2431. hilaros

Lexical Summary

hilaros: Cheerful, joyful

Original Word: ἱλαρός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: hilaros
Pronunciation: hē-lä-ro's
Phonetic Spelling: (hil-ar-os')
KJV: cheerful
NASB: cheerful
Word Origin: [perhaps from the alternate form of G138 (αἱρέομαι - choose)]

1. cheerful or merry, i.e. prompt or willing

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cheerful.

From the same as hileos; propitious or merry ("hilarious"), i.e. Prompt or willing -- cheerful.

see GREEK hileos

HELPS Word-studies

2431 hilarós – properly, propitious; disposed because satisfied – describing someone who is cheerfully ready to act because already approving ("already persuaded"). 2431 /hilarós ("won over, already inclined") is only used in 2 Cor 9:7 where it describes spontaneously non-reluctant giving.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as hileós
Definition
cheerful
NASB Translation
cheerful (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2431: ἱλαρός

ἱλαρός, ἱλαρα, ἱλαρόν (ἴλαος propitious), cheerful, joyous, prompt to do anything: 2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 22:8; Sir. 13:26 (); ; 3Macc. 6:35; Aristophanes, Xenophon, others.

Topical Lexicon

Meaning in Its New Testament Context

The word appears once in the New Testament at 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”. Here Paul sets the tone of Christian generosity: giving is to flow from glad-hearted freedom, not obligation. The term depicts an inner disposition marked by delight and readiness, contrasting with a grudging spirit.

Old Testament Foundations

Though the specific Greek term is absent from the Hebrew Scriptures, the underlying principle is well attested:
• Deuteronomy 15:10 – “You are to give generously to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him.”
• Proverbs 22:9 – “A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”

The Septuagint employs related vocabulary (ἱλαρότης, εὐθυμία) to describe joy and generosity, preparing the conceptual soil for Paul’s usage.

Theological Significance

1. Reflection of God’s Character: God Himself is portrayed throughout Scripture as lavishly benevolent (James 1:5; Romans 8:32). Cheerful giving mirrors His nature and becomes a practical expression of being conformed to the image of Christ.
2. Partnership in Grace: In 2 Corinthians 8–9 Paul frames giving as “the grace of God” at work in believers. The cheerful spirit, therefore, is not self-generated enthusiasm but fruit of divine grace received and passed on.
3. Antidote to Legalism: New-covenant giving is not regulated by set percentages but by the Spirit-led decision of the heart (cf. Galatians 5:1). Cheerfulness guards against the drift toward mere external compliance.

Historical Reception

• Didache 4.8 exhorts believers, “Do not hesitate to give, nor grumble when you give,” clearly echoing Paul’s counsel.
• John Chrysostom, Homily 19 on 2 Corinthians, notes that the word “cheerful” signifies “a mind rejoicing and exulting,” urging his congregation to give as those already blessed.
• Reformers such as John Calvin highlighted the verse to argue that Christian stewardship springs from willing affection rather than coercion.

Pastoral and Ministry Application

1. Stewardship Teaching: Local churches commonly anchor financial instruction in 2 Corinthians 9:7, emphasizing voluntary pledges and transparent administration so that joy is preserved.
2. Worship: Offerings are placed within the liturgy as acts of praise. Congregants are reminded that a glad disposition is as integral to worship as the monetary gift itself.
3. Missions and Benevolence: Paul was gathering funds for the Jerusalem saints; modern mission giving continues this pattern—cheerful generosity sustaining gospel advance and practical relief.

Spiritual Formation

Cultivating a cheerful heart involves:
• Meditating on God’s generous acts (Psalm 103:1-5).
• Practicing gratitude, which transforms duty into delight (Colossians 3:15).
• Regular, proportional giving as a discipline that trains the heart toward joy.

Related New Testament Motifs

• Joy in trials (James 1:2) – the believer’s gladness is not circumstance-dependent.
• Liberality motivated by love (1 John 3:17) – generosity validates genuine faith.
• Sowing and reaping (2 Corinthians 9:6) – cheerful giving participates in God’s economy of grace.

Contemporary Relevance

In an age of consumerism and financial anxiety, 2 Corinthians 9:7 calls believers to counter-cultural generosity marked by sincere joy. Churches exemplify this by cultivating transparency, celebrating testimonies of provision, and framing giving as participation in God’s redemptive work rather than as fundraising.

Summary

The single New Testament use of Strong’s 2431 encapsulates a vital aspect of Christian discipleship: authentic generosity rooted in joy. It summons the church to reflect the open-handed heart of God, turning material resources into instruments of worship, fellowship, and gospel advance.

Forms and Transliterations

ιλαρον ιλαρόν ἱλαρὸν hilaron hilaròn ilaron

Englishman's Concordance

2 Corinthians 9:7 Adj-AMS
GRK: ἐξ ἀνάγκης ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην
NAS: for God loves a cheerful giver.
KJV: God loveth a cheerful giver.
INT: of necessity a cheerful indeed giver

Strong's Greek 2431
1 Occurrence

ἱλαρὸν — 1 Occ.