The meaning of “μακάριος”
Understanding makários reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
a prolonged form of the poetical (meaning the same) blessed, happy(X -ier). - supremely blest - by extension, fortunate,...
μακάριος
a prolonged form of the poetical (meaning the same) blessed, happy(X -ier). - supremely blest - by extension, fortunate, well off
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 5:9 | “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Word: μακάριος (makários) | |
| John 20:29 | “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Word: μακάριος (makários) | |
| Romans 4:8 | “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Word: μακάριος (makários) | |
| 1 Timothy 6:15 | “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” Word: μακάριος (makários) | |
| James 1:25 | “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Word: μακάριος (makários) |
Theological Word Study: Blessed
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Blessed, happy, praised
Hebrew uses ashrei (אַשְׁרֵי) for human happiness ('Blessed is the man,' Psalm 1:1) and barukh (בָּרוּךְ) for divine blessing or praise ('Blessed be the LORD').
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Blessed, happy, fortunate
The Greek makarios (μακάριος) describes divine blessedness. Jesus' Beatitudes ('Blessed are...') describe those who experience God's kingdom favor. True blessedness comes from relationship with God.