The Lord bless you and keep you.
The oldest blessing in the Bible — and one of the shortest.
The episode in a glance.
- 01Given to Aaron the priest to speak over the people.
- 02Three lines, each adding something: blessing, presence, peace.
- 03'Keep' means to guard, to watch, to actively protect.
- 04It's a benediction that puts God's name on you, not just over you.
Read along.
Aaron and his sons were told to bless the people of Israel with these words: '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.'
Three lines, six clauses, building on each other. Blessing, then presence — God's face turning toward you. Then peace, the deep wholeness of being seen and accepted.
'Keep' is a strong word. It means to guard, like a watchman. God doesn't just bless and walk away — he stands guard over what he gave.
And then the kicker, right after: 'So shall they put my name on the Israelites.' This blessing literally puts God's name on you. That's the weight it carries when it's spoken over you.