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.
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 (Psalms 35:27, Psalms 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.
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" Psalms 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.
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 Psalms 35:27. Conversely, He has no pleasure H2655 in wickedness Psalms 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 Psalms 40:14.
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.
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