290 Aaronic Blessing: Beautiful Blessings to Share

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Old open scroll and a small oil lamp on a stone surface, 290 aaronic blessing

The Aaronic blessing is one of the oldest blessings still spoken today. It appears in Numbers 6:24 to 26 and has been used in synagogues and churches for centuries. This page explains where it comes from and gives you 290 blessings inspired by it.

Some are close to the original. Others are written for a child, a wedding, a new home or a hard season. Use them in a card, a prayer or at the close of a gathering.

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The Aaronic blessing is the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24 to 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.” (KJV)

The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6

Open Bible with a ribbon bookmark on a dark wooden table, the aaronic blessing in numbers 6

In Numbers 6:22 to 23, God tells Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel. The blessing has three lines. Each one adds a little more. In Hebrew they run three, five and seven words, which gives the passage a steady rhythm.

In Jewish tradition it is called Birkat Kohanim, or the priestly blessing. The King James Version below uses “LORD” for God’s name.

VerseWords (KJV)Meaning
1. Numbers 6:24“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:”Favor and protection
2. Numbers 6:25“The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:”Light and grace
3. Numbers 6:26“The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”Attention and peace
4. Numbers 6:27“And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”God’s own promise

Verse 27 matters. It says the name of God is placed on the people. The blessing is not magic. It is a promise made in God’s name.

A Very Old Text

Tiny rolled silver scroll on dark stone in warm lamplight, an ancient text of the priestly blessing

In 1979, archaeologists found two tiny silver scrolls at Ketef Hinnom, a burial site in Jerusalem. They date to the late seventh or early sixth century BCE. They carry a version of the priestly blessing and are among the oldest known biblical texts. The Israel Museum holds them.

The Priestly Blessing in Modern Words

These plain English lines follow the three parts of the original. Read them slowly.

  1. May God bless you.
  2. May God keep you safe.
  3. May God shine His light on you.
  4. May God be kind to you.
  5. May God look on you with love.
  6. May God give you peace.
  7. May you feel God’s favor in the morning.
  8. May you feel God’s protection through the day.
  9. May you rest in God’s grace at night.
  10. May God bless you and watch over you.
  11. May God’s face shine on you and bring you joy.
  12. May God turn toward you and give you peace.

Short Blessings in the Same Shape

These keep the same shape: a blessing, a keeping and a peace. They suit cards and texts.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you today.
  2. May God keep you safe in every step.
  3. May His light shine on your path.
  4. May you be held in grace.
  5. May God give you peace that lasts.
  6. May the Lord watch over your coming and going.
  7. May you be blessed in the morning and kept at night.
  8. May God’s favor rest upon you.
  9. May the Lord bless your work and your rest.
  10. May God’s grace be enough for you.
  11. May your heart be calm and your mind be clear.
  12. May God keep you close.
  13. May the Lord bless your home.
  14. May the Lord look kindly upon you.
  15. May you walk in His peace.
  16. May the Lord keep your heart from fear.
  17. May God’s blessing go before you.
  18. May the light of God guide you home.
  19. May His kindness follow you all your days.
  20. May the Lord bless you with joy.
  21. May the Lord keep your family from harm.
  22. May you be wrapped in God’s care.
  23. May you know His peace in the middle of the storm.
  24. May the Lord bless you beyond what you ask.
  25. May God’s presence be your shelter.
  26. May God give you hope for tomorrow.
  27. May the Lord make you a blessing to others.
  28. May God bless the road ahead.
  29. May the Lord bless you and give you rest.
  30. May the peace of God be your portion.

