from the same as εὐφραίνω; joyfulness:--gladness, joy.
Transliteration:euphrosýnē
Pronunciation:yoo-fros-oo'-nay
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐφροσύνη (euphrosýnē, `{{G2167}}`) denotes "joyfulness," "gladness," or "mirth." It is derived from the verb εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, `{{G2165}}`), which means "to gladden," "to make merry," or "to rejoice." The prefix εὐ- (eu-) signifies "good" or "well," indicating a positive and desirable state of feeling. While often translated simply as "joy" or "gladness," εὐφροσύνη carries a nuance of outward expression, celebration, or the gladness associated with specific causes such as feasting, prosperity, or the divine presence. It is not merely a fleeting emotion but can describe a deep-seated cheerfulness that arises from a blessed state or a particular occasion for rejoicing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὐφροσύνη occurs sparingly in the New Testament, primarily in the book of Acts and in Romans, often in quotations from the Septuagint (LXX). Its usage frequently bridges Old Testament concepts of joy into the New Covenant context.
1. **[[Acts 2:28]]**: This verse is a quotation from Psalm 16:11 (LXX), spoken by Peter in his Pentecost sermon concerning the resurrection of Christ. "You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence." Here, εὐφροσύνη is directly linked to the divine presence and the "paths of life," which in the context of Peter's sermon refers to the resurrection and eternal life found in Christ. It signifies a profound, divinely-sourced gladness that overcomes death.
2. **[[Acts 14:17]]**: In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas declare God's witness to Himself through His benevolent provision: "He did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Here, εὐφροσύνη is presented as a result of God's general goodness and provision for all humanity, even those outside the covenant. It is a gladness born from physical sustenance and the blessing of creation.
3. **[[Romans 15:10]]**: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:43 (LXX) as part of a series of Old Testament passages demonstrating God's intention for the Gentiles to share in the blessings of salvation: "And again it says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.'" In this context, εὐφροσύνη refers to the gladness and celebration of the Gentiles as they are incorporated into God's redemptive plan alongside Israel. It underscores the universal scope of God's salvation and the corporate joy of His people.
Across these occurrences, εὐφροσύνη consistently points to a gladness that is either directly from God, a result of His provision, or a joyous response to His redemptive work and presence. Its frequent appearance in LXX quotations highlights a continuity between Old and New Testament understandings of divinely-given joy.
### Related Words & Concepts
εὐφροσύνη (euphrosýnē, `{{G2167}}`) is part of a semantic field related to joy and happiness in the New Testament:
* **εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, `{{G2165}}`):** This is the verbal root from which εὐφροσύνη is derived. It means "to make merry," "to rejoice," or "to celebrate." Often used in contexts of feasting, banquets, and general merriment (e.g., the prodigal son's return in [[Luke 15:23-24]], the rich man in [[Luke 16:19]]). εὐφροσύνη is the state or quality of this rejoicing.
* **χαρά (chara, `{{G5479}}`):** This is the most common and comprehensive word for "joy" in the New Testament. χαρά often denotes a deeper, more spiritual, and abiding joy, frequently associated with the Holy Spirit, salvation, or the presence of Christ. While εὐφροσύνη can describe an aspect or manifestation of χαρά, χαρά generally encompasses a broader and more profound sense of inner delight, often independent of external circumstances. εὐφροσύνη tends to be more outwardly expressed or tied to specific celebratory occasions.
* **ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis, `{{G21}}`):** This term signifies "exultation" or "great joy," often with an accompanying outward expression of leaping or shouting. It conveys a more intense and effusive form of joy than εὐφροσύνη.
* **Concepts:** The concept of εὐφροσύνη is closely tied to divine blessing, salvation, the fulfillment of prophecy, feasting, and the experience of God's presence. Its antonyms would include sorrow, grief, lamentation, and distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐφροσύνη lies in its consistent portrayal of joy as a divine gift and a proper human response to God's goodness.
1. **Divine Source of Joy:** εὐφροσύνη is not merely a human emotion but is often presented as originating from God. Whether it is the gladness found in His presence (Acts 2:28), the joy derived from His providential care (Acts 14:17), or the celebration of His inclusive salvation (Romans 15:10), God is consistently the ultimate fount of this gladness.
2. **Messianic and Redemptive Joy:** In Acts 2:28, εὐφροσύνη is directly linked to the resurrection of Jesus and the life He offers. This underscores that true and lasting gladness is found in Christ's victory over death and the new life He grants. The joy of the Gentiles in Romans 15:10 further emphasizes the redemptive scope of God's plan, bringing diverse peoples into a shared experience of divine gladness.
3. **Holistic Well-being:** The use of εὐφροσύνη in Acts 14:17, connecting it with "food" and "fruitful seasons," highlights that God's desire for humanity's well-being is holistic, encompassing both physical provision and emotional gladness. This gladness is a sign of God's benevolent care for His creation.
4. **Continuity with Old Testament Hope:** The frequent Septuagintal background of εὐφροσύνη in the New Testament demonstrates a profound continuity between the Old Covenant expectations of joy, often associated with feasting, prosperity, and God's covenant faithfulness, and the New Covenant fulfillment in Christ. Christian joy is thus rooted in a long history of God's gracious interaction with humanity.
### Summary
εὐφροσύνη (euphrosýnē, `{{G2167}}`) signifies "joyfulness" or "gladness," stemming from the verb εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, `{{G2165}}`), "to make merry, rejoice." While related to the broader concept of χαρά (chara, `{{G5479}}`), εὐφροσύνη often carries a nuance of outward celebration, mirth, or the gladness associated with specific blessings like physical provision or the direct presence of God. Its occurrences in the New Testament (e.g., [[Acts 2:28]], [[Acts 14:17]], [[Romans 15:10]]) frequently draw from Septuagintal usage, underscoring a continuity between Old Testament promises of divine blessing and their New Testament fulfillment. Theologically, εὐφροσύνη highlights God as the ultimate source of true gladness, whether through His providential care, the resurrection life of Christ, or the joyous inclusion of all peoples into His redemptive plan. It signifies a holistic well-being and the celebratory response to God's gracious and life-giving acts.
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