed? Often, we equate blessings with material possessions. This is not entirely incorrect in that God does bless us in all areas of life, including material things. But in order to understand the biblical meaning of blessed, we need to turn to the original language. The Greek word for blessed is makarios. This word can be translated “fortunate” but it literally means “happy.” In the Beatitudes, Jesus makes eight declarations describing a blessed life.

Each of these statements follows a specific formula. I will refer to this as the ABC formula. Consider the following:

A: Blessed are the…

B: Description of a spiritual condition

C: Resulting in a tangible reality

Remember that blessed means “happy.” The happiness of blessed people comes from the tangible reality that accompanies their spiritual condition. For example: Happiness may not be found in being poor in spirit but happiness comes from knowing that the kingdom of God is ours. Happiness may not come from every decision to be merciful (that can be quite challenging sometime) but it does come from knowing that we will receive mercy. And happiness does not come from being persecuted for the name of Jesus (even if it is minor persecution) but again, it does come knowing that the kingdom of God is ours. So we find the blessing from each declaration in the last portion (the tangible reality). However, these blessings come as a result of the first portion of each statement (the spiritual condition).

For the purpose of study, we can divide the Beatitudes into two sections: the first four statements as preceding and leading to salvation while the last four declarations point toward a heart that has already been redeemed. Below is the entire text for the Beatitudes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.                                                                                

                                                                                                 Matthew 5:3-12 

Are you blessed? What Jesus has to tell us about this issue is of infinite value. So let’s take a closer look at each of these wonderful declarations!