### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chêsheq**, represented by `{{H2837}}`, is a term for **delight**, **desire**, or **pleasure**. It is derived from the primitive root **châshaq** `{{H2836}}`. Appearing just **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, its meaning is concentrated on the fulfillment of royal ambitions and the stark contrast between pleasure and fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2837}}` is primarily associated with King Solomon's great building projects. The term is used to summarize "all Solomon's **desire** which he was pleased to do" after he had completed the temple and his palace [[1 Kings 9:1]]. This same term, **desire**, is used to describe the full scope of his construction, including store cities, chariot cities, and other strategic structures throughout his dominion in Jerusalem and Lebanon ([[1 Kings 9:19]], [[2 Chronicles 8:6]]). In a dramatically different context, Isaiah uses the word to describe a moment of delight that is violently overturned, stating "the night of my **pleasure** hath he turned into fear" [[Isaiah 21:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and meaning of **chêsheq**:
* `{{H2836}}` **châshaq** (to cling, i.e. join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver; have a delight, (have a) desire, fillet, long, set (in) love): As the root of `{{H2837}}`, this verb appears with it in verses about Solomon, describing what he **desired** to build [[1 Kings 9:19]]. It also expresses a deep attachment, such as when the LORD **had a delight** in Israel's fathers [[Deuteronomy 10:15]].
* `{{H2654}}` **châphêts** (properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire; [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would): This word clarifies Solomon's motivation, noting that he built everything he was **pleased** to do [[1 Kings 9:1]]. It also describes God's character, as He **delighteth** in mercy [[Micah 7:18]].
* `{{H2731}}` **chărâdâh** (fear, anxiety; care, [idiom] exceedingly, fear, quaking, trembling): This term for **fear** is presented as the direct opposite of `{{H2837}}` in Isaiah's prophecy, where the night of pleasure becomes a time of **fear** [[Isaiah 21:4]].
* `{{H1204}}` **bâʻath** (a primitive root; to fear; affright, be (make) afraid, terrify, trouble): This verb is paired with the concept of fear in [[Isaiah 21:4]], where fearfulness **affrighted** the prophet, turning his pleasure into terror.
### Theological Significance
The theological and thematic weight of `{{H2837}}` is centered on the nature of desire and its consequences.
* **Royal Ambition:** The word is strongly tied to the sovereign will of a king. It represents not just a simple wish, but the powerful, realized **desire** of Solomon to shape his kingdom through grand construction projects ([[1 Kings 9:1]], [[2 Chronicles 8:6]]).
* **The Frailty of Pleasure:** The prophecy in [[Isaiah 21:4]] uses `{{H2837}}` to deliver a potent lesson on the transience of human delight. A night of **pleasure** is instantly transformed into a moment of terror and **fearfulness** `{{H6427}}`, showing how quickly security can vanish.
* **Fulfilled Desire:** In the historical accounts of Solomon, the term is connected to completion and fulfillment. It is used to describe the **desire** behind the works only after Solomon had **finished** `{{H3615}}` them, linking the word to a tangible, accomplished outcome.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2837}}` is a concise but potent term for **desire** and **pleasure**. Though rare, its usage provides a clear picture of both the power of fulfilled royal ambition, as seen in the legacy of Solomon, and the fragility of personal delight, which can be instantly replaced by fear. The word demonstrates a spectrum of meaning from the satisfaction of a king's completed vision to the terror that can overtake any moment of pleasure.
TRV