The Blessed Life — What Does It Mean to Be “Blessed”?

The first portion of Jesus’ Mountain message speaks of those who are “blessed.” Most people will tell you that this is simply another word for “happy.” While they are not incorrect, as far as it goes, happy is not the best alternative for this word. The idea of happiness is related to happenstance, a chance happening or event (i.e., what happens in a circumstance). Happiness is a more transitory emotion. The Lord in these “beatitudes” is not promising that we will always be happy. It is interesting to note that the word most properly translated “happy” is never seen in the New Testament. Indeed, the one place where the English word appears, the Greek word that is used in that place is the same one used here, translated “blessed.”

The word that is translated “blessed” in our English Bibles comes from a Greek word which was originally used exclusively of the gods. The gods were viewed as being above all the concerns of the world, having achieved a state of supreme contentment and happiness. In fact, this same word is used in 1 Tim. 1:11 to refer to “the blessed God.”

The word has been used by extension to refer to those who are in a special relationship with God (or the gods, as the case may be). The term “blessed” is used by the Catholic Church to refer to those who have died having lived extraordinary lives and who have therefore found favor with God. It was similarly used by the ancient Greeks to dead individuals who were pleasing to God.

Over time, the term came to be used of the upper class of society, who by virtue of their wealth and status thought to be above the concerns of the world. They did not have to worry about their daily provision. They didn’t seem to “need” anything, because they could simply buy whatever they desired.

In contrast to this outlook, Jesus pronounces a blessing, not on those whose lives are built upon their possessions, but upon those who build their lives on God. The beatitudes are not rooted in accumulating a high position, but on realizing one’s position, no matter how high it is on earth, in relation to God.

Those who by chance or fortune have good in their lives are happy; those who through the pursuit of God’s will are blessed. Happiness comes and goes; blessedness will be eternal. Which would you rather have?