Tim Mackie, a BibleProject scholar, dives deep into the concept of 'blessed' as introduced in the Sermon on the Mount. He unpacks the Greek term 'makarios' and its Hebrew counterpart 'ashray', revealing their rich meanings. Mackie discusses how Jesus redefines the idea of the good life, emphasizing the value found in spiritual fulfillment over societal norms. He also contrasts God's blessings (barukh) with the state of being blessed, inviting listeners to rethink who truly holds the title of 'blessed' in the eyes of God.
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insights INSIGHT
Meaning of Blessed
The first word of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, "blessed," is often mistranslated.
The Greek word "makarios" and Hebrew "ashrey" mean "fortunate" or "the good life."
insights INSIGHT
Understanding Ashrey
"Ashrey" describes someone experiencing "the good life" as observed by another.
It appears in the Psalms and Proverbs, often referring to prosperity, safety, or stability.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Queen of Sheba's Observation
The Queen of Sheba called Solomon's court "ashrey" due to their flourishing state.
This illustrates how "ashrey" relates to observed prosperity and happiness.
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The Wisdom of Ben-Sira (Ecclesiasticus) (Classic Reprint)
Classic Reprint
Yeshua Ben Sirach
The Wisdom of Ben Sira, also known as Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, is a collection of wisdom teachings written in Hebrew around the second century BC. It offers reflections on various aspects of life, including family, relationships, and societal norms. The book emphasizes the importance of wisdom, piety, and adherence to God's law. It provides insights into the worldview and values of Jewish society during that period. The text is known for its practical advice and its exploration of ethical and moral principles.
Sermon on the Mount E4 – What does Jesus mean when he calls people “blessed” in the first section of the Sermon on the Mount? The Greek word translated as “blessed” is makarios, and its Hebrew equivalent is ashrey, which means “the good life.” But there’s another Hebrew word for blessing, barukh, which refers to blessings from God. In this episode, Tim, Jon, and guests unpack what it means to be blessed according to Jesus’ counterintuitive message as he ushers in the kingdom of the skies.
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Show Music
Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
BibleProject theme song by TENTS
Show Credits
Dan Gummel is the Creative Producer for today’s show. Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; Colin Wilson, producer; and Stephanie Tam, consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey and Yanii Evans are our audio editors. Tyler Bailey is also our audio engineer, and he provided our sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Special thanks to Ben Tertin, Breon Gummel, and Rick McKinley. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones.
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