In Christ, believers are already blessed "with all spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 1:3). "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22). God blesses His people so they can be a blessing (Genesis 12:2-3), and Scripture gives words to bless others, like the priestly blessing "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee" (Numbers 6:24-26).
Blessing in the Bible flows two ways: God blesses His people, and His people speak blessing over others. These twelve King James passages cover both—what it means to be blessed and ready-to-use blessings for cards, prayers, and farewells. For thanking God for what you have, see our gratitude and thanksgiving pages.
Blessed by God
1. Ephesians 1:3
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Paul opens with praise: in Christ, believers have already been blessed "with all spiritual blessings." The deepest blessings are given, not merely hoped for.
2. Proverbs 10:22
"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."
Not all gain is blessing. The blessing of the Lord enriches without adding sorrow—no regret, no hidden cost.
3. Psalms 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
The first word of the Psalms is "Blessed." The blessed person avoids ungodly counsel, delights in God's law, and becomes like a well-watered tree that bears fruit in its season.
4. Psalms 34:8
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
An invitation to experience God personally: taste and see that He is good. The blessing belongs to the one who trusts Him.
Blessed to be a blessing
5. Genesis 12:2-3
"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
God's promise to Abram: "I will bless thee... and thou shalt be a blessing." God's blessing is meant to flow through His people until "all families of the earth" are blessed.
6. Deuteronomy 28:2
"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."
Moses pictures blessings that "overtake" an obedient people, as if catching up with them. Spoken within Israel's covenant, it shows God's heart to bless those who listen to His voice.
7. Psalms 128:1-2
"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee."
A song for pilgrims: the one who fears the Lord and walks in His ways enjoys the fruit of honest work—"it shall be well with thee." This is everyday blessing in work and home.
8. 2 Corinthians 9:8
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
Written in the context of generosity, this promise says God can make all grace abound so you have enough for every good work. Blessing equips you to bless.
Blessings to speak over others
9. Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
The priestly (Aaronic) blessing God gave Aaron to speak over Israel. It is still used to close church services and at weddings, baby dedications, and graduations.
10. 1 Peter 3:9
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
Christians are called to answer insult with blessing, and in doing so to inherit a blessing. Speaking blessing is a deliberate choice, especially toward difficult people.
11. 2 Corinthians 13:14
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
Paul's closing benediction names Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: grace, love, and communion. Many churches close worship with these words.
12. Jude 1:24-25
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
A doxology praising God who is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless with exceeding joy. A beautiful blessing for cards, farewells, and milestones.
A short prayer
Father, thank You for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Open my eyes to the blessings I overlook, and make me a blessing to others. Let my words bless even those who hurt me. Lord, bless and keep the people I love, make Your face shine upon them, and give them peace. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Download our free SOAP study page · Get the SOAP Bible Study Journal
Frequently asked questions
What is the priestly blessing in the Bible?
Numbers 6:24-26: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
What does it mean to be blessed to be a blessing?
It comes from God's promise to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3: God blessed him so that blessing would flow through him to "all families of the earth." God's gifts are meant to be shared.
What Bible verse can I use to bless someone?
Numbers 6:24-26, Jude 1:24-25, 2 Corinthians 13:14, and Romans 15:13 are popular blessings for cards, texts, and prayers.
Does God's blessing mean wealth?
Not necessarily. Scripture's first emphasis is spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Proverbs 10:22 says God's blessing adds no sorrow, and Scripture warns against the love of money (see our money page).
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about gratitude · Bible verses about thanksgiving · Bible verses about giving · Bible verses for birthdays · Bible verses about peace
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
