### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hilarós**, represented by `{{G2431}}`, means **propitious or merry ("hilarious"), i.e. prompt or willing:--cheerful**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, yet it carries significant weight regarding the attitude of giving. Its singular use provides a focused and powerful definition of the spirit behind true generosity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G2431}}` is in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]], which states that God loves a **cheerful** giver. The verse establishes a clear contrast, instructing believers to give as they have decided in their hearts, "not grudgingly, or of necessity." In this context, **hilarós** describes an attitude of joyful willingness, which is presented as the ideal state of heart for a person giving to God and others.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context help clarify the meaning of `{{G2431}}`:
* `{{G1395}}` **dótēs** (a giver:--giver): This word is the direct object of the adjective **hilarós**, forming the complete phrase "**cheerful** giver" in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]].
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love (in a social or moral sense)): This is the action God has toward a cheerful giver. The scripture states that "God **loveth** a cheerful giver" [[2 Corinthians 9:7]], linking the attitude directly to a divine response.
* `{{G3077}}` **lýpē** (sadness): This word is used to describe the opposite attitude of cheerfulness in giving. In [[2 Corinthians 9:7]], believers are instructed not to give "grudgingly," a phrase which combines `{{G1537}}` **ek** and `{{G3077}}` **lýpē**, meaning literally "out of sorrow" or "out of grief."
* `{{G1537}}` **ek** (a primary preposition denoting origin... from, out): This preposition clarifies the source of the giving. Giving should not be **from** (`ek`) necessity or **from** (`ek`) sorrow, but from a cheerful heart.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2431}}` is centered on the nature of Christian stewardship and worship.
* **The Attitude of Giving:** The use of **hilarós** emphasizes that God is concerned not only with the act of giving but with the internal disposition of the giver. The instruction in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]] is that the gift should align with what one has "purposeth in his heart."
* **Willingness Over Compulsion:** By placing **cheerful** in opposition to giving from necessity or from sorrow (`lýpē`), the scripture elevates joyful and willing generosity over giving done out of a sense of reluctant obligation.
* **A Reflection of God's Love:** The passage suggests that cheerful giving is a response that pleases God. God's love (`{{G25}}` **agapáō**) for a **cheerful** giver [[2 Corinthians 9:7]] indicates that a joyful spirit in giving is a quality that God values highly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2431}}` **hilarós**, while rare, is a pivotal term in understanding the biblical perspective on giving. Its single usage in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]] powerfully frames generosity not as a duty to be fulfilled with a heavy heart, but as a joyful and willing act. It teaches that the cheerfulness of the giver is as important as the gift itself, and that such a spirit is an object of God's love.
TRV