Lexical Summary hédeós: Gladly, willingly, with pleasure Original Word: ἡδέως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gladly. Adverb from a derivative of the base of hedone; sweetly, i.e. (figuratively) with pleasure -- gladly. see GREEK hedone HELPS Word-studies 2234 hēdéōs (an adverb derived from hēdys, "sweetly") – properly, sweet; (figuratively) highly agreeable (enjoyable), i.e. gladly received because so sweet to the beholder. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from hédus (sweet) Definition sweetly, gladly NASB Translation enjoy (1), enjoyed (1), gladly (1), most gladly (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2234: ἡδέωςἡδέως, adverb (from ἡδύς sweet, pleasant), with pleasure, gladly: Mark 6:20; Mark 12:37; 2 Corinthians 11:19. (From Sophocles, Plato down.) Topical Lexicon Usage in Scripture Strong’s Greek 2234 (ἡδέως) appears three times in the New Testament and consistently conveys willing, positive receptivity. Thematic Threads 1. Receptive Hearing: Each occurrence centers on listening rather than speaking. The term highlights not simply auditory attention but an inner pleasure at receiving a message. Historical Background In first-century Greco-Roman rhetoric, public speakers sought not merely to inform but to move hearers toward goodwill (εὔνοια). Ἡδέως fits that cultural milieu, describing the emotional readiness that effective orators aimed to elicit. Yet Scripture showcases a higher standard: genuine gladness should lead to transformed lives, not superficial applause. Herod’s palace, Jerusalem’s temple courts, and Corinth’s civic assembly represent three social spheres where persuasive speech flourished, and ἡδέως shades each scene with its distinctive challenge. Ministry Implications • Preaching That Captures Hearts: Mark 12:37 encourages ministers to proclaim Christ with clarity and grace, trusting that the gospel still produces delight among seekers. Pastoral Reflections The same word that marks Herod’s conflicted curiosity also marks Corinth’s gullibility and the crowd’s sincere joy. Thus, glad hearing is spiritually neutral until tested by obedience and discernment. The Spirit-filled church cultivates an environment where delight in the Word consistently matures into holiness (James 1:22-25). Key Takeaways 1. Ἡδέως underscores Scripture’s call to listen with eager hearts. Forms and Transliterations ηδεως ηδέως ἡδέως edeos ēdeōs hedeos hedéos hēdeōs hēdéōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 6:20 AdvGRK: ἠπόρει καὶ ἡδέως αὐτοῦ ἤκουεν NAS: perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening KJV: heard him gladly. INT: did and gladly him heard Mark 12:37 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:19 Adv |