The meaning of “בָרַךְ”
Understanding bârak reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] ...
בָרַךְ
[idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. - to kneel - by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit) - also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason) 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:19 | “And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.” Word: בָרַךְ (bârak) | |
| Deuteronomy 23:20 | “Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” Word: בָרַךְ (bârak) | |
| 1 Samuel 25:14 | “But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.” Word: בָרַךְ (bârak) | |
| 1 Chronicles 17:27 | “Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O Lord, and it shall be blessed for ever. ” Word: בָרַךְ (bârak) | |
| Job 2:5 | “But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Word: בָרַךְ (bârak) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
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.