Blessings for Children

Open children's storybook beside a glowing night lamp, blessings for children

Parents have spoken the Aaronic blessing over children for generations. Use these at bedtime or on a special day.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you, my child.
  2. May God shine His face upon you, little one.
  3. May you grow in wisdom and in kindness.
  4. May the Lord keep you safe tonight.
  5. May you know that you are loved.
  6. May God give you courage for tomorrow.
  7. May the angels watch over you while you sleep.
  8. May God bless your first day of school.
  9. May you always find a friend.
  10. May the Lord give you a gentle heart.
  11. May you be brave when you are afraid.
  12. May God bless the hands that build and the mind that dreams.
  13. May you grow strong in body and spirit.
  14. May the Lord bless you with joy.
  15. May the peace of God fill your room tonight.
  16. May you be a light to those around you.
  17. May God lead you in the way you should go.
  18. May the Lord keep you in His care all your days.
  19. May you know that you are never alone.
  20. May God bless your laughter.
  21. May your name be written in His heart.
  22. May you grow up knowing you are blessed.
  23. May God give you a good friend today.
  24. May you always find your way home.
  25. May the Lord keep your feet from stumbling.
  26. May you be kind when it is hard.
  27. May you find peace in prayer.
  28. May the Lord make your path straight.
  29. May God bless you and keep you for all your years.
  30. May the love of God surround you.

Blessings for a Wedding or Marriage

Couples often ask for a blessing at the close of a ceremony. These can be spoken or printed in a program.

  1. May the Lord bless you both and keep you together.
  2. May God shine His light on your marriage.
  3. May you be gracious to each other every day.
  4. May peace rule in your home.
  5. May your love be a reflection of His love.
  6. May the Lord watch over your coming and going as a couple.
  7. May your hands always find each other.
  8. May God bless the home you build.
  9. May you be kind in disagreement and quick to forgive.
  10. May your marriage be a source of joy to others.
  11. May the Lord bless you with laughter.
  12. May you grow old with grace.
  13. May God give you patience with one another.
  14. May your life together be full of peace.
  15. May He keep you faithful in the small things.
  16. May you be a blessing to your families.
  17. May your love deepen with every year.
  18. May God guide your steps as one.
  19. May your home be a place of rest.
  20. May the Lord bless you with children if it is His will, and with friendship in every season.

Closing Blessings for a Service or Gathering

Pastors, leaders and hosts often end with a blessing. Here are lines you can use as a benediction.

  1. Go in peace. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
  2. May God send you out with joy.
  3. May the peace of the Lord go with you.
  4. May God’s face shine on you as you leave this place.
  5. May you carry His blessing into the week ahead.
  6. Go now, and may the Lord watch over you.
  7. May you be strengthened for the work ahead.
  8. May God bless each person here.
  9. May you be sent out in grace.
  10. May the Lord keep your going out and your coming in.
  11. May you be a blessing wherever you go.
  12. May God fill you with hope.
  13. May the peace you found here go home with you.
  14. May the Lord guide your steps this week.
  15. Depart in peace, and be at rest.
  16. May the grace of the Lord be with you all.
  17. May you walk in His light.
  18. May His blessing remain on every home represented here.
  19. Go in love and serve with joy.
  20. May the Lord bless you as you part and bring you together again.

Blessings for a New Home

House keys on a welcome mat in front of a wooden door with a wreath, blessings for a new home

A new house is a fresh start. Speak one of these as you enter.

  1. May the Lord bless this house and keep it.
  2. May His face shine on every room.
  3. May this home be filled with grace.
  4. May peace be on all who live here.
  5. May every guest feel welcome.
  6. May this house be a refuge.
  7. May the Lord watch over those who sleep here.
  8. May laughter echo in these halls.
  9. May this kitchen be a place of gathering.
  10. May this front door open to good news.
  11. May God protect this home from harm.
  12. May the people here know His peace.
  13. May this house be built on love.
  14. May the Lord bless the work done under this roof.
  15. May this home be a lighthouse for others.

Birthday Blessings in the Same Spirit

Many families use the three lines as a birthday prayer. Add the name of the person you are blessing.

