22 Biblical Benedictions with References and Reflections
Introduction
Benedictions are some of the most beautiful and powerful words in Scripture. They offer reassurance, peace, and a reminder of God's faithful presence. Many churches use them at the close of worship services, but their purpose reaches far beyond ritual. They are gifts, divinely inspired words of blessing that speak to the heart of who God is and what God desires for us.
This post explores 22 biblical benedictions. We immediately see the breadth of both Old and New Testament blessings. It also gives preachers, worship leaders, and everyday Christians nearly two dozen options to speak life and peace into the world around them.
What Is a Benediction in the Bible?
The word "benediction" comes from the Latin bene (well) and dicere (to speak). A benediction is literally a "good word" or a blessing. In Scripture, benedictions are spoken by priests, prophets, apostles, and even Jesus.
They are often placed at the end of letters or acts of worship to send people forth with a sense of peace, grace, and divine favor. The most well-known example is probably the priestly blessing of Numbers 6, but the New Testament letters are also full of them.
22 Biblical Benedictions with References and Reflections
Here are 22 benedictions drawn directly from Scripture. Each one can be used in worship, personal devotion, or to bless someone in need of encouragement.
1. Numbers 6:24–26
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."
This foundational blessing remains one of the most cherished and widely used. It centers on God's protection, presence, and peace.
2. Deuteronomy 1:11
"May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!"
A blessing of abundance and fulfillment of promise—especially powerful during seasons of growth.
3. Psalm 67:1–2
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations."
God's blessing leads to mission. This benediction connects divine favor with global witness.
4. Psalm 121:7–8
"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore."
A blessing for daily life and travel, emphasizing God's constant watchfulness.
5. Psalm 115:14–15
"May the Lord give you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
This generational benediction connects divine blessing with legacy.
6. Isaiah 26:3
"Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you."
Though not structured as a benediction, this is a powerful blessing of peace for the faithful.
7. Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
God's presence and power are the focus here—a strong benediction for those facing fear.
8. Jeremiah 29:11
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."
A forward-looking blessing rooted in God's good intentions.
9. Matthew 5:8–9
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
From the Beatitudes, these blessings affirm identity and calling.
10. Matthew 11:28–29
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
A deeply personal invitation that acts as a blessing for the weary.
11. Luke 24:50–51
"Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them."
Jesus' final act before his ascension was to bless. That act still echoes today.
12. John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
A tender, Christ-centered benediction of peace.
13. Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
A hope-filled blessing perfect for endings and new beginnings.
14. Romans 15:5–6
"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another."
A blessing for unity, often needed in fractured communities.
15. 1 Corinthians 1:3
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
This standard Pauline benediction opens many letters—a strong, concise blessing.
16. 2 Corinthians 13:13 (or 13:14 in some translations)
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you."
A Trinitarian benediction widely used in liturgy.
17. Galatians 6:18
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen."
A short, intimate blessing that affirms God’s presence.
18. Ephesians 3:20–21
"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine..."
An empowering doxological benediction.
19. Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
A blessing of divine peace for anxious hearts.
20. Colossians 3:15–16
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus."
A holistic blessing that speaks to daily living.
21. 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
"May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely...the one who calls you is faithful."
A deep blessing for growth in holiness.
22. Jude 24–25
"Now to him who is able to keep you from falling...to the only God our Savior...be glory, majesty, power, and authority."
One of the most majestic benedictions in all of Scripture.
Why Biblical Benedictions Still Matter
In a fast-paced world, benedictions offer a pause—a reminder that God's grace, peace, and presence are real and available. They're not merely formal closings to worship. They are deeply theological affirmations of God's faithfulness.
Using benedictions regularly can:
Reaffirm God’s promises
Speak peace and hope to anxious hearts
Send worshipers out with a sense of holy purpose
Remind communities of God’s active work in their lives
How to Use Benedictions in Worship and Devotion
In worship: Use one to close your service or before the final hymn.
In small groups: End meetings with a spoken benediction.
At home: Bless your children or loved ones at bedtime.
In writing: Use them in cards, emails, or pastoral letters.
Closing Blessing:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24–26)
