2431. hilaros

Lexicon

hilaros: Cheerful, joyful

Original Word: ἱλαρός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: hilaros
Pronunciation: hē-lä-ro's
Phonetic Spelling: (hil-ar-os')
Definition: Cheerful, joyful
Meaning: joyous, cheerful, not grudging.

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

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἱλαρ- (hilar-), which conveys the sense of cheerfulness or joyfulness.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἱλαρός, the concept of joyfulness and cheerfulness can be related to Hebrew words such as שָׂמֵחַ (sameach, Strong's 8056), which means joyful or glad, and חֶדְוָה (chedvah, Strong's 2304), meaning joy or gladness. These terms similarly convey a sense of inner joy and a positive disposition, often in the context of worship and service to God.

Usage: The word ἱλαρός is used in the New Testament to describe a cheerful or joyful attitude, particularly in the context of giving or serving.

Context: The Greek word ἱλαρός appears in the New Testament in the context of Christian conduct and attitude. It is notably used in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where the Apostle Paul encourages believers to give not reluctantly or under compulsion, but with a cheerful heart. The verse reads: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" (BSB).

This usage highlights the importance of the inner disposition of believers, emphasizing that God values the attitude with which actions are performed, particularly in the act of giving. The cheerful giver is one who gives willingly and joyfully, reflecting a heart aligned with God's own generosity and grace.

The concept of cheerfulness in giving is rooted in the broader biblical principle that actions should stem from a heart of love and joy, rather than obligation or duty. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of the heart's intentions in acts of righteousness.

The term ἱλαρός, while not frequently used in the New Testament, encapsulates a key aspect of Christian character—joyful and willing service to God and others. It serves as a reminder that the manner in which believers conduct themselves, especially in acts of charity and service, is as important as the acts themselves.

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.