The first word in the largest book in the Bible is the word “Blessed.” The terms “bless,” “blessing,” or “blessed” appear approximately 500 times in the Bible. These words have become very common in Christian vocabulary. Pastor Chuck Swindoll once challenged his audience to pray without using the word “bless.” I have tried it and it’s not easy. Words can be overused to a point that they lose their significance. Many amazing and wonderful spiritual concepts have been reduced to mere “church chat.” This is often the case with the word "blessed."
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." Psalm 1.1
In order for us to understand the intended meaning of the word "blessed" in Psalm 1:1, let's look at how this word is translated in different versions of the Bible and how it is defined by good Christian authors and teachers.
"Oh, the JOYS of those who..." (from the Christian Standard Bible)
"How HAPPY is the one who..." (from the New Living Translation)
"VIGOROUS LIFE of the soul, SUCCESS in his undertakings" (from author C. Short)
"Oh, how TRULY HAPPY is the person!" (from Pastor Stephen Cole)
"CONTENTMENT, being FULFILLED" (from author David Guzik)
“To be PROSPEROUS, FAVORED of God” (from Thayer’s Lexicon)
How can we experience this condition? The Bible offers many promises for happiness, fulfillment, and spiritual prosperity:
“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5.17
“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2.12
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” PSALM 32.1
“Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34.8
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” Psalm 41.1
“Blessed are those who act justly.” Psalm 106.3
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” Psalm 112.1
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” Proverbs 3.13
“Blessed are those who listen to me” Proverbs 8.34
In order for us to understand the intended meaning of the word "blessed" in Psalm 1:1, let's look at how this word is translated in different versions of the Bible and how it is defined by good Christian authors and teachers.
"Oh, the JOYS of those who..." (from the Christian Standard Bible)
"How HAPPY is the one who..." (from the New Living Translation)
"VIGOROUS LIFE of the soul, SUCCESS in his undertakings" (from author C. Short)
"Oh, how TRULY HAPPY is the person!" (from Pastor Stephen Cole)
"CONTENTMENT, being FULFILLED" (from author David Guzik)
“To be PROSPEROUS, FAVORED of God” (from Thayer’s Lexicon)
How can we experience this condition? The Bible offers many promises for happiness, fulfillment, and spiritual prosperity:
“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5.17
“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2.12
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” PSALM 32.1
“Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34.8
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” Psalm 41.1
“Blessed are those who act justly.” Psalm 106.3
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.” Psalm 112.1
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” Proverbs 3.13
“Blessed are those who listen to me” Proverbs 8.34
The first word in the largest book in the Bible is the word “Blessed.” The terms “bless,” “blessing,” or “blessed” appear approximately 500 times in the Bible. These words have become very common in Christian vocabulary. Pastor Chuck Swindoll once challenged his audience to pray without using the word “bless.” I have tried it and it’s not easy. Words can be overused to a point that they lose their significance. Many amazing and wonderful spiritual concepts have been reduced to mere “church chat.” This is often the case with the word "blessed."
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