The term "gladdened" refers to the state of being made glad or joyful, often through divine intervention, blessings, or the fulfillment of God's promises. In the biblical context, being gladdened is frequently associated with the joy that comes from experiencing God's presence, His works, and His faithfulness.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of being gladdened is often linked to the joy of the Israelites in response to God's deliverance and provision. For instance, in the Psalms, which are rich with expressions of joy and gladness, the psalmists frequently speak of being gladdened by God's righteous acts and His steadfast love. Psalm 92:4 states, "For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands."

The joy of the Israelites is also evident in their celebrations and feasts, which were times of communal gladness and thanksgiving to God. The Feast of Tabernacles, for example, was a time when the Israelites were commanded to rejoice before the Lord for His provision (Leviticus 23:40).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the theme of being gladdened is often connected to the coming of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. The birth of Jesus is heralded as good news of great joy. In Luke 2:10 , the angel announces to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

The early Christians experienced gladness through the Holy Spirit and the growth of the church. Acts 2:46 describes the early believers: "With one accord, they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart."

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, being gladdened is not merely an emotional response but a spiritual state that reflects a deep-seated joy rooted in God's presence and promises. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often contrasted with worldly happiness, which is temporary and dependent on circumstances.

The joy that gladdens the heart of a believer is enduring and transcends trials and tribulations. James 1:2 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds," highlighting the transformative power of joy in the Christian life.

Practical Application

For believers today, being gladdened involves cultivating a heart of gratitude and worship, recognizing God's hand in all aspects of life. It calls for a focus on the eternal promises of God rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world. Engaging in regular prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers can foster a spirit of gladness that reflects the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

In summary, the biblical concept of being gladdened is deeply intertwined with the experience of God's presence, the fulfillment of His promises, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is a profound joy that sustains and uplifts, regardless of life's circumstances.(imp. & p. p.) of Gladden.

Blessed be that Child, who Gladdened Bethlehem To-Day!
... Hymn II. Blessed be that Child, Who gladdened Bethlehem to-day! Blessed
be that Child, Who gladdened Bethlehem to-day! Blessed be ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ii blessed be that.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... Hymn I. This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for
in it were their words fulfilled, and thus were the whole of them indeed ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

The Teaching of Contemplative Life in Praying, Meditating, Fasting ...
... Soothly by these, with tears following and Christ favouring, the mind shall be
gladdened; and being glad, shall be lift into contemplative life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ii the teaching of.htm

Plenteous Redemption
... "With him is plenteous redemption.""Psalm 103:7. REDEMPTION is a word which has
gladdened many ears, when there was no heavenly sound in its blessed chime. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/plenteous redemption.htm

Of Fairness of Mind: Vanity of the World: Love of God: and Union ...
... If thou be gladdened in fairness know it well, for the fairness of thy mind shall
make thee beloved of the highly Fair if for love of Him only thou keepest it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xix of fairness of.htm

That Solitary or Hermit's Life Passes Common and Mixed Life. And ...
... continually delight his mind; and the more they dread not to take that life without
man's solace, the more shall it be given them to be gladdened with God's ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiii that solitary or.htm

The Meditation of the Lover in his Love: and the Forsaking of ...
... But would to God Thou hadst shown me a fellow in the way, that with his stirrings
my heaviness might have been gladdened and the bond of sighing unloosed; if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter v the meditation of.htm

The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ...
... Put we therefore our mind fully into it, and be we busy to bear all our thoughts
unto that end, that withouten end we may be gladdened by it; so that ourselves ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv the difference betwixt.htm

That Lovers of God Shall Deem with Him: and of the Love of ...
... The haver marvels also, but is gladdened, because of the goodness, unable to be
told, of God, that gives His goods plenteously and upbraids not; of whom he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xi that lovers of.htm

Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian
... Hymn I. This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for
in it were their words fulfilled, and thus were the whole of them indeed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/

Gladdened (4 Occurrences)
...Gladdened (4 Occurrences). John 5:35 He was the lamp that burned and shone, and
for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light. (WEY). ...
/g/gladdened.htm - 7k

Gladden (7 Occurrences)

/g/gladden.htm - 8k

Gladdeneth (1 Occurrence)

/g/gladdeneth.htm - 6k

Burned (587 Occurrences)
... faith? (BBE). John 5:35 He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time
you were willing to be gladdened by his light. (WEY NIV). ...
/b/burned.htm - 37k

Chorus (4 Occurrences)
... doth a virgin in a chorus, Both young men and old men -- together, And I have turned
their mourning to joy, And have comforted them, And gladdened them above ...
/c/chorus.htm - 8k

Shone (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). John 5:35 He was the lamp that burned
and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light. (WEY). ...
/s/shone.htm - 14k

Glad (421 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). John 5:35 He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you
were willing to be gladdened by his light. (Root in WEY YLT). ...
/g/glad.htm - 37k

Comforted (56 Occurrences)
... doth a virgin in a chorus, Both young men and old men -- together, And I have turned
their mourning to joy, And have comforted them, And gladdened them above ...
/c/comforted.htm - 24k

Philippians (2 Occurrences)
... When Paul had proceeded to Corinth and was in want during his ministry there his
heart was gladdened by the visitation of brethren from Philippi, who supplied ...
/p/philippians.htm - 42k

Gladdened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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