passive participle from בָרַךְ; blessed; Baruk, the name of three Israelites; Baruch.
Transliteration:Bârûwk
Pronunciation:baw-rook'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1263 (בָּרוּךְ), transliterated as *Bârûwk*, functions as a passive participle derived from the verbal root H1288 (בָרַךְ). The root H1288 fundamentally signifies "to kneel" or "to bless." As a passive participle, H1263 therefore conveys the state of being "blessed," "praised," or "one who is blessed." Its semantic range encompasses the idea of being endowed with divine favor, prosperity, or approval. When applied to God, it functions as an acclamation, declaring Him to be "blessed" or "worthy of praise." When applied to humans, it denotes a state of well-being, favor, or prosperity bestowed by God. The term also serves as a proper noun, "Baruch," referring to several individuals in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1263 (בָּרוּךְ) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its multifaceted usage.
Most prominently, it is used in declarations of praise and adoration directed towards God. Phrases like "Blessed be the LORD" (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה) are ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from thanksgiving for divine intervention ([[Genesis 24:27]], [[Exodus 18:10]]) to expressions of God's eternal sovereignty and power ([[Psalm 68:35]], [[Psalm 72:18]], [[Psalm 106:48]]). In these instances, בָּרוּךְ functions not as a bestowal of blessing *upon* God (as if He could be improved), but rather as an acknowledgment and declaration of His inherent blessedness, His ultimate goodness, and His deservingness of all praise. It is a liturgical acclamation, recognizing God as the source of all blessing.
When applied to humans, H1263 signifies a state of divine favor or prosperity. For example, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked" ([[Psalm 1:1]]) describes the fortunate state of those who align themselves with God's ways. Similarly, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in You" ([[Psalm 84:5]]) speaks of the blessedness of those who trust in God. This blessedness is often contingent upon faithfulness, obedience, or a right relationship with God ([[Deuteronomy 28:3-6]]). It can also refer to the blessing pronounced upon individuals by others, as seen in the blessing of Boaz by the elders ([[Ruth 4:14]]) or the blessing of Abraham by Melchizedek ([[Genesis 14:19]]).
As a proper noun, "Baruch" (בָּרוּךְ) is most famously associated with Baruch son of Neriah, the faithful scribe and companion of the prophet Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 32:12]], [[Jeremiah 36:4]], [[Jeremiah 43:3]]). He is depicted as a man entrusted with Jeremiah's prophecies and often sharing in the prophet's tribulations. The definition also notes its use for two other Israelites, though less prominent in the biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H1263 (בָּרוּךְ) is enriched by its connection to other key terms:
* **H1288 (בָרַךְ)**: The root verb, meaning "to bless," "to kneel." This is the active form from which H1263 is derived. While H1288 denotes the *act* of blessing, H1263 describes the *state* of being blessed.
* **H1293 (בְּרָכָה)**: The noun form, meaning "blessing," "gift," or "prosperity." This term often describes the tangible or intangible benefits that result from being H1263.
* **Conceptual Opposites**: The concept of H1263 (blessed) stands in stark contrast to H7043 (קָלַל) (to curse), highlighting the polar outcomes of divine favor versus divine displeasure.
* **New Testament Equivalents**: In the Septuagint and New Testament, Greek terms like G2129 (εὐλογητός) (blessed, praised – often of God) and G3107 (μακάριος) (blessed, happy – often of humans) carry similar semantic weight, reflecting the continuation of this theological concept. Notably, G2129 is used in phrases like "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Ephesians 1:3]]), echoing the Old Testament declarations of God's blessedness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1263 (בָּרוּךְ) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Source of Blessing**: The frequent declaration "Blessed be the LORD" underscores the fundamental theological truth that God alone is the ultimate and exclusive source of all blessing. He is inherently blessed and the fount from which all good things flow. Humanity cannot bless God in the sense of adding to His being, but rather acknowledges His inherent worth and power.
2. **Covenantal Relationship**: For humans, being בָּרוּךְ is often intricately linked to their relationship with Yahweh and adherence to His covenant. Obedience to God's commands leads to a state of blessedness ([[Deuteronomy 28:3-6]]), while disobedience results in the opposite. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant: God's benevolent provision and humanity's faithful response.
3. **Praise and Worship**: When God is declared בָּרוּךְ, it is an act of profound worship, adoration, and thanksgiving. It reflects a posture of humility and reverence, acknowledging God's goodness, faithfulness, and power in the lives of His people and in the world. This acclamation is a core element of Israelite liturgy and piety.
4. **Messianic Hope**: The phrase "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD" (בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה) in [[Psalm 118:26]] takes on significant Messianic implications. This verse was quoted by the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem ([[Matthew 21:9]]), signifying Him as the one divinely appointed and coming with God's authority, thereby embodying the ultimate blessedness and bringing blessing.
### Summary
H1263 (בָּרוּךְ) is a pivotal Hebrew passive participle meaning "blessed" or "praised." Derived from H1288 (בָרַךְ) ("to bless"), it encompasses the state of being divinely favored or the act of declaring God worthy of praise. When applied to God, it functions as a solemn acclamation of His inherent blessedness and supreme worthiness of adoration, as seen in myriad "Blessed be the LORD" declarations. When applied to humans, it signifies a state of divine favor, prosperity, or well-being, often contingent upon a faithful relationship with God. The term also serves as a proper name, most notably for Jeremiah's scribe. Theologically, H1263 profoundly emphasizes God as the singular source of all blessing, underscores the covenantal nature of divine favor, and forms a foundational element of worship and Messianic expectation.
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