Lexical Summary hédista: Most gladly, most willingly Original Word: ἥδιστα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance most gladly. Neuter plural of the superlative of the same as hedeos; with great pleasure -- most (very) gladly. see GREEK hedeos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2236 hḗdista (an adverb) – "most sweetly" (gladly); the sweetest (2 Cor 12:9,15), functioning as the superlative (-est) form of hēdys ("sweet") emphasizing an action done with full gladness (no regret or reservation). See 2234 (hēdeōs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsuperl. from the same as hédeós, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2236: ἥδισταἥδιστα (neuter plural of the superlative ἥδιστος from ἡδύς), adverb, most gladly (cf. ἡδέως): 2 Corinthians 12:9, 15. (Sophocles, Xenophon, Plato, others.) Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage Strong’s Greek 2236 occurs twice, both in 2 Corinthians. In each instance Paul employs the adverb to describe the spirit in which he embraces costly, self-emptying ministry: “most gladly.” The word concentrates the idea of joyful willingness, a heart that moves beyond mere acceptance to positive delight in whatever advances the grace of God toward others. Context in 2 Corinthians 1. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – After receiving the Lord’s answer concerning the “thorn in the flesh,” Paul declares, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me”. The term accents his decisive, cheerful embrace of infirmities as the stage on which Christ’s sufficiency shines. 2. 2 Corinthians 12:15 – Anticipating another visit to Corinth, Paul pledges, “So I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls”. Here the superlative adverb intensifies the statement; he will pour out both resources and life-energy with maximum joy for the spiritual good of the believers. Theological Themes Joy in Weakness: The word crowns Paul’s paradoxical teaching that Christian joy is not diminished—but actually heightened—by weaknesses that showcase divine power (2 Corinthians 12:10; compare James 1:2). Sacrificial Love: Paul’s “most gladly” mirrors the self-giving love of Christ who “loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). The missionary apostle regards personal expenditure as an honor, not a burden. Grace-Empowered Ministry: Each occurrence follows a prior revelation of grace (12:9) or flows into a promise of gracious care for the flock (12:15). The joy is derivative; it rests on confidence in Christ’s ongoing enabling. Historical and Ecclesiastical Insights Early Church Reception: Patristic writers such as Chrysostom cited these verses to exhort clergy toward glad-hearted endurance. The term became shorthand for a pastoral ideal—zeal unmarred by resentment. Missionary Paradigms: Throughout church history, from the Moravian missionaries’ motto “May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering” to modern evangelical missions, the Pauline “most gladly” has shaped attitudes toward hardship in service. Liturgical Echoes: Traditional collect prayers echo the concept, asking God that “we may joyfully serve You” in every circumstance, reflecting the same superlative gladness. Practical Ministry Implications Self-Assessment: The presence or absence of “most gladly” in a worker’s heart serves as a diagnostic for motives—compulsion versus willing devotion (1 Peter 5:2). Volunteer Spirit: Congregational life flourishes when members imitate Paul’s model, finding delight in unseen tasks, financial generosity, and intercessory labor. Suffering and Mental Health: Recognizing joy as compatible with suffering guards against despair. Paul does not deny pain; he reframes it by anchoring value in Christ’s power released through weakness. Devotional Applications Personal Prayer: Believers can turn both verses into petitions: “Lord, teach me to boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses” and “Make me most gladly willing to spend and be spent.” Spiritual Journaling: Recording instances where God’s power became evident precisely in limitation traces a pattern of grace-magnifying gladness. Corporate Encouragement: Small groups can periodically recount accounts of sacrificial service done with joy, reinforcing the community’s shared vision. Related Biblical Concepts Rejoicing in Trials – Romans 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Cheerful Giving – 2 Corinthians 9:7 Delighting in God’s Will – Psalm 40:8 Serving the Lord with Gladness – Psalm 100:2 Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2236 crystallizes a distinctive New Testament attitude: an overflowing, superlative gladness that accompanies and energizes sacrificial service. Far from stoic resignation, the Spirit-wrought disposition Paul models transforms weakness and expenditure into occasions of joy, thereby magnifying the sufficiency and love of Christ before the watching church and world. Forms and Transliterations Ηδιστα ήδιστα Ἥδιστα edista Ēdista Hedista Hēdista HḗdistaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 12:9 AdvGRK: ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται Ἥδιστα οὖν μᾶλλον KJV: weakness. Most gladly therefore INT: weakness is perfected Most gladly therefore rather 2 Corinthians 12:15 Adv |
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