בְּרָכָה
Berachah
Blessing
In 1979, archaeologists discovered two tiny silver scrolls in a tomb outside Jerusalem, dating to 600 BC — the oldest known biblical text ever found. Inscribed on those scrolls was the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:24-26, a berachah (בְּרָכָה) that has been spoken over God's people for over 3,000 years. The Hebrew word for blessing reveals something surprising: berachah shares its root with 'berech' (knee). To bless someone in Hebrew is connected to kneeling — combining humility with the power to speak life. When you understand berachah, you unlock an ancient practice that transforms how you pray over your family, your church, and your community.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Berachah comes from the root ב-ר-כ (bet-resh-kaf), which is also related to 'berech' (knee) — to bless is to kneel, showing that blessing involves both humility and honor.
How Berachah Is Used in Scripture
Berachah and its derivatives appear over 400 times in the Hebrew Bible. The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) of Numbers 6:24-26 is the oldest known biblical text, found on silver scrolls dating to 600 BC.
Cultural & Modern Context
Jewish tradition includes blessings for nearly everything — food, seeing a rainbow, hearing thunder, meeting a scholar. The formula 'Baruch Atah Adonai' (Blessed are You, LORD) begins most Hebrew blessings.
How to Use Berachah in Prayer
Speak berachah over your family, your church, and your community. The Priestly Blessing is not just for priests — as believers, we are called to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3).
People Also Ask About Berachah
What is the Priestly Blessing in Hebrew?
The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) from Numbers 6:24-26 is: 'Yevarechecha Adonai v'yishmerecha. Ya'er Adonai panav eleicha v'chuneka. Yisa Adonai panav eleicha v'yasem lecha shalom.' ('The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.')
Can Christians speak blessings over their families?
Absolutely. The practice of speaking berachah (blessing) over family members is deeply biblical. Jacob blessed his sons (Genesis 49), Moses blessed the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33), and Jesus blessed the children (Mark 10:16). As believers and 'a royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9), Christians are invited to speak God's blessing over their families, especially on Shabbat.
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Explore other Hebrew words in the Greetings & Blessings category
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