Lexical Summary euphrosuné: Gladness, joy, rejoicing Original Word: εὐφροσύνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gladness, joy. From the same as euphraino; joyfulness -- gladness, joy. see GREEK euphraino HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2167 euphrosýnē (from 2165 /euphraínō) – an optimistic (glad) outlook – regulated from within by the perspective Christ shares with the believer through faith (cf. Phil 2:2-5 with 1 Jn 4:17). 2167 /euphrosýnē ("a merry outlook") brings Spirit-defined moderation as we rejoice with a profound inner sense triumph. The believer who personally rejoices in Christ's triumph radiates this. See 2165 (euphrainō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of eu and phrén Definition gladness NASB Translation gladness (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2167: εὐφροσύνηεὐφροσύνη, εὐφροσύνης, ἡ (εὔφρων (well-minded, cheerful)), from Homer down; good cheer, joy, gladness: Acts 2:28 (Psalm 15:11 Topical Lexicon Nuanced Sense within ScriptureStrong’s 2167 identifies a joy that is consciously received from God and openly expressed. It is more than inner contentment; it is an enlivened gladness that rises when the Lord’s nearness, provision, or saving work is recognized. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 2:28 (quoting Psalm 16:11 LXX) and Acts 14:17 are the only New Testament appearances. Acts 2:28: “You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.” Acts 14:17: “Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Old Testament Background The Septuagint frequently employs the noun where Hebrew uses שִׂמְחָה (simchah) or שָׂשׂוֹן (sason). Psalm 16:11 joins the idea to covenant fellowship—“fullness of joy” before Yahweh’s face. In the feasts of Israel—especially Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:13-15)—gladness of heart marked the celebration of redeemed life under God’s provision. The word therefore carries covenant overtones: the Lord Himself is the source and object of His people’s joy. Christological Focus Peter’s citation of Psalm 16 in Acts 2 applies David’s words to the risen Messiah. Resurrection vindication results in “joy” in God’s presence, now shared with all who belong to Christ. The gladness foretold in the psalm thus becomes eschatological assurance for the Church: because Jesus lives, His people will be satisfied with the same divine gladness forever. Apostolic Preaching and Common Grace Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 announce to pagans that the Creator’s witness is seen in seasonal rains, fruitful harvests, “filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Here euphrosunē accents God’s benevolence toward all humanity. While the cross and resurrection supply saving revelation, ordinary providence supplies experiential reasons for gratitude. Apostolic mission therefore connects the gospel to the everyday mercies that unbelievers already taste, urging a thankful response that culminates in saving faith. Ministry and Pastoral Implications • Worship: Corporate gatherings should cultivate and display holy gladness (Psalm 95:1; Philippians 4:4). Eschatological Outlook Revelation 19:7 anticipates the marriage supper of the Lamb, where heavenly multitudes exult. The New Testament’s final vision thus consummates the theme: everlasting, unshadowed euphrosunē in the unveiled presence of God. Related Terms and Distinctions • χαρά (chara) – broad joy, often inner. Euphrosunē emphasizes the state produced by a recognized act of divine goodness, whereas chara can be dispositional and agalliasis intensely celebratory. Historical Reflection Early church writers connected the noun to Eucharistic thanksgiving. Reformers such as Calvin viewed Acts 14:17 as proof of God’s “common grace,” while Acts 2:28 underscored the believer’s assurance in union with Christ. Both streams affirm that genuine gladness is anchored in God’s character and redemptive work, not fleeting circumstance. Summary Strong’s 2167 portrays a God-wrought gladness awakened by His presence, His providence, and above all His resurrected Son. The term invites believers to rejoice rightly now and assures them of unending joy in the age to come. Forms and Transliterations ευφροσύναις ευφροσύνας ευφροσύνη ευφροσύνην ευφροσυνης ευφροσύνης εὐφροσύνης euphrosunes euphrosunēs euphrosynes euphrosynēs euphrosýnes euphrosýnēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:28 N-GFSGRK: πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ NAS: YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.' KJV: me full of joy with thy INT: you will fill me with joy in the Acts 14:17 N-GFS |
    |