MAKARIOS (Blessed)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

What is the Word?

The beatitudes are among the most famous teachings of Jesus. Within these simple sayings, Jesus unpacks for us what it means to be blessed in this world – and it doesn’t always make sense on the surface. This week we delve into the Greek word makarios and how the New Testament uses this word.

How does the Bible use this word?

When we thing of blessing, we often think of it as a verb. However, more often than not Jesus uses it as an adjective – it is a description of a state of being. In the strict sense, makarios means blessed, but in a broader sense can mean happy or even envied. In being blessed, one is endowed with a very fortunate position, one that may even be coveted by others.

Where in the Bible?

Naturally, there are few other places in scripture where the word is more familiar than in the beatitudes:

 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

 “Blessed (Μακάριοι) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed (Μακάριοι) are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Truth is the Currency of Love

One might wonder what the relationship is between truth and love. Surprisingly, a little reflection yields the complete dependence that truth and love have upon one another. Love requires us to know and to be known. It holds nothing back, but “rejoices in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6). Truth also requires love to have any application. Indeed, truth is the foundation upon which all relationships are built, for without truth there can be no honesty, without honesty no trust, and without trust no real essence of a relationship. Thus, Jesus doubles down his take on truth, and he admonishes us to do likewise.