The Hebrew word for blessing, about 70 times. Denotes God's favor, prosperity, transmission of divine goodness. One of the most foundational biblical concepts — God intends to bless creation and through Abraham, all families.
Blessing is not wish but performative declaration activating God's favor. Patriarchal blessings are irrevocable speech-acts. Aaronic blessing is liturgical berakah par excellence. God's original berakah — 'be fruitful' — is life's charter.
Root connected to berek (knee). Berakah flows two ways: God to humanity (favor), humanity to God (praise). Later became formulaic prayer: 'Blessed are you, O LORD...'