  1. May the Lord bless you on your birthday and keep you in the year ahead.
  2. May God shine His face on you today.
  3. May He be gracious to you in all you do.
  4. May this new year of life bring you peace.
  5. May your birthday be a day of grace.
  6. May God bless you with health and joy.
  7. May the Lord lift up His face on you today and always.
  8. May this year be your most peaceful yet.
  9. May the Lord guard your heart this year.
  10. May you see His kindness on every page of the year ahead.
  11. May God bless your family on your special day.
  12. May you feel loved from morning to night.
  13. May the Lord give you wisdom for each season.
  14. May the years ahead be full of favor.
  15. May God keep you strong in body and spirit.
  16. May the Lord bless every dream you hold.
  17. May He give you a heart that is grateful.
  18. May the people around you lift you up.
  19. May the Lord bless you as you begin another year.
  20. Happy birthday. May God bless you and keep you.

Blessings for Healing and Hard Seasons

When a person is ill or worn out, a quiet blessing can be a comfort. These are gentle and brief.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you in this illness.
  2. May God’s light shine on you in the dark hours.
  3. May He be gracious to you today.
  4. May peace settle on your heart.
  5. May you feel God close in the long nights.
  6. May the Lord give you strength for each day.
  7. May those who care for you be blessed.
  8. May you rest in His care.
  9. May healing come in His time.
  10. May He keep your hope alive.
  11. May the Lord lift your burden.
  12. May you not be afraid.
  13. May peace guard your mind.
  14. May you have courage for tomorrow.
  15. May God hold you through the pain.
  16. May hard days give way to easier ones.
  17. May the Lord bless the hands of your doctors and nurses.
  18. May you be surrounded by those who love you.
  19. May you feel the peace that passes understanding.
  20. May the Lord keep you and give you peace.

Blessings for Travelers

Send these to someone setting out on a trip, a move or a long drive.

  1. May the Lord bless your journey and keep you safe.
  2. May His face shine on the road ahead.
  3. May He be gracious to you at every stop.
  4. May you arrive in peace.
  5. May the Lord guard your going out and your coming in.
  6. May every mile be safe.
  7. May you find kind people along the way.
  8. May God watch over your home while you are away.
  9. May you return with a full heart.
  10. May the Lord bless your plans.
  11. May you travel in His care.
  12. May He be with you in every airport and on every road.
  13. May your path be smooth and your rest be sweet.
  14. May God send His angels before you.
  15. May you come home safe and glad.

Blessings for Graduates and New Jobs

A new chapter calls for a blessing. These work well in a card.

  1. May the Lord bless your next step and keep you in it.
  2. May His light show you where to go.
  3. May He be gracious in every opportunity.
  4. May you work with joy.
  5. May you be kind to your coworkers.
  6. May God open the right door.
  7. May your learning never end.
  8. May you be wise in your choices.
  9. May the Lord bless the work of your hands.
  10. May you find peace in a busy season.
  11. May you carry courage into every room.
  12. May the Lord keep you humble and hopeful.
  13. May your first day be a good one.
  14. May this new work be a blessing to others.
  15. May God give you favor with those you serve.

Blessings for Friends

Friends often need a blessing more than a gift. Share a line with someone who has been there for you.

  1. May the Lord bless you, my friend, and keep you.
  2. May God shine on you the way you have shone on me.
  3. May He be gracious to you always.
  4. May peace follow you wherever you go.
  5. May your kindness come back to you.
  6. May your life be full of good company.
  7. May the Lord reward your loyalty.
  8. May you be as blessed as you are a blessing.
  9. May God keep you strong when others lean on you.
  10. May He give you rest.
  11. May your home be filled with love.
  12. May you be seen and known.
  13. May the Lord watch over you today.
  14. May the friendship we share be a gift to us both.
  15. May God bless your family.
  16. May you find joy in small things.
  17. May the Lord be close to you in hard times.
  18. May your heart be at peace.
  19. May you never feel alone.
  20. Thank you for being a friend. May God bless you.

Blessings for the Grieving

Grief makes people quiet. A short, steady blessing helps more than a long one.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you in your sorrow.
  2. May His light find you in the dark.
  3. May He be gracious to you today.
  4. May you feel His peace.
  5. May He hold you when you cannot stand.
  6. May good memories bring comfort.
  7. May the Lord be near to the brokenhearted.
  8. May those around you be gentle.
  9. May you have strength for tomorrow.
  10. May the Lord give you rest.
  11. May your tears be seen and your pain be heard.
  12. May love outlast loss.
  13. May you be wrapped in kindness.
  14. May the Lord carry you through this valley.
  15. May peace come, in its own time.

