### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôsher**, represented by `{{H837}}`, is a term for **happiness**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. It comes from the root word `{{H833}}` for being straight or right, and in its single scriptural use, it captures a profound moment of personal joy and blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H837}}` is in a declaration made by **Lêʼâh** `{{H3812}}`, one of Jacob's wives. Upon the birth of a son, she **said** `{{H559}}`, "**Happy** am I" [[Genesis 30:13]]. Her happiness was rooted in the belief that "the **daughters** will call me blessed," linking her personal joy to her social standing and reputation among other women. This powerful feeling is immediately memorialized when she **called** `{{H7121}}` his **name** `{{H8034}}` **Asher** `{{H836}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of **ʼôsher**:
* `{{H833}}` **ʼâshar** (to be... bless(-ed, happy)): This is the primitive root from which **ʼôsher** is derived. In the same verse, Leah expresses her belief that others will "call me **blessed**" `{{H833}}`, showing the direct conceptual link between happiness and being considered blessed [[Genesis 30:13]].
* `{{H836}}` **ʼÂshêr** (happy; Asher): This proper name is the direct result of Leah's declaration. Meaning **happy**, it memorializes her joy and becomes the name of one of Jacob's sons and a tribe of Israel [[Genesis 30:13]].
* `{{H3812}}` **Lêʼâh** (weary; Leah): As the one who speaks the word `{{H837}}`, her own name, meaning **weary**, provides a poignant contrast to the **happiness** she feels in this moment [[Genesis 30:13]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to... name): This word for calling or naming is used twice in the verse. Leah anticipates that daughters will **call** her blessed, and in response, she **called** her son's name Asher [[Genesis 30:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H837}}` is tied to its unique context.
* **Joy as a Foundation for Identity:** The experience of **happiness** `{{H837}}` is so profound that it becomes the basis for a name, **Asher** `{{H836}}`. This demonstrates the biblical principle of naming as a reflection of divine action or foundational circumstance.
* **Blessing and Reputation:** Leah’s happiness is directly connected to her reputation, as she states that "the daughters will **call** me **blessed**" [[Genesis 30:13]]. This links personal feeling with communal recognition and the state of being blessed.
* **A Response to Divine Action:** The context of childbearing in Genesis frames Leah's exclamation as a response of joy for a blessing received, turning a personal emotion into an act of testimony.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʼôsher** `{{H837}}` is one of the rarest words in the Hebrew scriptures, its single appearance is deeply significant. It crystallizes the connection between personal **happiness**, public blessing, and the enduring power of a name. The word demonstrates how a profound emotional experience, articulated by **Leah**, can be memorialized to define the identity and destiny of an individual and, ultimately, a tribe of Israel.
TRV