Hebrew word · H835

אֶ֫שֶׁר

'ashrei

blessed

A plural noun that always comes first in a phrase, functioning as an exclamation: 'Oh the happiness of…!' 'How fortunate is…!' It declares someone well off, in a good place. It is different from bārûk ('blessed'), which describes someone who has been blessed by God or is being blessed.

Appears 45 times in 42 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. ·

What it means

1) happiness, blessedness

1a) often used as interjection

1b) blessed are

Abridged from Brown, Driver and Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (1906), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Isaiah 30:18

Range of meaning

A plural noun that always comes first in a phrase, functioning as an exclamation: 'Oh the happiness of…!' 'How fortunate is…!' It declares someone well off, in a good place. It is different from bārûk ('blessed'), which describes someone who has been blessed by God or is being blessed. Some connect the root with walking straight or going forward (compare Prov 4:14), but that link is uncertain.

Against the English

BSB, KJV, WEB, NIV and ESV: 'Blessed'. YLT: 'O the blessedness of' keeps the exclamation. NASB often uses 'How blessed'. 'Blessed' makes it sound like a religious favor handed down, and the exclamation is lost.

How it drifted

English 'blessed' renders both ʾašrê and bārûk, so readers cannot tell the cry of congratulation ('how well off!') from the declaration of blessing ('blessed by God'). The Septuagint used μακάριος for ʾašrê throughout. That is the word behind Jesus' Beatitudes, and it reinforced the same English 'blessed'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Psalm 2:12 has almost the same wording: 'ʾašrê kol-ḥôsê bô', 'Oh the happiness of all who take refuge in him'. See also Psalm 1:1, Daniel 12:12 ('ʾašrê ha-məḥakkeh', with the same 'wait' root as here) and Isaiah 56:2. The Septuagint here has μακάριοι οἱ ἐμμένοντες ἐν αὐτῷ ('blessed are those who abide in him').

From the study of Psalm 32:1

Range of meaning

Always found in this plural, attached form ('the happinesses of…'). It works as an exclamation: 'How fortunate is…!', 'Happy the one who…!'. It congratulates someone on a state worth envying and is often used to recommend a way of life (Ps 1:1; 2:12; 119:1; Prov 3:13). It is a different word from barukh ('blessed'), which is used when God or a person pronounces a blessing.

Against the English

'Blessed' (KJV, BSB, ESV, NIV) suggests a blessing being handed out, or something holy. YLT's 'O the happiness of' and the NLT's 'what joy' are closer to the exclamation. NASB's 'How blessed' keeps the exclamation but still uses 'blessed'.

How it drifted

The Greek makarios and Latin beatus were translated 'blessed' in English Bibles from Wycliffe and Tyndale onward, partly so it would sound like the Beatitudes. Over time 'blessed' became a churchly word, and the everyday feel of 'lucky you!' was lost.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint translates it makarios ('happy, fortunate'), the same word as in the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3–11). The 'ashrei-saying' is a regular form in Israel's wisdom teaching, and the Dead Sea Scrolls have lists of such sayings (4Q525).

From the study of Psalm 34:8

Range of meaning

A plural noun form used as an exclamation: 'O the happinesses of…!', 'How fortunate is…!' It describes a person's flourishing, enviable condition. It is common in Psalms and Proverbs (about 45 times) and is never said of God. The root may relate to 'walking straight' or 'advancing', but that is uncertain.

Against the English

'Blessed' (KJV, BSB, WEB, ESV) suggests to modern ears a favour God pronounces or hands out, the meaning of a different Hebrew word, bārûk. ʾašrê is not a pronouncement or a benediction. It is an observer's cry of congratulation: look how well things go for this person! YLT's 'O the happiness of' and NASB's 'How blessed' keep the exclamation. NLT's 'Oh, the joys of' keeps the feeling.

How it drifted

Older English used 'blessed' for both ʾašrê and bārûk (through Latin beatus and benedictus), so readers lost the difference between 'fortunate, flourishing' and 'blessed by God'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Ps 1:1; 32:1–2; 119:1; Prov 3:13; 8:34. The Septuagint uses makarios for it, the same word that opens Jesus' Beatitudes ('makarioi', Matt 5:3–11). Bārûk is usually eulogētos in Greek.

Where it appears

Deuteronomy · 1

  1. Deuteronomy 33:29 אַשְׁרֶ֨יךָ how blessed [are]! you

    Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.”

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'the happinesses of you!': it declares Israel's fortunate, enviable condition. It is a statement about how things stand for Israel, not a blessing being handed out.

1 Kings · 2

  1. 1 Kings 10:8 אַשְׁרֵ֣י אַשְׁרֵ֖י how blessed!

    How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!

2 Chronicles · 2

  1. 2 Chronicles 9:7 אַשְׁרֵ֣י וְאַשְׁרֵ֖י how blessed!, and how blessed!

    How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!