New Year Blessings From the Priestly Pattern

Some churches read the three lines on New Year’s Day. Use any of these to start the year.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you through the new year.
  2. May His face shine on every month.
  3. May He be gracious to you in every season.
  4. May this year bring you peace.
  5. May God guide your plans.
  6. May you begin with hope.
  7. May old hurts be healed.
  8. May the new year bring joy to your home.
  9. May you be kept from fear.
  10. May the Lord bless your work and your rest.
  11. May you grow in grace this year.
  12. May you have good health and good friends.
  13. May the year ahead be full of favor.
  14. May you walk each day in His peace.
  15. May God bless every day of the year to come.

Short Messages for Cards and Captions

Keep these brief. They fit a card, a text or a social post.

  1. The Lord bless you and keep you.
  2. Sending you God’s peace.
  3. May His light shine on you today.
  4. Blessings and peace to you.
  5. Wishing you grace and rest.
  6. May you feel His care.
  7. Thinking of you with a prayer.
  8. God keep you safe.
  9. May His peace be with you.
  10. You are blessed and kept.
  11. A blessing for your day.
  12. Peace to your house.
  13. May the Lord smile on you.
  14. Grace and peace to you.
  15. May God bless your week.
  16. Held in His care.
  17. Peace be with you.
  18. May the Lord keep watch over you.
  19. Blessed and loved.
  20. May you rest in His peace.

Bedtime Blessings for Your Family

Quiet bedroom at night with a warm lamp and folded quilts, bedtime blessings for your family

End the day with a blessing. It takes thirty seconds and children remember it.

  1. May the Lord bless you and keep you tonight.
  2. May God shine His face on you in your sleep.
  3. May He be gracious to you in your dreams.
  4. May peace fill this home tonight.
  5. May the angels watch over each bed.
  6. May you wake up rested and glad.
  7. May the Lord forgive the day’s mistakes.
  8. May tomorrow be kind.
  9. May fear stay outside the door.
  10. May you sleep in His care.
  11. May our family be kept safe.
  12. May God bless every person in this house.
  13. May the Lord give you quiet rest.
  14. May you feel His peace as you close your eyes.
  15. May love be the last thing we say today.
  16. May tonight be restful and tomorrow be bright.
  17. May the Lord keep watch while we sleep.
  18. May we wake to a new day of grace.
  19. Goodnight. The Lord bless you and keep you.

How to Speak This Blessing Well

Say it slowly. The three lines were meant to be spoken, not rushed. Pause after each one.

Face the person you are blessing if you can. Many families place a hand on a child’s head. This is a custom, not a rule, so do what feels natural.

Keep your own words simple. A short blessing from the heart is better than a long one you do not mean.

It is the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24 to 26. It asks the LORD to bless and keep His people, show them favor and give them peace. Jewish and Christian communities both use it.

It is in the book of Numbers, chapter 6, verses 24 to 26. Verses 22 and 23 introduce it, and verse 27 says God’s name is placed on the people when they are blessed.

Tradition says God gave it to Moses for Aaron and his sons to speak over Israel. It appears in the book of Numbers, which is traditionally attributed to Moses.

It asks for three things: God’s protection, God’s favor and God’s peace. Each line builds on the last, moving from bless and keep to shining face to lifted face and peace.

In Jewish tradition it is called Birkat Kohanim, or the priestly blessing. Priests who descend from Aaron traditionally recited it over the congregation.

Silver scrolls found at Ketef Hinnom in Jerusalem in 1979 carry a version of it. They date to the late seventh or early sixth century BCE and are in the Israel Museum.

Yes. Many pastors and families use it at weddings, baptisms, graduations and farewells. You can read the King James text or a modern paraphrase, then add a personal line.

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