The Jimmy Akin Podcast #069 What Are Blessings? - Jimmy Akin
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Feb 2, 2026 A clear walk through what it means to bless and how the word works in Latin and Greek. Stories from Scripture illustrate invocative and constitutive blessings. Discussion of consecrations, who can perform different blessings, and the Church's Book of Blessings. Practical notes on effects people associate with blessings and resources for further study.
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Bless Means 'To Speak Good'
- The words bless (Latin benedicere) and eulogize (Greek eulogain) literally mean to speak good.
- Jimmy Akin shows scripture uses blessing both as praise of God and as invoking good upon others.
Jacob Stole Isaac's Blessing
- Genesis 27 recounts Isaac intending to bless Esau but Jacob receiving the blessing instead.
- This story illustrates blessings can be invoked to bring actual good outcomes for a person.
Two Distinct Kinds Of Blessings
- Blessings split into invocative (asking God for good) and constitutive (setting apart for holy use).
- Constitutive blessings function like consecrations that change someone's or something's status permanently.
