Definition and Meaning:
The term "gladden" refers to the act of making someone glad or bringing joy and delight. In the context of the Bible, it often signifies the joy and happiness that comes from God's presence, blessings, and the fulfillment of His promises. The concept of gladdening is deeply rooted in the spiritual joy that believers experience through their relationship with God.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "gladden" may not frequently appear in the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The joy of the Lord is a recurring theme, and various passages highlight how God brings gladness to His people.

1. Psalm 21:6 : "For You grant him blessings forever; You cheer him with joy in Your presence." This verse speaks of the joy and gladness that come from being in the presence of God, emphasizing the eternal blessings He bestows upon His people.

2. Psalm 92:4 : "For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Here, the psalmist expresses how the works of the Lord bring gladness and lead to joyful praise.

3. Proverbs 15:13 : "A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit." This proverb highlights the transformative power of joy and gladness, which is reflected in one's demeanor and spirit.

4. Isaiah 35:10 : "And the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee." This prophetic vision describes the ultimate gladness and joy that God's people will experience in His kingdom.

Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, gladness is often associated with the presence and favor of God. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a reflection of the inner peace and contentment that come from a life aligned with God's will. The joy that God provides is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated assurance of His love and faithfulness.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to seek joy and gladness in their relationship with God, rather than in worldly pursuits. This joy is a testimony to others of the transformative power of the Gospel. Christians are called to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), finding their ultimate satisfaction and gladness in Him.

Related Concepts:
· Joy: A profound sense of happiness and contentment that comes from knowing and serving God.
· Rejoicing: The act of expressing joy and gladness, often through worship and praise.
· Blessings: The favor and benefits bestowed by God, which often lead to gladness and gratitude.

Conclusion:
The concept of gladdening in the Bible underscores the joy that comes from a relationship with God. It is a central aspect of the Christian experience, reflecting the hope and assurance found in God's promises and presence.1. (v. t.) To make glad; to cheer; to please; to gratify; to rejoice; to exhilarate.

2. (v. i.) To be or become glad; to rejoice.

8055. samach -- rejoice, be glad
... root Definition rejoice, be glad NASB Word Usage cheers (1), give them joy (1),
give happiness (1), glad (53), gladden (1), gloated (1), happy (3), has...joy (1 ...
/hebrew/8055.htm - 6k

Gladden
... Gladden. Gladden, Washington, a distinguished Congregational minister and author,
son of Solomon Gladden, was born at Pottsgrove, Pa., February 11, 1836. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/gladden.htm

Gladden -- the Prince of Life
... GLADDEN " THE PRINCE OF LIFE. THE PRINCE OF LIFE BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. Washington Gladden,
Congregational divine, was born at Pottsgrove, Pa., in 1836. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/gladden the prince of.htm

Who Wrote the Bible?
... <. Who Wrote the Bible? Washington Gladden. Title Page. WHO WROTE THE BIBLE?
BY. WASHINGTON GLADDEN. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. Who Wrote the Bible? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/title page.htm

Who Wrote the Bible?
... <. Who Wrote the Bible? Washington Gladden. Curtis A. Weyant, Charles Franks,
and the Distributed Proofreading Team. Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

What did Moses Write?
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm

Sources of the Pentateuch.
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iii sources of the.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
Who Wrote the Bible? . ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Gladden (7 Occurrences)
...Gladden (7 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I of all men give you pain, who
then is there to gladden my heart, but the very persons to whom I give pain? ...
/g/gladden.htm - 8k

Glad (421 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To make glad; to cheer; to gladden; to exhilarate. 4. (vi) To be glad;
to rejoice. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GLAD TIDINGS. ...
/g/glad.htm - 37k

Joy (422 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To give joy to; to congratulate. 6. (vt) To gladden; to make joyful; to
exhilarate. 7. (vt) To enjoy. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOY. ...
/j/joy.htm - 48k

Gladdened (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Gladden. Multi-Version Concordance
Gladdened (4 Occurrences). John 5:35 He was the lamp ...
/g/gladdened.htm - 7k

Imposed (16 Occurrences)
... he shall not go out with the army, neither shall any kind of business be imposed
upon him; he shall be free for his house one year, and shall gladden his wife ...
/i/imposed.htm - 11k

Friendship (13 Occurrences)
... Scipio. Bacon, Emerson, Black, Gladden, King, Hillis, and many others in
later days have written extensively concerning friendship. ...
/f/friendship.htm - 13k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... Scipio. Bacon, Emerson, Black, Gladden, King, Hillis, and many others in
later days have written extensively concerning friendship. ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Rejoice (259 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To enjoy. 3. (vt) To give joy to; to make joyful; to gladden. 4. (n.) The
act of rejoicing. Multi-Version Concordance Rejoice (259 Occurrences). ...
/r/rejoice.htm - 38k

Pained (41 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I of all men give you pain, who then is there to
gladden my heart, but the very persons to whom I give pain? (See RSV). ...
/p/pained.htm - 18k

Childhood (10 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy childhood, And let thy heart gladden
thee in days of thy youth, And walk in the ways of thy heart, And in the ...
/c/childhood.htm - 10k

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