### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉrâkâh**, represented by `{{H1293}}`, means **blessing**, benediction, or prosperity. It appears 69 times across 64 unique verses. Derived from the root word for "to kneel" or "to bless," `{{H1293}}` extends beyond a mere spoken word to encompass tangible abundance, gifts, and the favor of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H1293}}` is used in several distinct ways. It primarily signifies a divine gift from God, who is its ultimate source. The Lord commands the **blessing** upon His people's storehouses [[Deuteronomy 28:8]] and promises "showers of **blessing**" [[Ezekiel 34:26]]. This divine favor is often conditional on obedience [[Deuteronomy 11:27]] and is presented as a choice between life and death [[Deuteronomy 30:19]]. The word can also refer to a tangible present, as when Jacob urges Esau to accept his gift [[Genesis 33:11]] or when Naaman offers a **blessing** to Elisha [[2 Kings 5:15]]. In some contexts, it refers to a source of water, such as when rain fills the **pools** [[Psalms 84:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of blessing and its opposite:
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless): This is the root verb from which `{{H1293}}` is derived. It is the action of bestowing favor. God's promise to Abraham illustrates this relationship: "I will **bless** thee...and thou shalt be a blessing" [[Genesis 12:2]].
* `{{H7045}}` **qᵉlâlâh** (curse): As the direct opposite of `{{H1293}}`, this term highlights the critical choice set before Israel. God can turn a **curse** into a blessing [[Deuteronomy 23:5]], and the people are commanded to choose between the blessing and the **curse** [[Deuteronomy 11:26]].
* `{{H6238}}` **ʻâshar** (to be rich): This word connects blessing with material prosperity. Scripture states plainly that "The **blessing** of the LORD, it maketh **rich**" [[Proverbs 10:22]], showing that true wealth originates from God's favor.
* `{{H1653}}` **geshem** (shower): This term is used to create a powerful image of God's abundant blessing. God promises to make His people a blessing and "cause the **shower** to come down in his season; there shall be **showers** of blessing" [[Ezekiel 34:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1293}}` is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
* **Source of Abundance:** Blessing is not a human achievement but a divine endowment. It flows from God, who commands it upon His people [[Psalms 133:3]] and pours it out from heaven [[Malachi 3:10]]. The Lord's blessing makes one rich without adding sorrow [[Proverbs 10:22]].
* **Covenantal Inheritance:** The concept is central to God's covenant promises. The "blessing of Abraham" is a heritage passed to his descendants [[Genesis 28:4]]. The patriarchal blessings given by fathers to sons were considered binding and powerful transfers of favor and destiny [[Genesis 49:28]].
* **The Choice of Life:** Scripture frames blessing as a fundamental choice that leads to life, directly contrasted with the curse that leads to death. This moral and spiritual decision is placed before God's people as the path to life for them and their descendants [[Deuteronomy 30:19]].
* **Instrument of God's Purpose:** Individuals and nations can become a **blessing**. God promised to make Abraham a blessing [[Genesis 12:2]], and He saves Israel so that they, once a curse among nations, will become a **blessing** [[Zechariah 8:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1293}}` is far more than a simple wish for good fortune. It represents the active, tangible, and life-giving power of God extended to His creation. It signifies prosperity, generous gifts, and a state of being that flows from a right relationship with Him. The word illustrates the core biblical principle that true abundance and life are a result of God's commanded favor, offered as a choice to all who obey Him.
TRV