from גִּיל; a revolution (of time, i.e. an age); also joy; [idiom] exceedingly, gladness, [idiom] greatly, joy, rejoice(-ing), sort.
Transliteration:gîyl
Pronunciation:gheel
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H1524 (גִּיל, *gîyl*) is derived from the verbal root H1523 (גִּיל, *gîyl*), meaning "to rejoice" or "to be glad." As a noun, H1524 primarily denotes "joy," "gladness," or "rejoicing." It frequently conveys a sense of exuberant, exultant, or even leaping joy, often accompanied by outward expressions such as shouting or singing. This is a profound and often demonstrative form of delight, distinct from mere contentment.
A less common, but significant, aspect of its semantic range, as indicated by its base definition, is "a revolution (of time, i.e., an age)." This suggests a cyclical understanding of time or a specific period marked by the characteristic emotion of joy. While the "joy" meaning predominates overwhelmingly in biblical usage, the temporal aspect hints at the enduring or epochal nature of the joy it describes. Idiomatically, H1524 can also function adverbially to intensify a verb, meaning "exceedingly" or "greatly," especially when modifying verbs of rejoicing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun H1524 appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Psalms and prophetic literature, underscoring its theological weight.
In the Psalms, H1524 often describes the joy experienced by the righteous in response to God's salvation, justice, and faithfulness. For instance, [[Psalm 45:15]] speaks of the "joy and gladness" with which the princess is led into the king's palace, a metaphor often applied to the church's entry into God's presence. [[Psalm 118:24]] declares, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," where "glad" translates H1524, highlighting a divinely appointed occasion for exultation. This joy is not fleeting but rooted in divine action.
Prophetic texts frequently employ H1524 to describe the eschatological joy of Israel's restoration and the coming Messianic age. [[Isaiah 9:3]] (often translated "greatly rejoice" or "increase their joy") links H1524 to the joy of harvest and the division of spoil, but in the context of the breaking of the oppressor's yoke and the light dawning on those in darkness—a clear Messianic anticipation. Similarly, [[Zechariah 9:9]] exhorts Zion to "rejoice greatly" (H1524), for her King is coming, righteous and victorious, yet humble. This points to a profound, collective, and divinely-ordained joy that transcends immediate circumstances.
The temporal sense of H1524 is less explicit in direct usage but can be inferred or seen as underlying the concept of joy marking an "age." While specific verses where H1524 unequivocally means "age" are rare or debated, its derivation from a root that can imply a "turning" or "revolution" (as in the verb H1523 sometimes suggesting a circular motion or dance) lends itself to this secondary meaning of a cycle or period. However, in most contexts, the emotional "joy" remains primary.
### Related Words & Concepts
H1524 is deeply interconnected with its verbal root H1523 (גִּיל, *gîyl*), "to rejoice, be glad, exult." The noun is the state or expression resulting from the verb.
Several other Hebrew words convey notions of joy and gladness, each with nuanced distinctions:
* H8057 (שָׂמַח, *samach*): This is a very common verb and noun for general gladness, delight, or happiness. It can range from simple pleasure to profound joy. While H1524 often implies a more exultant, outward, or even leaping joy, H8057 can be more broadly applied.
* H7643 (שָׂשׂוֹן, *sason*): Often paired with H8057 (e.g., "joy and gladness"), H7643 also denotes joy, exultation, or rejoicing. It frequently appears in contexts of public celebration or divine blessing, similar to H1524.
* H2302 (חָדָה, *chadah*) and H2304 (חֶדְוָה, *chedvah*): These terms also signify joy or gladness, often found in later biblical books like Ezra and Nehemiah, sometimes emphasizing the internal feeling of joy.
The distinctiveness of H1524 often lies in its emphasis on an *exuberant, demonstrative, or even boisterous* joy. It is the kind of joy that causes one to "leap" or "shout," frequently in response to a magnificent divine act or promise.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1524 is profound, reflecting key aspects of God's relationship with His people:
1. **Divine Origin of Joy:** The joy described by H1524 is frequently portrayed as a gift from God, a direct result of His saving acts, His presence, or His covenant faithfulness. It is not merely a human emotion but a divinely-imparted state of being, often in response to deliverance from oppression or the fulfillment of prophecy. This sets it apart from worldly happiness, grounding it in a transcendent reality.
2. **Messianic and Eschatological Hope:** H1524 is a prominent word in prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate restoration of Israel. This joy is therefore intrinsically linked to God's redemptive plan and the consummation of His kingdom. It points to a future era of unparalleled gladness, marked by justice, peace, and the presence of God.
3. **Worship and Celebration:** The word often appears in contexts of corporate worship, festivals, and national celebrations. It signifies the appropriate, indeed commanded, response of God's people to His goodness and mighty deeds. This joy is an integral part of Israel's spiritual life and liturgical expression.
4. **Contrast with Sorrow:** The profound joy conveyed by H1524 often stands in stark contrast to the sorrow, mourning, or suffering that precedes it, highlighting the transformative power of God's intervention. It underscores the biblical truth that "weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" ([[Psalm 30:5]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1524 (גִּיל, *gîyl*) primarily denotes a profound and often exuberant "joy" or "gladness," frequently expressed outwardly through shouting or leaping. Derived from the verb H1523 ("to rejoice"), it captures the essence of exultation. While it can less commonly refer to a "revolution of time" or "an age," its dominant biblical usage emphasizes an intense, often divinely-sourced, emotional state. Theologically, H1524 is central to understanding the joy that flows from God's salvation, the hope of Messianic fulfillment, and the appropriate response of worship and celebration among His people. It signifies a holy, redemptive joy that transforms circumstances and anticipates God's ultimate triumph.
TRV