μακαρίζω (makarizō)
makarizō
to bless
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb makarizō means to pronounce someone blessed or happy. It is the active form of the adjective makarios, shifting from a state of being fortunate to the act of declaring that status. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in passages that highlight divine favor: Mary’s song in Luke 1:48 and James’ reflection on patient suffering in James 5:11.
Unlike general terms for joy, this word carries a weighty, authoritative tone. When Jesus or the biblical authors use it, they are not merely describing an emotion but affirming a spiritual reality. In Luke, Mary uses it to describe how all generations will call her blessed by God. In James, believers are told that those who endure trials are blessed because their faith is proven genuine.
The word underscores that true happiness comes from God’s perspective rather than external circumstances. It reminds readers that divine approval defines blessing, not material success or ease. This declaration of blessedness remains a central theme in Scripture, pointing to the deeper joy found in faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word makarizō shifts our focus from how we feel to how God sees us. It means to pronounce someone blessed, declaring a spiritual reality rather than just describing a fleeting emotion. This is not about temporary happiness based on good luck or comfort. Instead, it points to a deep, stable joy that comes from being known and approved by the Creator.
When Mary sang that all generations would call her blessed, she was acknowledging God’s favor toward her humble state. Similarly, James reminds us that those who endure hard times are called blessed because their faith is proven genuine. This word invites you to find your worth in divine approval, not in external success or ease.
True blessing is a gift of grace, rooted in faithfulness rather than circumstances. It offers hope even when life is difficult, reminding us that God’s perspective defines our value. May you rest in this secure identity, knowing that your standing before Him is firm and unshakable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will count blessed1×
- we count blessed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μακαρίζομεν1×
- μακαριοῦσίν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:48
for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
Mary uses this word to describe how God’s favor elevates her humble status, showing that blessing comes from divine choice rather than human merit.
-
James 5:11
Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James applies the term to those who endure suffering, linking blessedness directly to perseverance and the proven genuineness of faith.