What does the Bible say about blessing and cursing?

Definition of Blessing and Cursing

The Scriptures use “blessing” to denote the favor and goodness bestowed by God upon individuals or groups, while “cursing” refers to the pronouncement or consequence of divine judgment. The English words “blessing” and “cursing” frequently translate Hebrew terms like בָּרַךְ (barak, “to bless”) and אָרַר (arar, “to curse”) in the Old Testament, and Greek terms such as εὐλογέω (eulogeō, “to bless”) and καταράομαι (katarāomai, “to curse”) in the New Testament. These concepts undergird many accounts throughout Scripture, highlighting a covenantal principle: allegiance to God brings blessing, while rejection or rebellion brings cursing.

Blessing in Creation

At the outset of Scripture, God’s design includes blessing as a central theme. “God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth’” (Genesis 1:22). Shortly after, He pronounces a blessing upon humanity:

• “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…’” (Genesis 1:28).

These opening declarations establish blessing as part of God’s benevolent intention for His creation. Humanity is called to steward the earth under the umbrella of divine blessing.

Blessing and Covenantal Promises

Throughout the Old Testament, blessings are aligned with covenantal fidelity. When Yahweh calls Abram, He promises, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; … and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2–3). This covenant expands into what is sometimes called the Abrahamic Blessing, foundational to God’s plan for redemption and favor.

Later, covenant blessings are outlined in detail in passages such as Deuteronomy 28:1–14. Obedience to God’s commandments yields blessings that encompass personal, familial, and national prosperity:

• “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 28:2).

Cursing in the Old Testament

In balance with the blessings, the same covenant contains warnings of curses if the people abandon God. Deuteronomy 27 and 28 vividly describe these consequences. For example, Deuteronomy 28:15 declares, “If, however, you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God … then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.” Such curses include hardship in health, crops, livestock, and even exile.

Biblical historical accounts illustrate these patterns. In the time of the judges, national disobedience led repeatedly to oppression until Israel repented (Judges 2:10–19). In the monarchy era, idolatry caused the kingdom to fracture and eventually fall to foreign powers (2 Kings 17:7–23). These outcomes exemplify how covenant violation triggers real-world ramifications that the Bible frames as curses.

Blessing in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts more explicitly to spiritual blessings through Jesus. Ephesians 1:3 reminds believers that God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.” This does not negate temporal blessings, but underscores that divine favor is chiefly rooted in a reconciled relationship with God through Christ.

After the resurrection of Christ, believers share in the blessings of salvation (Romans 4:7–8) and enjoy peace with God (Romans 5:1). Jesus also extends the concept of blessing to attributes of the faithful in the Beatitudes:

• “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Cursing in the New Testament

Jesus himself addresses cursing when He says, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). Here, He instructs His followers not to retaliate with condemnation, highlighting that Christ’s teaching supersedes a cycle of retribution. While personal vengeance is forbidden (Romans 12:14), the New Testament still affirms divine judgment as the ultimate dealing with sin. Galatians 3:10 quotes the Old Testament principle: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Yet it points to Christ’s redemptive work that frees believers from the curse:

• “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

The Role of Faith and Obedience

Throughout Scripture, the pathway to blessing is obedience combined with genuine faith in God’s promises. Abraham’s faith is credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3), illustrating how trust in God activates divine favor. Conversely, persistent unbelief and disobedience invite divine censure. Hebrews 11 celebrates those who believed God’s promises and demonstrated obedience, receiving blessings accordingly.

Principles, Consequences, and Redemption

1. Blessing Flows from Devotion: Deuteronomy 30:19 exhorts, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. So choose life.” Scripture consistently shows that those who honor the Lord position themselves to receive His blessing.

2. Cursing is a Result of Disobedience: Disregarding God’s ways does not merely forfeit blessings; it can bring curses—both natural consequences of sinful behavior and direct judgments.

3. Redemption Through Christ: One of the core messages of the New Testament is that Christ took upon Himself the curse we deserved, opening the way for every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:7–8).

Practical Implications

• Worship and Gratitude: Recognizing God as the source of all blessings fosters a heart of gratitude and worship (Psalm 103:2).

• Obedience and Holiness: While salvation is by grace, a believer’s response should be a transformational lifestyle of obedience (John 14:15).

• Responding to Curses: Instead of retaliating with curses, Scripture calls believers to pray for and do good to those who curse them (Matthew 5:44).

• Hope in Christ: Even when facing life’s trials, believers trust that God can turn adversity into ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion

From the earliest pages of Genesis to the closing chapters of Revelation, blessing and cursing stand as vibrant themes underscoring both God’s righteous nature and His longing to bestow favor on those who align themselves with His will. In the Old Testament, covenant fidelity yields prosperity and success, whereas rebellion results in hardship. The New Testament reveals the fullness of this principle when Christ redeems humanity from the ultimate curse of sin, offering instead the gift of reconciliation and eternal blessing.

In Scripture, blessing is not mere fortune; it is the tangible and spiritual favor from the Creator. Cursing likewise is not superstition but the divine response to unrepentant rebellion. Ultimately, these truths call believers to a faithful, obedient walk under God’s blessing and offer all people the opportunity to find redemption from any curse through the saving work of Christ.