### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sûws**, represented by `{{H7797}}`, is a primitive root defined as "to be bright, i.e. cheerful; be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice." It appears 27 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. This term captures a deep sense of joy and gladness, often in response to God's actions or as an attribute of God Himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7797}}` is used to express joy from various sources. God is depicted as rejoicing over His people to do them good, as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride ([[Isaiah 62:5]], [[Jeremiah 32:41]]). Conversely, it is also used to describe God rejoicing over the disobedient to bring them to nought as a consequence of the covenant [[Deuteronomy 28:63]]. People are called to rejoice in God's salvation [[Psalms 35:9]], His word [[Psalms 119:162]], and His testimonies [[Psalms 119:14]]. The term is even used metaphorically, as when the wilderness is said to "be glad" [[Isaiah 35:1]], and sarcastically, when enemies rejoice over another's trouble [[Lamentations 1:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of rejoicing:
* `{{H8055}}` **sâmach** (to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome): This word is frequently paired with `{{H7797}}` to create a fuller picture of gladness. Those who seek God are to "rejoice `{{H7797}}` and be glad `{{H8055}}` in thee" ([[Psalms 40:16]], [[Psalms 70:4]]).
* `{{H1523}}` **gîyl** (properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice): Often used alongside `{{H7797}}` to express an exuberant, active joy. In [[Isaiah 61:10]], the speaker will "greatly rejoice `{{H7797}}`" in the Lord, and his soul "shall be joyful `{{H1523}}`" in God.
* `{{H4885}}` **mâsôws** (delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling); joy, mirth, rejoice): Derived from `sûws`, this noun often describes the state of joy itself. In [[Isaiah 66:10]], believers are called to "rejoice `{{H7797}}` for joy `{{H4885}}` with her [Jerusalem]".
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7797}}` is significant, particularly in how it describes the character of God and the ideal response of His people.
* **Divine Joy:** The word is distinct in its application to God. The Lord Himself rejoices over His people with joy and plants them in the land with His whole heart and soul [[Jeremiah 32:41]]. This joy is a core part of His loving relationship with them [[Zephaniah 3:17]].
* **Joy in God's Character and Works:** For the believer, joy is not a circumstantial emotion but is rooted in God. The psalmist rejoices in God's salvation [[Psalms 35:9]], His word [[Psalms 119:162]], and His ways [[Isaiah 64:5]]. This joy is a response to who God is and what He has done.
* **Covenantal Consequences:** Joy is linked to the covenant relationship. God's rejoicing over His people is conditioned on their obedience, as He promises to "again rejoice `{{H7797}}` over thee for good, as he rejoiced `{{H7797}}` over thy fathers" [[Deuteronomy 30:9]]. The opposite is also true, as He will rejoice over their destruction if they disobey [[Deuteronomy 28:63]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7797}}` is far more than a simple word for happiness. It describes a profound gladness that is central to the biblical understanding of God's relationship with His people. It encompasses the joy God takes in His creation and covenant community, the righteous response of believers to His salvation and truth, and even the solemn reality of joy as a metric for divine judgment. The word illustrates a joy that is deeply relational and theological in nature.
TRV