The Greek word makarízō, represented by G3106, means to beatify or to pronounce or esteem someone as fortunate. It appears 3 times in 2 unique verses. The term is used to actively call blessed or count happy those who have either received divine favor or have shown great perseverance.
The two contexts in which G3106 is used highlight different reasons for being considered blessed. In Luke's gospel, Mary proclaims that because God has regarded her low estate, "all generations shall call me blessed" Luke 1:48. Here, the declaration of blessedness is a response to a direct act of God's favor. In contrast, the book of James presents a general principle: "we count them happy which endure" James 5:11. This links the state of being esteemed fortunate to the act of perseverance through trials.
Several related words help clarify the concept of what it means to be called blessed:
- G5278 hypoménō (to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere): This is the direct action that leads to being "counted happy" in James's teaching. Those who endure to the end are the ones esteemed fortunate James 5:11.
- G5281 hypomonḗ (cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy): This noun form describes the quality demonstrated by those who endure. James specifically points to the patience of Job as the model for this virtue James 5:11.
- G1914 epiblépō (to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)): This word signifies the cause of Mary's blessedness. She is called blessed because God has regarded her humble position Luke 1:48.
- G2400 idoú (behold, lo, see): This term is used as an introductory word in both primary verses, serving to draw special attention to the proclamation of who should be counted happy or called blessed (Luke 1:48, James 5:11).
The theological weight of G3106 centers on the source and evidence of true blessedness.
- Blessedness through Perseverance: A core theme is that being esteemed happy is the outcome of faithful endurance. James connects this endurance to seeing the ultimate outcome, where the Lord is revealed to be "very pitiful, and of tender mercy" James 5:11.
- A Response to Divine Action: The term is also used to describe the recognition of God's favor upon an individual. Mary is called blessed not for her own works, but because of what God has done for her by regarding her low estate Luke 1:48.
- A Public Proclamation: In both instances, to makarízō someone is a public act of pronouncement. It is a declaration made by others ("we count them happy," "all generations shall call me blessed"), affirming a spiritual reality based on a person's fortitude or God's grace.
In summary, G3106 defines the act of declaring someone fortunate or blessed. It is not an internal feeling but an external pronouncement. This declaration is rooted in tangible evidence: either the perseverance a person shows through suffering, as exemplified by Job, or the undeniable favor God bestows upon an individual, as seen with Mary. Ultimately, the act of calling someone blessed serves as a testimony to the faithfulness and mercy of God.
TRV