The Greek language has two words that appear in English as blessed,
each with a different nuance. The one used in this verse catches the notion of happy, fortunate
(see also Matthew 5:3–11). The broader context describes the pressures the dragon and his beasts exert on all mankind, including Christians, to apostatize. Those who worship the dragon will drink the wine of God’s eternal wrath. In contrast to the horrid consequence of such apostasy, the Lord God speaks of blessedness, happiness.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”