Blessed
God's blessing grants fruitfulness, dominion, and covenant favor.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
In the Genesis passages, 'blessed' refers to God's act of bestowing favor, fruitfulness, and authority upon creation, individuals, and groups. The first blessings are given to sea creatures and birds (Genesis 1:22), then to humanity, commanding them to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion (Genesis 1:28). God also blesses the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest (Genesis 2:3). Later, God blesses Noah and his sons after the flood with a similar command to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:1). The term also appears in human speech, as when Melchizedek blesses Abram (Genesis 14:19) and when Laban and Bethuel bless Rebekah (Genesis 24:60).
- First occurrence
- Genesis 1:22
- Recipients of divine blessing
- Sea creatures, birds, humanity, seventh day, Noah and sons, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Ishmael (Genesis 1:22; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:3; Genesis 9:1; Genesis 12:2; Genesis 17:16; Genesis 17:20; Genesis 25
- Blessing formula repeated
- Be fruitful, and multiply (Genesis 1:22; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 9:1)
- Blessing linked to Abraham's seed
- All nations of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 26:4)
- Human blessing of God
- Melchizedek blesses the most high God (Genesis 14:20); Abraham's servant blesses the LORD (Genesis 24:27; Genesis 24:48)
Lore & Background
The concept of blessing in these passages begins with God's creative command. In Genesis 1:22 and 1:28, blessing is directly tied to fertility and filling the earth, establishing a pattern of divine empowerment for life and stewardship. The blessing of the seventh day (Genesis 2:3) introduces a sacred dimension, setting apart time as holy. After the flood, God renews the blessing for Noah and his sons (Genesis 9:1), reaffirming the original mandate.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray blessing as both a divine pronouncement and a human response. God's blessing is active and generative, often accompanied by commands to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:22, 1:28, 9:1). It is also covenantal, as seen in God's promises to Abraham: 'I will bless thee, and make thy name great' (Genesis 12:2) and 'in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed' (Genesis 12:3). This blessing extends to Abraham's descendants, including Isaac (Genesis 25:11; Genesis 26:3) and Ishmael (Genesis 17:20). Humans also bless God, as when Melchizedek says 'Blessed be the most high God' (Genesis 14:20) and when Abraham's servant worships and blesses the LORD (Genesis 24:27, 24:48). Additionally, people bless one another: Laban and Bethuel bless Rebekah with a wish for her to become 'the mother of thousands of millions' (Genesis 24:60). The blessing is thus a relational act, flowing from God to creation, from humans to God, and among people.
Did You Know?
- The first blessing in the Bible is given to sea creatures and birds, not humans (Genesis 1:22).
- God blesses the seventh day, making it holy, because He rested from creation (Genesis 2:3).
- Melchizedek is the first person recorded as blessing God, saying 'Blessed be the most high God' (Genesis 14:20).
- The blessing of Abraham includes the promise that 'all families of the earth' will be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3).
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"Blessings are the infusion or bestowal of something with holiness, spiritual redemption, divine will, or one's hope or approval." — Blessed "Anonymous Irish blessing, as quoted in The Puppet Master (2009) by Jan Coffey." — Blessed "Quoted by Vin Scully in his final sign-off on October 2, 2016." — Blessed "Blessings may appear under the shape of pains, losses, and disappointments; but let him have patience, and he will see them in their proper figures." — Blessed
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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