Lexical Summary chedvah: joy Original Word: חֶדְוָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gladness, joy From chadah; rejoicing -- gladness, joy. see HEBREW chadah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chadah Definition joy NASB Translation joy (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֶדְוָה noun feminine (late) joy (Aramaic חדוא). — ׳ח 1 Chronicles 16:27 (in the sanctuary); ׳חֶדְוַת י Nehemiah 8:10 ("" אַלתֵּֿעָצֵ֑בוּ). חֶדְוָה noun feminine joy (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew II. חדה); — absolute ׳בְּח Ezra 6:16 with joy. Topical Lexicon Old Testament Settings The noun חֶדְוָה appears only twice, yet both occurrences frame decisive covenant moments. In David’s enthronement psalm (1 Chronicles 16:27) it is found in the praise that welcomed the ark and affirmed Yahweh’s kingship over Israel. Centuries later, after the long exile, Nehemiah and Ezra invoked the same word when the returned community renewed the covenant by hearing and obeying the Law (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is thus presented as native to the presence of God in both royal and restoration contexts. Divine Gladness in the Royal Liturgy “Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling” (1 Chronicles 16:27). Here חֶדְוָה resides “in His dwelling,” the very place of God’s throne. The Chronicler links it with strength, portraying joy not as fleeting emotion but as a stable attribute of the divine court. By ascribing this gladness to God’s sanctuary, the text teaches that worshipers who draw near to Him participate in a joy that is as enduring as His reign. Post-Exilic Renewal and Communal Celebration “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). After decades of displacement, the people were prone to mourning over past unfaithfulness. Ezra’s reading of the Law exposed sin; Nehemiah’s command directed them beyond remorse to covenant rejoicing. Joy becomes an act of obedience, grounding communal life and enabling generosity toward “those who have nothing prepared.” The same pairing with “strength” found in Chronicles is now made explicitly functional: joy fortifies hearts for holiness and service. Theology of Strength through Joy Both passages couple joy with might. Human power fades, but gladness derived from the LORD imparts resilience. The pattern anticipates later revelation: Isaiah 12:2-6 celebrates salvation with songs; Habakkuk 3:17-19 finds surefootedness in rejoicing; the apostle Paul’s “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4) echoes the principle. Joy, therefore, is not the reward of strength; it is the source of it. Relationship to Other Expressions of Joy Hebrew offers many words for rejoicing, yet חֶדְוָה is reserved for corporate, God-centered delight. It does not describe frivolous pleasure but covenant joy grounded in God’s character, manifested in worship, and expressed in shared meals and offerings to the needy. Liturgical and Pastoral Application • Worship planning: songs and prayers that emphasize God’s sovereign presence naturally cultivate חֶדְוָה. Christological Fulfillment The incarnation introduced the angelic announcement, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Jesus later promised, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you” (John 15:11). At the cross He endured “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). The unique Old Testament term finds its consummation in the risen Lord, whose abiding presence continues to be the believer’s strength. Practical Discipline of Joy Daily scripture reading, gratitude expressed aloud, fellowship meals that include the poor, and conscious celebration of the Lord’s Day are proven means by which חֶדְוָה is nurtured. Such practices align modern disciples with the ancient rhythm: joy in God that empowers faithful living. Summary חֶדְוָה marks pivotal gatherings where God’s people acknowledge His rule and receive His Word. Rooted in His presence, it yields strength for worship, obedience, and mission. What appeared only twice in Israel’s history has, through Christ, become the everlasting inheritance of the Church. Forms and Transliterations וְחֶדְוָ֖ה וחדוה חֶדְוַ֥ת חדות chedVat ḥeḏ·waṯ ḥeḏwaṯ vechedVah wə·ḥeḏ·wāh wəḥeḏwāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 16:27 HEB: לְפָנָ֔יו עֹ֥ז וְחֶדְוָ֖ה בִּמְקֹמֽוֹ׃ NAS: Him, Strength and joy are in His place. KJV: strength and gladness [are] in his place. INT: are before Strength and joy his place Nehemiah 8:10 2 Occurrences |
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