### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châphêts**, represented by `{{H2655}}`, is a term for being **pleased with** or having **delight in** something or someone. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. The word's meaning is versatile, encompassing concepts of desire, favor, pleasure, and personal willingness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2655}}` is used to describe the disposition of both God and man. It defines what pleases God, who "hath pleasure" `{{H2655}}` in the prosperity of his servant but is not a God that "hath pleasure" `{{H2655}}` in wickedness ([[Psalm 35:27]], [[Psalm 5:4]]). For humanity, it expresses a range of desires. This can be a righteous desire, such as the desire `{{H2655}}` to fear God’s name [[Nehemiah 1:11]], or a corrupt one, as seen when King Jeroboam consecrated priests from "whosoever would" `{{H2655}}` [[1 Kings 13:33]]. The term is also used for a simple preference, as when King Ahab asks Naboth for his vineyard, saying "if it please" `{{H2655}}` thee [[1 Kings 21:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of desire and will:
* `{{H1245}}` **bâqash** (to search out, desire, enquire, seek for): This word for active seeking is linked to delight. The people are described as those who seek `{{H1245}}` the Lord and delight `{{H2655}}` in the messenger of the covenant [[Malachi 3:1]].
* `{{H157}}` **ʼâhab** (to have affection for, love, like): This term for love is used alongside `{{H2655}}` to describe the deep human longing for a good life, asking what man "desireth `{{H2655}}` life, and loveth `{{H157}}` many days" [[Psalm 34:12]].
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ** (to fear; morally, to revere): The will or desire to live in right relationship with God is expressed through `{{H2655}}`, as seen in the prayer of those who "desire `{{H2655}}` to fear `{{H3372}}` thy name" [[Nehemiah 1:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2655}}` is significant, revealing the importance of internal motivation.
* **The Heart of Worship:** True service to God is not merely external but must come from an internal disposition. This is highlighted in the instruction to Solomon to serve God with a "perfect `{{H8003}}` heart and with a willing `{{H2655}}` mind `{{H5315}}`" [[1 Chronicles 28:9]].
* **The Nature of Divine Pleasure:** The word clarifies what pleases and displeases God. He takes "pleasure `{{H2655}}` in the prosperity `{{H7965}}` of his servant," establishing that He favors the well-being of the righteous [[Psalm 35:27]]. Conversely, He has no pleasure `{{H2655}}` in wickedness [[Psalm 5:4]].
* **The Duality of Human Will:** `{{H2655}}` captures the conflict within human desire. It can be directed toward God, as in the "delight" `{{H2655}}` for the Lord's messenger [[Malachi 3:1]], or toward evil, as in those who "wish" `{{H2655}}` harm upon the righteous [[Psalm 40:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2655}}` is far more than a simple term for preference. It provides critical insight into the biblical concepts of desire, will, and pleasure, defining the internal state of both God and humanity. The word illustrates the spectrum of motivation, from God’s delight in righteousness and the "willing mind" of a faithful servant to the corrupt wishes of the wicked, revealing the profound importance of the heart's orientation.
TRV