### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼesher**, represented by `{{H835}}`, is an interjection expressing **happiness** or a state of being **blessed**. It appears 45 times across 42 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root for happiness, `{{H835}}` is used as a declaration, "how happy!" It signifies a profound state of joy and well-being that is consistently linked in scripture to a right relationship with God and adherence to His ways.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H835}}` frequently introduces a principle or a standard for a fulfilled life. It often opens a psalm by defining the character of the **blessed**{H835} man{H376} as one who avoids the way{H1870} of the ungodly{H7563} and sinners{H2400} [[Psalms 1:1]]. This happiness is directly tied to an active trust{H2620} in God, as seen in the invitation to "**blessed**{H835} is the man{H1397} that trusteth{H2620} in him" [[Psalms 34:8]]. The concept also encompasses the joy of divine grace, where one is **blessed**{H835} because their transgression{H6588} is forgiven{H5375} and their sin{H2401} is covered{H3680} [[Psalms 32:1]]. The state of being **happy**{H835} extends to the fruit of one's labor and the well-being of one's family ([[Psalms 128:2]], [[Proverbs 20:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions and character that lead to the state of happiness described by `{{H835}}`:
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach** (to trust, be confident or sure): This word highlights the foundational role of faith. True happiness is found in relying on God, as stated, "whoso trusteth{H982} in the LORD{H3068}, happy{H835} is he" [[Proverbs 16:20]]. A related term, `{{H2620}}` **châçâh**, reinforces this, declaring **blessed**{H835} are all who "put their trust{H2620} in him" [[Psalms 2:12]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk): This term describes the conduct and course of life of the blessed person. Happiness is found in the path one chooses, as defined in the one "that walketh{H1980} in his ways{H1870}" [[Psalms 128:1]] and who walks in the law{H8451} of the LORD [[Psalms 119:1]].
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to keep, guard, observe): This emphasizes active obedience to God's instructions. The promise of happiness is given to "he that keepeth{H8104} the law{H8451}" [[Proverbs 29:18]] and to those "that keep{H8104} his testimonies{H5713}" [[Psalms 119:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H835}}` is significant, defining the nature of true, God-centered well-being.
* **A Conditional State:** True happiness is not portrayed as a random state of fortune but as a direct consequence of one's relationship with and posture toward God. It is conditional upon actions like fearing{H3373} the LORD{H3068} [[Psalms 128:1]], considering{H7919} the poor{H1800} [[Psalms 41:1]], and waiting{H2442} for Him [[Isaiah 30:18]].
* **The Divine Source of Joy:** The source of this blessedness is unequivocally God. Happiness is found in those whom God chooses{H977} and causes to approach{H7126} Him [[Psalms 65:4]], those whose strength{H5797} is in Him [[Psalms 84:5]], and those for whom the God{H410} of Jacob{H3290} is their help{H5828} [[Psalms 146:5]].
* **Righteousness and Forgiveness:** The concept is deeply connected to righteousness and pardon. A man{H120} is **blessed**{H835} when the LORD{H3068} does not impute{H2803} iniquity{H5771} [[Psalms 32:2]] and when his sin{H2401} is covered{H3680} [[Psalms 32:1]], demonstrating that true happiness is inseparable from a right standing with God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H835}}` is more than a simple declaration of happiness. It is a theological pronouncement that true, lasting joy is found in a life centered on God. This state of being **blessed** is achieved through trust in the LORD, obedience to His law{H8451}, and walking in a way{H1870} of integrity{H8537} [[Proverbs 20:7]]. Ultimately, `{{H835}}` defines the path to spiritual prosperity, where the pinnacle of happiness is for a people{H5971}, whose God{H430} is the LORD{H3068} [[Psalms 144:15]].
TRV