benediction
Words of blessing given by God or his representative to God’s people. They are often used to conclude public worship. Many examples are found in scripture, especially in New Testament epistles.
- Two benedictions found in scripture:
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24, 25 ESV)
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2 ESV)
Learn more:
- Compelling Truth: What is a benediction?
- H. B. Charles: What Is a Benediction?
- H. B. Charles: Blessings and Praise: Benedictions and Doxologies in Scripture
- Drew Hunter: 5 Reasons to Recover Benedictions at Church
- Aaron L. Garriott: The Benediction of God
- Jon Payne: Gospel Benediction
- David King: May the Lord Bless and Keep You
Related terms:
Do you have a a theological term you’d like to see featured as a Theological Term of the Week? Email your suggestion using the contact button in the navigation bar above.
Clicking on the Theological Terms button will take you to an alphabetical list of all the theological terms.