Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Blessing”
The biblical word “Blessing” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (barak (Hebrew), eulogia (Greek)), where it meant “Spoken word of favor and bestowal of good; divine favor and prosperity granted by God”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Expression of good wishes; divine favor or grace; also something cherished”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekbarak (Hebrew), eulogia (Greek)Spoken word of favor and bestowal of good; divine favor and prosperity granted by God
Hebrew barak (H1288) means 'to bless, kneel'. Greek eulogia (G2129) means 'blessing, praise'. Blessing conveys transfer of divine favor (Genesis 27 Jacob's blessing; eulogeo = to speak well of).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinbenedictioGod's grace and favor; a prayer invoking divine favor; also sacred consecration
Latin benedictio (bene- well + dictio, speaking) means 'blessing, praise'. Church: blessing as priestly invocation of God's favor (Num 6:24-26 priestly blessing formalized in liturgy).
Modern English
EnglishblessingExpression of good wishes; divine favor or grace; also something cherished
From Old English bledsunge c.950 (from bletsian, 'to bless, mark with blood'). Retains religious meaning (blessing from God, priestly blessing) and colloquial meaning (a blessing in disguise).