### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻallîyz**, represented by `{{H5947}}`, describes something as **exultant** or **joyous**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This term is often used to characterize a state of triumphant or boisterous celebration, frequently associated with a city or a specific group of people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5947}}` is most often used to describe cities, but this joy is frequently depicted as a precursor to judgment. For example, Isaiah refers to a "joyous `{{H5947}}` city `{{H7151}}`" that is tumultuous and full of stirs, yet its people die outside of battle [[Isaiah 22:2]]. Similarly, Zephaniah describes Nineveh as "the rejoicing `{{H5947}}` city `{{H5892}}` that dwelt carelessly `{{H983}}`," whose pride leads to its ultimate desolation [[Zephaniah 2:15]]. The term also applies to people, such as when God promises to remove from Jerusalem "them that rejoice `{{H5947}}` in thy pride `{{H1346}}`" [[Zephaniah 3:11]], linking this exultation with sinful haughtiness. In a contrasting positive sense, God's own "mighty ones" `{{H1368}}` are called "them that rejoice `{{H5947}}` in my highness `{{H1346}}`" [[Isaiah 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of this exultant state:
* `{{H1346}}` **gaʼăvâh** (pride, highness, excellency): This word is directly tied to the source of the rejoicing. It can be negative, as in those who rejoice in their own pride [[Zephaniah 3:11]], or positive, as in those who rejoice in God's highness [[Isaiah 13:3]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This is the most common subject described as joyous or rejoicing. The "rejoicing `{{H5947}}` city `{{H5892}}`" often represents a powerful, yet complacent, human settlement destined for judgment [[Zephaniah 2:15]]. A similar word, `{{H7151}}` **qiryâh**, is also used for "city" in this context [[Isaiah 22:2]].
* `{{H4885}}` **mâsôws** (joy, mirth): This term appears alongside `{{H5947}}` to emphasize the atmosphere of celebration. In a prophecy of judgment, desolation comes upon "the houses of joy `{{H4885}}` in the joyous `{{H5947}}` city" [[Isaiah 32:13]].
* `{{H7588}}` **shâʼôwn** (noise, tumult): The noise of rejoicing is a key theme. The end of judgment is marked when "the noise `{{H7588}}` of them that rejoice `{{H5947}}` endeth" [[Isaiah 24:8]], showing that the boisterous celebrations have ceased.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5947}}` centers on the nature and object of joy.
* **The Peril of Complacent Joy:** The term is often a warning against prideful self-sufficiency. The "rejoicing `{{H5947}}` city" that dwells "carelessly" `{{H983}}` and boasts in its own greatness is set up for a fall, becoming a "desolation" `{{H8047}}` [[Zephaniah 2:15]].
* **The Transience of Worldly Mirth:** Scripture shows that joy rooted in earthly things is fleeting. The prophecy in [[Isaiah 24:8]] that the "noise of them that rejoice `{{H5947}}` endeth" demonstrates that human-centered celebration will ultimately cease in the face of divine judgment.
* **Righteous vs. Prideful Exultation:** A critical distinction is made based on the focus of the joy. God removes those who rejoice in their own pride [[Zephaniah 3:11]], but He calls upon His mighty ones who exult in His majesty [[Isaiah 13:3]]. This highlights that true, lasting joy is found in God, not in self.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5947}}` **ʻallîyz** is a potent word that signifies more than simple happiness. It typically depicts a loud, exultant joy that, when rooted in human pride and complacency, becomes a target of divine judgment. The word serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the contrast between the fleeting, dangerous joy of the arrogant and the righteous exultation found in the majesty of God.
TRV