2305. chedvah
Lexical Summary
chedvah: joy

Original Word: חֶדְוָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: chedvah
Pronunciation: khed-vah'
Phonetic Spelling: (khed-vaw')
NASB: joy
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H2304 (חֶדוָה - joy)]

1. joy

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
joy

(Aramaic) corresponding to chedvah -- joy.

see HEBREW chedvah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chedvah
Definition
joy
NASB Translation
joy (1).

Topical Lexicon
Lexical Range and Thematic Focus

חֶדְוָה denotes a corporate, covenant–based joy that springs from God’s saving acts rather than from mere emotion or circumstance. It centers on rejoicing in the manifest presence and faithfulness of the Lord.

Historical Context: Ezra 6:16

The single occurrence of חֶדְוָה in the Old Testament lies at the climactic moment when the returning exiles “celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy” (Ezra 6:16). The word thus becomes a verbal monument to post-exilic restoration. After decades of displacement, the rebuilt Temple stands as proof that prophetic promises (Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 29:10) have not failed. Joy is therefore inseparable from covenant fulfillment: God keeps His word, the people rejoice.

Liturgical Significance

1. Joy as a communal offering. The context shows priests, Levites, and laity rejoicing together, underscoring that worship is not spectator sport; it is an all-inclusive response to divine grace.
2. Joy linked with sacrifice. Immediately after the note of joy (Ezra 6:16), the text lists sin offerings (6:17). Celebration does not eclipse holiness; it is framed by atonement.
3. Joy that sanctifies space. The dedication rite transforms a construction project into a sanctuary. Joy, therefore, is not ornamental; it consecrates.

Canonical Resonances

Although 2305 appears once, the thematic undercurrent of covenantal joy recurs:
1 Chronicles 16:27 – “strength and joy are in His place,” connecting the Temple with rejoicing.
Nehemiah 8:10 – “the joy of the Lord is your strength,” voiced in the same post-exilic milieu, showing that restored worship continues to generate strength.
Psalm 126:2 – the return from exile fills mouths “with laughter,” placing Ezra 6:16 within a larger song of redemption.

Theological Implications

1. Divine Initiative. Joy surfaces where God acts first; the builders could lay stones, but only God could fulfill prophecy.
2. Covenantal Identity. Cheering at the dedication reaffirms Israel’s identity as the people of God, defined by His promises rather than by imperial decree.
3. Prototype of New-Covenant Worship. The Second Temple dedication foreshadows the corporate joy of Pentecost (Acts 2:46-47), where a renewed people again celebrate fulfilled promise in a consecrated house.

Practical Ministry Application

• Church dedications, baptism services, and mission celebrations should mirror Ezra 6:16: joy rooted in God’s fulfilled word, framed by confession and sacrifice (now remembered in the Lord’s Supper).
• Leaders foster joy by rehearsing God’s works. Ezra read the Law; pastors today read Scripture publicly, igniting corporate gladness.
• Joy fortifies. Congregations facing opposition (Ezra 4) draw strength from shared gladness centered on God’s fidelity.

Eschatological Trajectory

The rebuilt Temple, though later destroyed, points toward the consummate dwelling of God with His people (Revelation 21:3-4). Ultimate חֶדְוָה will accompany the dedication of the New Jerusalem, where the Lord’s presence eradicates sorrow forever.

Summary

Strong’s 2305 מחֶדְוָה marks the jubilant heartbeat of post-exilic restoration, teaching that authentic joy is covenantal, communal, and consecrating—an enduring pattern for worship until joy is perfected in the age to come.

Forms and Transliterations
בְּחֶדְוָֽה׃ בחדוה׃ bə·ḥeḏ·wāh bechedVah bəḥeḏwāh
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ezra 6:16
HEB: אֱלָהָ֥א דְנָ֖ה בְּחֶדְוָֽה׃
NAS: house of God with joy.
KJV: house of God with joy,
INT: of God of this joy

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2305
1 Occurrence


bə·ḥeḏ·wāh — 1 Occ.

2304
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