Bible Dictionary
BLESSING
A spoken invocation of good or the good benefit itself that is granted. In Scripture blessing may be pronounced upon someone, received from God, or expressed in thanksgiving for His provision.
Definition
A blessing may be the spoken form of words invoking good, or the good and benefit that has been granted. It may therefore describe either the pronouncement or the blessing received.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses the term for spoken blessings, for benefits received, and for the blessing of the Lord that makes rich. “The cup of blessing” is the cup for which God is blessed or which represents blessing received from Him.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(berakhah; eulogia): Sometimes means the form of words used in invoking the bestowal of good, as in De 33:1; Jos 8:34; and Jas 3:10. Sometimes it means the good or the benefit itself which has been conferred, as in Ge 27:36, "Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?" and Pr 10:22, "The blessing of Yahweh, it maketh rich." "The cup of blessing" (to poterion tes eulogias, a special use of the word in 1Co 10:16), means the cup for which we bless God, or which represents to us so much blessin g from God.</p><p>James M. Gray</p>