### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μακαρισμός (makarismós), Strong's `{{G3108}}`, is derived from the verb μακαρίζω (makarizō), which means "to pronounce blessed," "to deem fortunate," or "to call happy." Thus, makarismós signifies the *state* of blessedness, the *declaration* of blessedness, or the *attribution* of good fortune. It speaks not merely of a fleeting human emotion of happiness, but of a profound and enduring state of well-being that is divinely conferred. It is the objective reality of being favored by God, or the public acknowledgment of that divinely bestowed status. The term carries the weight of a pronouncement, a definitive statement about one's favored position before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term makarismós appears infrequently in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, particularly within Pauline theology:
* **[[Romans 4:6]]**: "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works." Here, Paul quotes from Psalm 32 to illustrate the concept of justification by faith. The "blessedness" (makarismós) is the state of being declared righteous by God, a state of divine favor and forgiveness that is not earned through adherence to the Law but is freely given through faith. It is the profound peace and security that comes from having one's sins covered and not counted against them.
* **[[Romans 4:9]]**: "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also?" Paul continues his argument regarding Abraham's justification, emphasizing that this makarismós – this divine declaration of blessedness – is available to both Jews and Gentiles, underscoring the universality of God's grace through faith. The question highlights whether this profound state of favor is exclusive or inclusive.
* **[[Galatians 4:15]]**: "Where then is the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me." In this context, Paul reminds the Galatians of their initial fervent reception of him and the Gospel. The "blessedness" (makarismós) here refers to the profound joy, sense of divine favor, and spiritual exhilaration they experienced when they first embraced the truth. It was such a deep and transformative experience that they were willing to make extreme sacrifices for Paul. This usage points to the *experience* of that blessed state, a spiritual elation stemming from their newfound relationship with Christ.
Across these occurrences, makarismós consistently points to a state of profound well-being that is divinely sourced, either as a declaration of righteousness or as an experienced spiritual joy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Makarismós is closely related to, and often confused with, other terms of blessing:
* **μακάριος (makarios) `{{G3107}}`**: This is the adjective form, meaning "blessed," "happy," or "fortunate." It is famously used throughout the Beatitudes ([[Matthew 5:3-12]]), where Jesus declares those who embody certain virtues to be "blessed." While makarios describes the *person* who is blessed, makarismós refers to the *state* or *declaration* of being blessed. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who experience makarismós.
* **εὐλογέω (eulogeō) `{{G2127}}` / εὐλογία (eulogia) `{{G2129}}`**: These terms relate to "blessing" in the sense of speaking well of, praising, or bestowing good things. Eulogia can refer to a good word, praise, or a material blessing. While both makarismós and eulogia involve divine favor, makarismós often emphasizes the deep, intrinsic state of being divinely favored and happy, whereas eulogia can encompass the act of blessing (by God or humans) or the specific gift of a blessing. Makarismós is more about the spiritual condition and pronouncement of ultimate well-being.
* **Justification by Faith**: As seen in Romans 4, makarismós is intrinsically linked to the theological concept of God's imputation of righteousness, highlighting the divine initiative in bestowing this blessed state upon believers apart from their works.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of makarismós is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Origin of True Blessedness**: The term unequivocally underscores that genuine blessedness originates solely from God. It is not a human achievement, nor is it dependent on external circumstances or material possessions. It is a gracious gift, a state of favor conferred by the Almighty.
* **Foundation of Justification by Faith**: Paul's use of makarismós in Romans 4 is foundational to the doctrine of justification by faith. It articulates the profound blessedness of those whom God declares righteous, not on the basis of their works, but solely on the basis of their faith in Christ. This blessedness is the security and peace of knowing one's sins are forgiven and that one stands righteous before a holy God.
* **Spiritual Reality over Worldly Fortune**: Makarismós points to a spiritual blessedness that transcends worldly notions of good fortune. It is a state of being in right relationship with God, leading to profound inner peace, joy, and security, even amidst external trials or suffering. The Galatians' initial makarismós was a spiritual experience of joy, not a promise of material prosperity.
* **Theological Underpinning of the Beatitudes**: While the noun makarismós is not used in the Beatitudes, its conceptual root, makarios `{{G3107}}`, is. Makarismós provides the theological framework for understanding the profound, God-given blessedness described by Jesus in those passages. It is the ultimate state of divine favor and spiritual well-being that characterizes those who embody the virtues of the Kingdom of God.
### Summary
G3108 makarismós denotes the state of blessedness or the declaration of such a state, emphasizing divine favor and conferred happiness. Its pivotal occurrences in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 4, connect it directly to the profound theological concept of justification by faith, where God graciously imputes righteousness to believers, resulting in a state of deep, unearned blessedness independent of human works. In Galatians 4:15, it describes the profound spiritual joy and sense of divine favor experienced by early believers. Distinct from, yet intimately related to, the adjective makarios `{{G3107}}` (blessed), makarismós highlights the divine source and intrinsic nature of true, God-given blessedness. Ultimately, makarismós points to the profound, unmerited favor of God, resulting in a divinely bestowed state of well-being and joy for those who are in right relationship with Him through faith.
TRV