### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâsôws**, represented by `{{H4885}}`, signifies **delight, joy, or mirth**. It is derived from the root word `{{H7797}}` `sûws` (to rejoice). Appearing **17 times** across **16 unique verses**, it can describe joy in the abstract sense of a feeling, or in a concrete sense as the cause or object of that delight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4885}}` is most prominently associated with the city of Jerusalem. It is called "The **joy** of the whole earth" [[Psalms 48:2]], a title repeated in lamentation after its fall [[Lamentations 2:15]]. Conversely, the removal of **mâsôws** serves as a sign of divine judgment. God warns that He will "cause all her **mirth** to cease" [[Hosea 2:11]], and prophets declare that "the **mirth** of the land is gone" [[Isaiah 24:11]]. This can also extend to misplaced delight, such as when the people **rejoice** in earthly kings rather than in God's provision [[Isaiah 8:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the concept of joy and its object:
* `{{H7797}}` **sûws** (to rejoice): As the root of `{{H4885}}`, this verb describes the act of being cheerful or making mirth. It is used to describe God's own rejoicing over His people [[Isaiah 62:5]].
* `{{H8057}}` **simchâh** (gladness, joy): This noun often appears alongside `{{H4885}}` to describe a state of glee or festival joy. In times of judgment, "all **joy** is darkened, the **mirth** of the land is gone" [[Isaiah 24:11]].
* `{{H3389}}` **Yᵉrûwshâlaim** (Jerusalem): This city is frequently identified as the concrete object of **mâsôws**, the source of joy for God's people. God promises to create **Jerusalem** a rejoicing and her people a **joy** [[Isaiah 65:18]].
* `{{H7673}}` **shâbath** (to cease): This verb is repeatedly used to describe the removal of joy as an act of judgment. The loss is an active cessation, where the **joy** of the heart **is ceased** [[Lamentations 5:15]] and musical celebrations come to an end [[Isaiah 24:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4885}}` is centered on the source and state of a person or nation's joy.
* **Joy as Divine Blessing:** True **joy** is a hallmark of God's presence and favor. Zion is the "city of the great King" and the **joy** of the whole earth [[Psalms 48:2]]. God promises to make His restored people "an eternal excellency, a **joy** of many generations" [[Isaiah 60:15]].
* **Absence of Joy as Judgment:** The loss of **mirth** is a key indicator of covenant-breaking and its consequences. When joyful houses fall silent and become a **joy** for wild animals, it signifies utter desolation [[Isaiah 32:13-14]]. The removal of the "joy of their glory" is a direct action from God against His people [[Ezekiel 24:25]].
* **God as the Source of Joy:** The word is used to describe God's own feeling of delight, as a bridegroom **rejoiceth** over his bride [[Isaiah 62:5]]. The ultimate promise for those who mourn is that they will once again **rejoice** for **joy** with Jerusalem, affirming God as the restorer of true delight [[Isaiah 66:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4885}}` is a powerful indicator of spiritual well-being. It is more than just a fleeting emotion; it is the state of delight that stems from a right relationship with God, often centered on His chosen city, Jerusalem. Whether describing the pinnacle of blessing or the profound loss experienced in judgment, **mâsôws** consistently points to the truth that lasting joy and mirth have their origin and fulfillment in God alone.
TRV