Lexical Summary chedvah: joy Original Word: חֶדְוָה 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. Canonical Resonances Although 2305 appears once, the thematic undercurrent of covenantal joy recurs: Theological Implications 1. Divine Initiative. Joy surfaces where God acts first; the builders could lay stones, but only God could fulfill prophecy. 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). 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 bəḥeḏwāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 |
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