Job · 1

  1. Job 5:17 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

    Here: An exclamation that congratulates someone: 'how well-off is...!' It is the opening word of Psalm 1. It describes the person's good situation; it does not mean God is speaking a blessing over them.

Psalms · 26

  1. Psalm 1:1 אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי־ how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

    Here: A plural noun used as an exclamation: 'O the happinesses of…' or 'How fortunate is…'. It congratulates someone on a good, flourishing life. It is not a blessing being spoken over him. It is the psalm's first word and the Psalter's first word.

  2. Psalm 2:12 אַ֝שְׁרֵ֗י how blessed!

    Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

    Here: An exclamation: 'Oh, how fortunate!' This is the word that opens Psalm 1 ('Ashrei ha-ish'). The two psalms begin and end with it, which binds them together as the gateway to the Psalter.

  3. Psalm 32:1 אַשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the happinesses of…'. It is a cry of congratulation about someone's enviable situation, the same opening word as Psalm 1. It is not the formal word for God pronouncing a blessing.

  4. Psalm 32:2 אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי how blessed!

    Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

    Here: An exclamation, literally "O the happinesses of…". It is not a prayer for blessing. It declares that someone is already in a fortunate, enviable state. It repeats the opening word of v.1, so the psalm opens with a double "How fortunate!"

  5. Psalm 33:12 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'the happinesses of…'. It declares someone well-off and worth envying, much like 'How fortunate is…!'. It is not a priest or God handing out a blessing. It opens the verse as a cry of congratulation.

  6. Psalm 34:8 אַֽשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the happinesses of…!' It praises someone's flourishing, enviable state, the way a wise teacher points out who is truly well off. It is not the word used when God pronounces a blessing (that is bārûk).

  7. Psalm 40:4 אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

    Here: An exclamation that opens the sentence: 'Oh, how well off is…!' It announces that a person is in a good, fortunate position. It does not pronounce a blessing over them.

  8. Psalm 41:1 אַ֭שְׁרֵי how blessed!

    For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.

    Here: A plural noun used as an exclamation, literally 'the happinesses of…'. It congratulates a person on being well off; it is not a formula of God pronouncing a blessing. It answers the 'ʾashrê' that opens Psalm 1, so the first book of Psalms begins and ends with the same cry.

  9. Psalm 65:4 אַשְׁרֵ֤י׀ how blessed!

    Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple.

    Here: An exclamation: 'How fortunate!' or 'O the happiness of…!' It praises someone who is well off, as onlookers would, rather than speaking a blessing over them. It opens the verse with admiration.

  10. Psalm 84:4 אַ֭שְׁרֵי how blessed!

    How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the happinesses of…'. It congratulates people whose situation is to be envied. It is not a prayer asking God to bless them. It opens the verse with the psalmist's longing: he wishes he were in their place.

  11. Psalm 84:5 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

    Here: An exclamation that congratulates someone: 'How fortunate is…!' It names a state worth envying. It is not a prayer asking God to bless. It repeats the opening word of verse 4 and links the pilgrims to the people who live in the temple.

  12. Psalm 84:12 אַֽשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the happinesses of…': a congratulation on someone's enviable condition. It is the third such cry in the psalm (vv. 4, 5, 12), and the last, broadest one.

  13. Psalm 89:15 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed are those who know the joyful sound, who walk, O LORD, in the light of Your presence.

    Here: An exclamation of congratulation, "Oh, how well off!" It describes the enviable condition of the people; it is not a prayer asking God to bless them.

  14. Psalm 94:12 אַשְׁרֵ֤י׀ how blessed!

    Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,

    Here: An exclamation, literally "O the happinesses of…". It congratulates someone on being well off. It is not a prayer asking God to bless, and it is not the usual Hebrew word for 'bless' (barukh). It opens the line with delight.

  15. Psalm 106:3 אַ֭שְׁרֵי how blessed!

    Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.

    Here: An exclamation, literally "O the happinesses of…". It does not ask God for a blessing. It declares that the people described are well-off, in a good place, to be congratulated.

  16. Psalm 112:1 אַשְׁרֵי־ how blessed!

    Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.

    Here: Literally 'the happinesses of…'. It is an exclamation of congratulation, 'Oh, how well off is…!', and not a prayer asking God to bless someone. It opens the first line of the alphabet poem with the letter aleph (א).

  17. Psalm 119:1 אַשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.

    Here: An exclamation, not a verb or a wish: 'Oh, how well it goes for…!' The form is plural ('happinesses of'), a way of stressing fullness. It opens the psalm on the letter aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which every line of this first stanza starts with.

  18. Psalm 119:2 אַ֭שְׁרֵי how blessed!

    Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'the happinesses of…', meaning 'Oh, how well off are…'. It repeats the opening word of verse 1 and starts the first eight-verse section of the psalm, where every line begins with the Hebrew letter aleph.

  19. Psalm 127:5 אַשְׁרֵ֤י how blessed!

    Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

  20. Psalm 128:1 אַ֭שְׁרֵי how blessed!

    A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!

