### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **euthyméō**, represented by `{{G2114}}`, is a term for being **cheerful** or of **good cheer**. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's base definition is to cheer up or, intransitively, to be cheerful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2114}}` is used to call for cheerfulness, particularly in the face of difficult circumstances. Amid a perilous voyage, Paul exhorts his companions to **be of good cheer** [[Acts 27:22]], basing this encouragement on his faith that God would preserve their lives as promised [[Acts 27:25]]. The term is also used in James, where being **merry** is presented as the direct opposite of being afflicted. The appropriate response to being afflicted is to pray, while the response to being merry is to sing psalms [[James 5:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of `{{G2114}}`:
* `{{G2553}}` **kakopathéō** (to undergo hardship): This word for being **afflicted** is presented as the direct opposite of being merry in [[James 5:13]], where each state is given a corresponding spiritual action.
* `{{G3867}}` **parainéō** (to exhort): This is the action Paul takes before urging his shipmates to be of good cheer, showing that cheerfulness can be a result of godly encouragement [[Acts 27:22]].
* `{{G4100}}` **pisteúō** (to believe): The call to be of good cheer in Acts is founded upon belief. Paul states his reason for cheerfulness is because he **believes** God's promise [[Acts 27:25]].
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray): In James, this is the prescribed action for one who is afflicted, in contrast to the response for one who is merry [[James 5:13]].
* `{{G5567}}` **psállō** (to sing psalms): This is the prescribed outward expression for one who is **merry** [[James 5:13]], connecting cheerfulness to worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2114}}` is demonstrated in its application.
* **Cheerfulness as a Response to Faith:** The use of `{{G2114}}` in Acts demonstrates that being of good cheer can be an act of faith. Paul's exhortation is not based on the visible circumstances of the storm but on his belief in God's promise ([[Acts 27:22]], [[Acts 27:25]]).
* **An Expression of Worship:** James connects being **merry** directly to an act of worship: to **sing psalms** `{{G5567}}`. This frames cheerfulness not merely as a mood, but as a state that should lead to praising God [[James 5:13]].
* **A Counterpart to Hardship:** By contrasting being **merry** with being **afflicted** `{{G2553}}`, the term highlights two fundamental spiritual states. One state leads to prayer, the other to praise, showing a spiritually appropriate response for different life situations [[James 5:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2114}}` defines a state of being **cheerful** or **merry**. It is more than a simple emotion; scripture presents it as a conscious response rooted in faith during trials [[Acts 27:25]] and as a condition that naturally leads to worship through song [[James 5:13]]. By its contrast with affliction, the word underscores the believer's call to direct their heart toward God in all circumstances, whether through prayer in suffering or praise in joy.
TRV