The Hebrew word ʻâlaz, represented by H5937, is a primitive root meaning to jump for joy, i.e. exult; be joyful, rejoice, triumph. It appears 16 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. This term captures a powerful and expressive form of joy or triumph, often involving outward celebration or exultation.
In the biblical narrative, H5937 is used in several key contexts. It frequently describes a profound joy in God, as when the psalmist's heart "greatly rejoiceth" in the LORD as his strength and shield Psalms 28:7. This exultation is also a response to God's salvation Habakkuk 3:18. However, the word is also used to depict the negative triumph of the wicked Psalms 94:3 or the gloating of Israel's enemies (Jeremiah 50:11, 2 Samuel 1:20). It can even describe rejoicing in evil deeds Jeremiah 11:15, highlighting the word's focus on the intensity of the emotion rather than its moral quality.
Several related words expand upon the concept of joy and exultation:
- H8055 sâmach (probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome): This word for gladness is often paired with H5937 to express a full and hearty joy, as seen in the command to "be glad and rejoice" Zephaniah 3:14.
- H1523 gîyl (properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice): This describes a whirling, demonstrative joy and is used alongside H5937 to emphasize an exuberant response to God's salvation Habakkuk 3:18.
- H7442 rânan (properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy)): This term refers to crying out or shouting for joy. It is linked with H5937 when the saints are called to be joyful and "sing aloud" Psalms 149:5.
- H7891 shîyr (to sing): This is the act of singing. It is commanded alongside rejoicing in God's presence, as in "Sing unto God... rejoice before him" Psalms 68:4.
- H2167 zâmar (to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music): This word specifies joy expressed through song and musical praise, often complementing the act of rejoicing Psalms 68:4.
- H3034 yâdâh (to revere or worship (with extended hands); ... praise, (give) thank): This term for praise, often with extended hands, is the result of the heart's rejoicing in H5937, as when a rejoicing heart leads to praise with song Psalms 28:7.
- H5549 çâlal (figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam); cast up, exalt (self), extol): This word for exalting or extolling is directly linked with rejoicing before God Psalms 68:4.
The theological weight of H5937 is significant, particularly in its portrayal of emotional extremes in relation to God.
- Exultation in God: The term is a key descriptor for the proper response of the faithful to God's character and actions. Believers are to "rejoice in the LORD" Habakkuk 3:18 and find their joy in His holiness and power (Psalms 60:6, Psalms 108:7).
- The Arrogance of the Wicked: Scripture uses H5937 to frame the hubris of those who oppose God. The question "how long shall the wicked triumph?" Psalms 94:3 uses this word to capture their defiant exultation.
- Joy as an Element of Worship: When commanded, rejoicing with H5937 is part of a full expression of worship, often combined with singing, shouting, and gladness (Zephaniah 3:14, Psalms 68:4). This suggests that deep, expressive joy is a valid and encouraged form of praise.
- The Joy of Creation and Righteousness: The concept extends beyond humanity, with the field itself called to be "joyful" Psalms 96:12. It also applies to the inner person, as one's "reins shall rejoice" when lips speak truth Proverbs 23:16, linking exultation to righteousness itself.
In summary, H5937 is more than a simple word for happiness. It conveys an intense, demonstrative exultation or triumph. Its usage reveals a sharp contrast between the holy joy of the righteous who exult in God and the profane triumph of the wicked who rejoice in destruction or evil. The word powerfully illustrates how the same intense emotion can be directed toward either divine worship or defiant arrogance.
TRV