What does blessed mean in the Bible?

The biblical view of the word “blessed” begins with establishing one’s salvation in Jesus Christ. We are blessed when we have been made right with God and have started a renewed relationship with Him. After that, we are blessed as God reveals more of Himself through that growing relationship with Jesus. In this relationship, we may face many struggles and go through difficult situations, but through faith in Christ, we can still experience joy. Why? Because the makarios, the joy, the blessedness, is not based on our circumstances but on our abiding in Christ and His abiding in us. Jesus tells us that “...In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus also said that because of the things He has taught us, “...that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Therefore, as we pursue our relationships with Jesus through obedience to His Word and through service to Him and others, we will live in God’s favor and remain aligned with His will. This type of life in Christ brings joy, which causes those who are His to be and feel blessed, not because of their circumstances, but because of loving and growing relationships with their Savior, Jesus Christ. (See Psalm 34:8.)