### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chêphets**, represented by `{{H2656}}`, is a multifaceted term derived from the root word חָפֵץ. It appears **39 times** across **38 unique verses**. Its core meaning is **pleasure**, but it extends abstractly to encompass **desire**, and concretely to a **valuable thing**. By extension, it can also refer to a **matter** or **purpose**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H2656}}` is used to convey a range of concepts from human desire to divine will. It can refer to a specific **purpose** under heaven, where there is a time for every **purpose** [[Ecclesiastes 3:1]]. When used in a material sense, it describes "things that may be **desired**" [[Proverbs 8:11]] or a vessel in which there is no **pleasure**, signifying it is worthless [[Jeremiah 22:28]]. The term also describes the personal **desire** of individuals, such as when King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all her **desire** [[1 Kings 10:13]]. Crucially, it expresses God's sovereign will, as when the LORD declares, "I will do all my **pleasure**" [[Isaiah 46:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of `{{H2656}}`:
* `{{H2654}}` **châphêts** (to be pleased with, desire): As the primitive root of `{{H2656}}`, this verb expresses the action of delighting or desiring. Both words appear in [[Isaiah 53:10]], where it **pleased** `{{H2654}}` the LORD to bruise him, and the **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` of the LORD shall prosper.
* `{{H7521}}` **râtsâh** (to be pleased with, delight): This term is similar to `{{H2656}}` and often relates to divine acceptance. In [[Malachi 1:10]], God states, "I have no **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` in you... neither will I **accept** `{{H7521}}` an offering."
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word, matter, thing, purpose): This word connects to the use of `{{H2656}}` as a "matter" or "purpose." In [[Isaiah 58:13]], finding one's own **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` is contrasted with speaking one's own **words** `{{H1697}}` on the sabbath.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2656}}` is significant, particularly in defining the relationship between God and humanity.
* **God's Sovereign Will:** The word underscores God's absolute sovereignty. His **counsel** `{{H6098}}` will stand, and He will accomplish all His **pleasure** `{{H2656}}`. This divine **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` is what Cyrus `{{H3566}}` performs [[Isaiah 44:28]] and is what ultimately prospers in the hand of the LORD's servant [[Isaiah 53:10]].
* **The Nature of True Worship:** `{{H2656}}` is used to distinguish between empty ritual and true devotion. God's **delight** `{{H2656}}` is not in burnt **offerings** `{{H5930}}` but in **obeying** `{{H8085}}` His voice [[1 Samuel 15:22]]. He takes no **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` in fools who fail to pay their vows [[Ecclesiastes 5:4]] or in unacceptable offerings [[Malachi 1:10]].
* **Righteous Human Delight:** The term defines the heart of the righteous person, whose **delight** `{{H2656}}` is in the **law** `{{H8451}}` of the LORD [[Psalms 1:2]]. Those who have **pleasure** `{{H2656}}` in the great **works** `{{H4639}}` of the LORD will seek them out [[Psalms 111:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2656}}` **chêphets** is a rich term that moves from the tangible to the abstract. It can mean a desirable object, a personal wish, an intended purpose, or the ultimate pleasure and sovereign will of God himself. The word illustrates a biblical principle where true value and purpose are defined not by human desire alone, but by what brings delight to the LORD.
TRV