📖 Biblical Definition
The pronounced blessing closing a worship service. Two great biblical formulas anchor the practice: the Aaronic benediction of Numbers 6:24-26 (The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace) and the apostolic benediction of 2 Corinthians 13:14 (The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.). Both are Trinitarian in shape: the Aaronic with its triple use of the LORD, the apostolic with explicit naming of Christ, God (the Father), and the Holy Ghost. Other significant biblical benedictions: Romans 15:13, Hebrews 13:20-21, Jude 24-25. The benediction is not the minister's wish but God's declaration through the minister — spoken with raised hands as a real pronouncement of divine favor on the gathered congregation. The minister blesses the people in the LORD's name; the LORD does the blessing.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The pronounced blessing closing worship.
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The formal pronounced blessing that closes the worship service; the two great biblical formulas are the Aaronic Blessing of Numbers 6 (LORD bless and keep, make face shine and be gracious, lift face and give peace) and the apostolic of 2 Corinthians 13:14 (grace of Christ, love of God, fellowship of Spirit) — both Trinitarian in structure.
📖 Key Scripture
Numbers 6:24-26 — "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
2 Corinthians 13:14 — "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20-21 — "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep... Make you perfect in every good work."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Replaced by 'have a great week' or other casual sendoffs; the formal benediction is a doctrinal-pastoral pronouncement.
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A benediction is not a goodbye — it is a pronouncement of blessing in the name of the triune God. The pastor stands as ambassador. The congregation receives. Recover the formal benediction; it shapes the week and rounds the worship.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin benedictio — blessing.
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['Latin', '—', 'benedictio', 'blessing']
['Hebrew', 'H1288', 'barak', 'to bless']
Usage
"Recover the pronounced benediction."
"It is pronouncement, not farewell."