    Here: A plural noun in a bound form ("the happinesses of…") used as an exclamation: "Oh, how well it goes for…!" It announces that someone's situation is enviable. It is not a blessing being spoken over them.

  21. Psalm 128:2 אַ֝שְׁרֶ֗יךָ how blessed [are]! you

    For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

    Here: A congratulation, literally "O your happinesses!" It picks up the opening word of the psalm (v.1 "ashrei") and now speaks it straight to the listener: how well off you are!

  22. Psalm 137:8 אַשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us.

    Here: A plural noun in a fixed exclamation: 'O the good fortunes of…!' It calls someone enviable or well off, the same opening word as Psalm 1:1. It is a cry of human congratulation, not the word for God giving a blessing (barukh).

  23. Psalm 137:9 אַשְׁרֵ֤י׀ how blessed!

    Blessed is he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.

  24. Psalm 144:15 אַשְׁרֵ֣י אַֽשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    Blessed are the people of whom this is so; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

    Here: A plural noun used as an exclamation, literally 'the good fortunes of…'. It is a congratulation: the speaker looks at someone's situation and declares them well off. It is not a prayer or wish, and it is not the word for God bestowing a blessing.

  25. Psalm 146:5 אַשְׁרֵ֗י how blessed!

    Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

    Here: A plural noun in 'construct' form (meaning 'the happinesses of…'), used only as an exclamation: 'Oh, how well off is…!' It congratulates a person on an enviable condition rather than pronouncing a blessing over him.

Proverbs · 8

  1. Proverbs 3:13 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'the happinesses of…'. It congratulates someone on being well off. It describes a fortunate state and is not a blessing spoken over them. It opens a short poem in praise of wisdom (vv. 13–18), which closes with the same root in v. 18.

  2. Proverbs 8:32 וְ֝אַשְׁרֵ֗י and how blessed!

    Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

    Here: A cry of congratulation, 'O the happiness of…!', which in form is a plural noun ('the happinesses of'). It declares that a life is going well. It is not a blessing being handed out. The 'and' here is plain 'and,' which most English versions render 'for.'

  3. Proverbs 8:34 אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the happinesses of…'. It declares the listener well off, the way you would congratulate someone. It is not a formal blessing pronounced on him.

  4. Proverbs 14:21 אַשְׁרָֽיו׃ how blessed [is] he

    He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

    Here: An exclamation: 'O his happiness!' or 'How fortunate he is!' (literally a plural, 'his happinesses'). It congratulates the generous person on a life that is going well. It is not a formal blessing pronounced over him.

  5. Proverbs 16:20 אַשְׁרָֽיו׃ how blessed [is] he

    Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

    Here: A plural noun with 'his': literally 'his happinesses'. It works as an exclamation, 'Oh, how fortunate he is!' It congratulates the person and calls their state enviable. It is not a formula that pronounces a blessing on them.

  6. Proverbs 20:7 אַשְׁרֵ֖י how blessed!

    The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.

    Here: An exclamation, "O the happiness of …!" It is the language of congratulation: a bystander looks at someone's situation and calls it enviable. It is not the formal word for a blessing spoken by God or a priest.

  7. Proverbs 28:14 אַשְׁרֵ֣י how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

    Here: A plural noun used as an exclamation: 'Oh, the happinesses of…'. It congratulates someone on how well life is going or will go for them. It is not a blessing being handed out.

  8. Proverbs 29:18 אַשְׁרֵֽהוּ׃ how blessed [is] he

    Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'his happinesses!', meaning 'How fortunate he is!' (as in Psalm 1:1). It congratulates someone on a life that is going well. It is not a formal blessing pronounced by a priest.

Ecclesiastes · 1

  1. Ecclesiastes 10:17 אַשְׁרֵ֣יךְ how blessed [are] you

    Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.

Isaiah · 3

  1. Isaiah 30:18 אַשְׁרֵ֖י how blessed!

    Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

    Here: An exclamation in the plural: 'Oh, the happinesses of…!' It congratulates people on how well things are going for them, much as Psalm 1:1 does. It is a cry about their situation, not a priestly blessing being pronounced.

  2. Isaiah 32:20 אַשְׁרֵיכֶ֕ם how blessed [are]! you

    Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.

    Here: An exclamation, literally 'O the good fortunes of you!' It congratulates people on an enviable situation. It is not a blessing pronounced over them. The suffix 'you' (plural) makes it direct address, so Isaiah turns from describing the future to cheering his hearers on.

  3. Isaiah 56:2 אַשְׁרֵ֤י how blessed!

    Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”

    Here: An exclamation, not a statement: "Oh, how fortunate!" The speaker congratulates someone whose life is on the right track, the same opening word as Psalm 1:1.

Daniel · 1

  1. Daniel 12:12 אַשְׁרֵ֥י how blessed!

    Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

    Here: An exclamation, literally a plural noun 'the happinesses of…', used like 'Oh, how well-off is…!' It declares that a person is in an enviable position. It is not a blessing being spoken over him.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.