Topical Encyclopedia The term "blest" is an archaic form of the word "blessed," which is frequently used in the Bible to describe a state of divine favor or happiness bestowed by God. The concept of being blest is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting both spiritual and material prosperity as a result of God's grace and favor.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of being blest is often associated with the covenantal relationship between God and His people. For instance, in Genesis 12:2, God promises Abram, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Here, being blest is linked to God's promise of making Abram a conduit of blessing to others. The blessings of God are also tied to obedience to His commandments. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience, stating, "And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 28:2). These blessings include prosperity, health, and protection, emphasizing the holistic nature of being blest. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being blest takes on a more spiritual dimension, often associated with the teachings of Jesus. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 are a prime example, where Jesus describes the blest as those who are "poor in spirit," "meek," and "pure in heart," among other qualities. These blessings are not necessarily material but are indicative of the spiritual state and future hope of believers. The Apostle Paul also speaks of spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1:3, stating, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." Here, being blest is connected to the believer's union with Christ and the spiritual riches that come from this relationship. Theological Significance Theologically, being blest is understood as a reflection of God's grace and favor. It is not merely a reward for good behavior but a manifestation of God's sovereign will and love for His people. The state of being blest is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the fullness of God's blessings in the life to come. Practical Implications For believers, understanding what it means to be blest involves recognizing the source of all blessings—God Himself. It calls for a life of gratitude, obedience, and service, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). It also encourages believers to be a blessing to others, reflecting God's love and grace in their interactions with the world. In summary, the concept of being blest in the Bible encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions, rooted in God's covenantal promises and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a state of divine favor that calls for a response of faith, gratitude, and obedience. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. p.) of Bless.Greek 3107. makarios -- blessed, happy ... blessed, happy. A prolonged form of the poetical makar (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off -- blessed, happy(X -ier). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3107.htm - 7k Library Blest is the Faith Ah, that Blest Abode Above, And in Thy Fair, Calm Haven, Blest, Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" Blest are the Moments, Doubly Blest O God of Grace, Thou Spirit Blest, But God, (His Name be ever Blest) Hath Set My Spirit Free, nor ... Blest be the Tie that Binds Blest are the Pure in Heart To Thy Blest Cross, O Christ, we Come, Thesaurus Blest (1 Occurrence)... 2. (a.) Blessed. Multi-Version Concordance Blest (1 Occurrence). ... "Blest among women are you," she said, "and the offspring of your body is blest! (WEY). ... /b/blest.htm - 6k Uttered (60 Occurrences) Offspring (186 Occurrences) Cry (431 Occurrences) Joy (422 Occurrences) Blessings (45 Occurrences) Blew (37 Occurrences) Gaddiel (1 Occurrence) Fortunatus (1 Occurrence) Body (562 Occurrences) Resources Blest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blest (1 Occurrence)Luke 1:42 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |