εὐφροσύνη

euphrosýnē

G2167 noun

SILEX Entry

Root εὐφρα- to gladden, to cheer, to be joyful

Definition

A state or quality of gladness, cheerfulness, or joy; the experience of inner delight or exuberance often expressed outwardly. The term usually denotes a positive internal disposition, including feelings of happiness, exuberance, or mirth. In context, it can refer to the cheerfulness arising from fortunate events, celebrations, or the joy that accompanies worship and expressions of gratitude.

Semantic Range

cheerfulness, festal joy, gladness, exuberance, mirth, delight (especially in communal or celebratory contexts); internal joyous disposition expressed outwardly

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root εὐφρα- (to make glad, to cheer) plus the abstract noun suffix -σύνη, indicating a state or quality. Cognate with εὐφραίνω ('to gladden, to cheer').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, εὐφροσύνη appears in poetry and prose to indicate internal joy, often associated with feasts, music, or festive occasions, and is distinct from more general terms for happiness (εὐδαιμονία) or delight (χαρά). In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew terms denoting joy in worship or celebration, underscoring a communal or ritual aspect to the emotion. In the New Testament, the word is rare but carries the same connotations of gladness or festal rejoicing, often connected to divine blessings or acts of thanksgiving. Standard English translations like 'joy' or 'gladness' generally capture the sense, but may not reflect the specifically exuberant, communal, or celebratory overtone the Greek word often carries.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as εὐφραίνω; joyfulness:--gladness, joy.

Root Family

εὐφροσύνη (euphrosýnē) — gladness, cheerfulness, festal joy, inner delight, exuberance

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2167-01 εὐφροσύνης euphrosunes N GEN F SG gladness of festal joy 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2167-01 Acts 2:28 εὐφροσύνης euphrosunes N GEN F SG of gladness of festal joy
G2167-01 Acts 14:17 εὐφροσύνης euphrosunes N GEN F SG gladness of festal joy