### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shaʻshuaʻ**, represented by `{{H8191}}`, signifies **enjoyment**, **delight**, or **pleasure**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. This term captures a profound sense of pleasure, whether it is God's delight in His people, a person's delight in God's law, or the joy found in divine wisdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8191}}` expresses delight in several key relationships. It is frequently used in Psalm 119 to describe the psalmist's deep enjoyment of God's law and commandments, which are his "delights{H8191}" even in the midst of "trouble{H6862} and anguish{H4689}" [[Psalms 119:143]]. God Himself expresses this same sentiment toward His people, referring to Judah as His "pleasant{H8191} plant{H5194}" [[Isaiah 5:7]] and to Ephraim as a "pleasant{H8191} child{H3206}" [[Jeremiah 31:20]]. In Proverbs, personified wisdom is described as being God's daily "delight{H8191}" [[Proverbs 8:30]], which in turn finds its "delights{H8191}" with the "sons{H1121} of men{H120}" [[Proverbs 8:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of delight and its sources:
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): This is the most common source of delight described by `{{H8191}}`. The law is not seen as a burden, but as the object of one's "delight{H8191}" and salvation [[Psalms 119:174]].
* `{{H7832}}` **sâchaq** (to rejoice): This word is used in parallel with `{{H8191}}` to describe the joy of wisdom in God's presence, highlighting an active and continuous state of pleasure by being "rejoicing{H7832} always{H6256} before{H6440} him" [[Proverbs 8:30]].
* `{{H5713}}` **ʻêdâh** (testimony): God's testimonies are explicitly identified as a source of delight and counsel for the believer. The psalmist states, "Thy testimonies{H5713} also are my delight{H8191}" [[Psalms 119:24]].
* `{{H7356}}` **racham** (compassion): Delight is often linked to God's mercy. The psalmist prays for God's "tender mercies{H7356}" to come so he may live, for the law is his "delight{H8191}" [[Psalms 119:77]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8191}}` is significant, revealing the nature of the divine-human relationship.
* **Divine Affection:** The term shows that God finds personal pleasure and enjoyment in His people. He views them as a "pleasant{H8191} plant{H5194}" [[Isaiah 5:7]] and a "dear{H3357} son{H1121}" [[Jeremiah 31:20]], indicating a relationship characterized by love and affection.
* **Spiritual Sustenance:** Delight in God's law is presented as a life-preserving force. The psalmist states that unless God's law had been his "delights{H8191}," he would have "perished{H6} in mine affliction{H6040}" [[Psalms 119:92]]. This frames delight not as a fleeting emotion but as essential spiritual sustenance.
* **Reciprocal Joy:** The concept points to a mutual relationship of delight. Wisdom is God's "delight{H8191}" [[Proverbs 8:30]], while wisdom's "delights{H8191}" are with humanity [[Proverbs 8:31]]. This illustrates a shared joy that flows between the Creator and His creation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8191}}` is more than a word for simple happiness. It conveys a deep and abiding enjoyment that is a cornerstone of one's relationship with God. From the delight a believer finds in God's commandments during hardship to God's own pleasure in His people, **shaʻshuaʻ** illustrates that the connection between God and humanity is intended to be one of profound and mutual delight.
TRV