or (by permutation) גּוּל; a primitive root; properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gîyl**, represented by `{{H1523}}`, is a primitive root that describes a powerful emotional response. Its core meaning is to "spin round," often under the influence of a violent emotion, which usually translates to rejoicing but can also mean to fear. It appears 44 times in 44 unique verses, conveying concepts such as to be glad, joy, be joyful, and rejoice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H1523}}` is frequently used to express a deep joy that is a direct response to God's actions. This is evident when the people of God anticipate His deliverance, as in [[Isaiah 25:9]]: "we will be glad `{{H1523}}` and rejoice in his salvation." This joy is not limited to humanity; creation itself is depicted as rejoicing. The desert is said to "rejoice `{{H1523}}`" [[Isaiah 35:1]], and the psalmist calls for the earth to "rejoice `{{H1523}}`" [[Psalms 97:1]]. In a profound reversal of roles, God Himself is said to "joy `{{H1523}}` over" His people with singing [[Zephaniah 3:17]]. The word can also carry a unique nuance of reverence, as seen in the instruction to "rejoice `{{H1523}}` with trembling" [[Psalms 2:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to illustrate the full spectrum of biblical joy and its sources:
* `{{H1524}}` **gîyl** (joy): This related noun, derived from the same root, is used to intensify the verb, as in the promise that the father of a righteous child "shall greatly `{{H1524}}` rejoice `{{H1523}}`" [[Proverbs 23:24]].
* `{{H1525}}` **gîylâh** (joy): The feminine form of the noun for joy, used to describe the state of rejoicing that will be created in Jerusalem [[Isaiah 65:18]].
* `{{H8055}}` **sâmach** (be glad, rejoice): This is a frequent parallel to `{{H1523}}`, often appearing in the same verse to create a couplet of joy, such as "be glad `{{H1523}}` then... and rejoice `{{H8055}}`" [[Joel 2:23]] and "we will rejoice `{{H1523}}` and be glad `{{H8055}}` in it" [[Psalms 118:24]].
* `{{H7797}}` **sûws** (be glad, rejoice): Another term for gladness, used to express the soul's delight in God, as in "my soul shall be joyful `{{H1523}}` in my God" and "I will greatly `{{H7797}}` rejoice `{{H7797}}` in the LORD" [[Isaiah 61:10]].
* `{{H3444}}` **yᵉshûwʻâh** (deliverance, salvation): This word is not a synonym for joy but is often its explicit cause. Joy `{{H1523}}` is the proper response to God's salvation `{{H3444}}`, as seen in [[Psalms 13:5]] and [[Psalms 21:1]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to free or succor, save): The verbal root for salvation. God's act to save `{{H3467}}` is the catalyst for the people's decision to "be glad `{{H1523}}` and rejoice" [[Isaiah 25:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1523}}` is significant, highlighting joy as a core element of the divine-human relationship.
* **Joy in Salvation:** The most common theme is joy that erupts in response to God's saving work. Believers are called to "rejoice `{{H1523}}` in thy salvation" [[Psalms 9:14]], a joy rooted in God's deliverance rather than circumstances.
* **Divine Joy:** Scripture reveals that joy is not just a human response to God, but an attribute of God Himself. He is not a distant deity but one who will "rejoice `{{H1523}}` in Jerusalem" [[Isaiah 65:19]] and "joy `{{H1523}}` over" His people [[Zephaniah 3:17]].
* **Creational Joy:** The concept extends to the entire created order. The heavens and the earth are commanded to rejoice [[1 Chronicles 16:31]], indicating that all of creation is intended to reflect the gladness of its Creator.
* **Relational Joy:** The joy expressed by `{{H1523}}` is deeply personal. The soul can "be joyful `{{H1523}}` in the LORD" [[Psalms 35:9]] and "joy `{{H1523}}` in the God of my salvation" [[Habakkuk 3:18]], pointing to a joy found in God's very being.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1523}}` moves beyond simple happiness to describe a profound, often exuberant joy. It is a response rooted in the saving acts and righteous character of God. This joy is not only the privilege of the redeemed but is shared by the whole of creation and is an emotion expressed by God Himself. It signifies a right relationship with God, where His presence and deliverance inspire a gladness that can even be felt with reverent "trembling."
TRV