(Aramaic) corresponding to חֶדְוָה; {rejoicing}; joy.
Transliteration:chedvâh
Pronunciation:khed-vaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**H2305** (חֶדְוָה, *chedvâh*) is an Aramaic noun, directly corresponding to the Hebrew **H2304** (חֶדְוָה). Its core meaning encompasses "joy," "rejoicing," or "gladness." It denotes an inner state of profound elation and delight, often arising from a positive and significant event or circumstance. Unlike fleeting happiness, *chedvâh* implies a deeper, more substantial sense of well-being and contentment, often rooted in spiritual or communal experience. It is a positive, active emotion, reflecting a state of blessedness and favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic **H2305** (חֶדְוָה) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Ezra:
* **[[Ezra 6:16]]**: "And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with **joy** (חֶדְוָה)."
In this solitary occurrence, *chedvâh* describes the overwhelming emotion of the returned exiles as they dedicate the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. This joy is not merely a human sentiment but a profound, communal response to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. After years of exile, hardship, and the arduous task of rebuilding, the completion and dedication of the Temple represented the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of proper worship. The joy expressed here is therefore deeply spiritual, cultic, and a testament to divine favor and perseverance in faith. It marks a pivotal moment of restoration and hope for the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **H2304** (חֶדְוָה, *chedvâh*): The Hebrew counterpart, sharing the identical form and meaning. Its most famous occurrence is in [[Nehemiah 8:10]], where Nehemiah declares, "the **joy** (חֶדְוָה) of the LORD is your strength." This direct semantic and etymological link highlights a consistent theological understanding of joy across the Aramaic and Hebrew portions of the Old Testament.
* **H8057** (שִׂמְחָה, *simchah*): A widely used Hebrew noun for "joy," "gladness," or "merriment." Often associated with festivals, divine blessings, and communal celebrations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 16:11]], [[Psalm 16:11]]). While distinct in its root, its semantic range significantly overlaps with *chedvâh*.
* **H1523** (גִּיל, *gil*): A Hebrew verb meaning "to rejoice," often indicating exuberant or even boisterous joy, frequently accompanied by shouting or singing (e.g., [[Psalm 2:11]], [[Isaiah 65:18]]).
* **H7442** (רָנַן, *ranan*): A Hebrew verb meaning "to shout for joy" or "to sing joyfully," emphasizing the vocal expression of delight (e.g., [[Psalm 33:1]], [[Psalm 35:27]]).
The concept of joy in the biblical narrative is consistently linked to God's presence, His redemptive acts, the fulfillment of His promises, and the celebration of His covenant. It is often portrayed as a fruit of obedience and a sign of divine blessing.
### Theological Significance
Though **H2305** appears only once, its context in [[Ezra 6:16]] is profoundly significant. The "joy" (חֶדְוָה) at the Temple's dedication symbolizes the restoration of God's dwelling place among His people, signifying renewed communion and the re-establishment of covenant life. This joy is not merely emotional euphoria but a deep, spiritual contentment rooted in God's faithfulness to His promises, even after the chastisement of exile. It is a joy born of divine grace and the tangible evidence of God's redemptive work.
Furthermore, the strong correspondence to **H2304** in [[Nehemiah 8:10]] elevates the theological weight of *chedvâh*. The declaration "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (חֶדְוַת יְהוָה הִיא מָעֻזְּכֶם) transforms joy from a mere feeling into a vital spiritual resource. This "joy of the LORD" is not something we generate but something received from God, enabling believers to withstand adversity and remain steadfast in their faith. It contrasts sharply with grief and despair, offering a divine antidote and empowering resilience in the face of life's challenges. Thus, *chedvâh* speaks to a joy that is both a response to God's saving acts and a divinely imparted strength for His people.
### Summary
**H2305** (חֶדְוָה, *chedvâh*) is an Aramaic noun signifying "joy" or "rejoicing." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezra 6:16]] vividly describes the profound, communal joy of the Israelites at the dedication of the rebuilt Temple, marking a pivotal moment of divine faithfulness and restoration. This joy is a deep, spiritual response to God's redemptive work. The word's direct correspondence to the Hebrew **H2304** underscores the consistent biblical understanding of joy, particularly as articulated in [[Nehemiah 8:10]], where "the joy of the LORD is your strength." This connection highlights that *chedvâh* represents a divinely-sourced delight that not only celebrates God's acts but also empowers believers with spiritual resilience. Though rare, **H2305** encapsulates a core biblical truth: true, enduring joy is found in God's presence and His unfailing covenant.
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