a prolonged form of the poetical (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off:-- blessed, happy(X -ier).
Transliteration:makários
Pronunciation:mak-ar'-ee-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective `{{G3107}}` (makários) denotes a state of supreme blessedness or divine favor, often translated as "blessed" or "happy." Unlike the English word "happy," which can be fleeting and dependent on circumstances, `{{G3107}}` describes a deep, abiding well-being that is independent of external conditions and is divinely bestowed. It signifies a fortunate or enviable state, not primarily because of material wealth or worldly success, but because of one's relationship with God or participation in His divine purposes. In classical Greek, it was often used to describe the gods or those favored by the gods, highlighting its connection to a transcendent source of well-being. In the biblical context, this transcends mere human good fortune, pointing to a spiritual blessedness that comes from God's grace and presence. It encompasses not only present joy but also the promise of future reward and eternal felicity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G3107}}` appears prominently in the New Testament, most notably in the Beatitudes found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
* **The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11; Luke 6:20-22):** Here, Jesus declares various groups of people "blessed." This usage is foundational for understanding `{{G3107}}`.
* In Matthew, the "blessed" are the "poor in spirit," "those who mourn," "the meek," "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness," "the merciful," "the pure in heart," "the peacemakers," and "those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." These descriptions highlight internal spiritual states and actions that align with God's kingdom values, promising a future inheritance or present spiritual reward (e.g., "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," "they shall be comforted," "they shall inherit the earth"). The blessedness is not a reward for these conditions but a declaration of their favored status by God.
* Luke's version includes more socio-economic dimensions, declaring the "poor," "hungry," and "those who weep" as blessed, contrasting them with the "rich," "full," and "those who laugh." This underscores the radical, counter-cultural nature of God's blessing, which often falls upon those marginalized by the world.
* **Hearing and Keeping God's Word:** Jesus declares, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it" ([[Luke 11:28]]), emphasizing the blessedness that comes from obedience to divine revelation.
* **Faith and Belief:** Thomas is told, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" ([[John 20:29]]), highlighting the blessedness of faith that transcends physical evidence.
* **Endurance in Trial:** James writes, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" ([[James 1:12]]). Here, `{{G3107}}` signifies the future reward for enduring hardship with faithfulness.
* **Divine Revelation and Eschatological Hope:** `{{G3107}}` is used in Revelation to describe those who read and obey prophecy ([[Revelation 1:3]]), those who die in the Lord ([[Revelation 14:13]]), those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ([[Revelation 19:9]]), and those who wash their robes ([[Revelation 22:14]]), linking blessedness to the eschatological fulfillment of God's plan.
Across these contexts, `{{G3107}}` consistently points to a state of favor, well-being, and divine approval that is rooted in God's character and promises, often in contrast to worldly expectations.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully grasp `{{G3107}}`, it is helpful to consider its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Septuagint (LXX), `{{G3107}}` frequently translates the Hebrew `{{H835}}` ('ashre), as seen in the opening of many Psalms (e.g., "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked" [[Psalm 1:1]]). 'Ashre denotes a state of happiness, prosperity, or well-being that results from a right relationship with God or adherence to His instruction. While `{{H1288}}` (barak) also means "bless," it more often refers to the *act* of blessing (either God blessing humanity or humanity blessing God), whereas `{{G3107}}` and 'ashre describe the *state* of being blessed.
* **Greek Contrasts/Distinctions:**
* `{{G2127}}` (eulogetos) and `{{G2129}}` (eulogeo): These terms refer to the act of blessing or praising. `{{G2127}}` is typically used of God ("Blessed be God"), while `{{G2129}}` is the verb "to bless" (e.g., God blessing people, or people blessing food). `{{G3107}}` describes the *result* or *state* of being blessed, rather than the act of blessing.
* **Related Concepts:**
* **Divine Favor/Grace:** The state of being `{{G3107}}` is always a gift from God, a manifestation of His unmerited favor.
* **Righteousness:** Many of the Beatitudes link blessedness to a pursuit of righteousness or a state of spiritual purity.
* **Kingdom of God:** The conditions for being `{{G3107}}` often describe the character and values of those who belong to God's kingdom.
* **Joy/Peace:** The inner experience of the blessed often includes profound joy and peace, even amidst external hardship.
* **Salvation/Eternal Life:** Ultimately, `{{G3107}}` points to the ultimate blessedness of salvation and eternal life in God's presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3107}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **God as the Source of True Blessedness:** `{{G3107}}` fundamentally asserts that true well-being and happiness do not originate from worldly achievements, possessions, or human effort, but solely from God. It is a divine bestowal, a state of being in proper relationship with the Creator.
* **Paradoxical Nature of God's Kingdom:** The Beatitudes powerfully illustrate a counter-cultural understanding of blessedness. What the world often considers unfortunate (poverty, mourning, persecution) is declared `{{G3107}}` by Jesus. This challenges human wisdom and reveals God's upside-down kingdom values, where humility, meekness, and spiritual hunger are elevated.
* **Ethical Imperative and Character Formation:** While `{{G3107}}` describes a state, it also implicitly calls for a certain way of life. The characteristics described in the Beatitudes are not merely passive conditions but virtues that kingdom citizens are called to embody. To be `{{G3107}}` is to live in a manner pleasing to God, reflecting His character.
* **Eschatological Hope and Present Reality:** Many uses of `{{G3107}}` point to a future blessedness (e.g., inheriting the earth, seeing God, receiving the crown of life). This provides immense hope for believers enduring present trials. However, `{{G3107}}` also describes a present reality: the inner peace, joy, and assurance that come from being in God's favor, even amidst suffering.
* **Relationship with Christ:** Ultimately, to be `{{G3107}}` is to be in union with Christ, who embodies perfect blessedness and mediates God's favor to humanity. Through Him, believers participate in the divine life and promises that constitute true blessedness.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3107}}` (makários) signifies a state of supreme blessedness or divine favor, a profound and abiding well-being that originates from God. It stands apart from fleeting worldly happiness, pointing instead to a deep spiritual contentment and fortunate status derived from one's relationship with the divine. Most prominently featured in the Beatitudes, `{{G3107}}` reveals a paradoxical understanding of blessedness, where God's favor rests upon those often marginalized or suffering in the world, challenging conventional wisdom and highlighting the radical values of His kingdom. Theologically, it underscores God as the sole source of true blessedness, offers eschatological hope, and implicitly calls believers to a life that reflects the character of Christ. To be `{{G3107}}` is to be in a divinely favored state, enjoying God's presence and promises, both now and in the age to come.
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