ἥδιστα
hḗdista
G2236 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Superlative adverb form meaning 'most pleasantly, very gladly, with the utmost pleasure.' Used to express the highest degree of eagerness or positive inclination in response to something, typically signifying strong willingness, delight, or preference in action or attitude.
Semantic Range
most gladly, with the utmost pleasure, very willingly, extremely cheerfully
Root / Etymology
From ἡδύς (hēdys, ‘sweet, pleasant’), through the comparative ἡδίων (hēdiōn, ‘more pleasant’), to the superlative ἥδιστος (hēdistos, ‘most pleasant’), with ἥδιστα as the neuter plural accusative/adverbial form, functioning as a superlative adverb.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, superlative adverbs such as ἥδιστα were used to intensify expressions of approval, pleasure, or willingness. While less frequent than other modal adverbs, ἥδιστα appears in both literary and documentary sources to indicate someone’s exceptionally positive disposition toward a request or action—roughly equivalent to 'most gladly' or 'with greatest pleasure.' In the New Testament and early Christian Greek, ἥδιστα continues this usage, primarily responding affirmatively and signifying thorough willingness. Standard English translations often render the word as 'most gladly' or 'very gladly,' but this may flatten the adverbial sense of deep pleasure and ready willingness that the Greek carries.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter plural of the superlative of the same as ἡδέως; with great pleasure:--most (very) gladly.
Root Family
ἥδιστα (hēdista) — pleasant, sweet, delightful (in the highest degree)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2236-01 |
ἥδιστα | edista | ADV SUPL |
most gladly | most gladly | most gladly | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2236-01 |
2 Corinthians 12:9 | ἥδιστα | edista | ADV SUPL |
most gladly | most gladly | most gladly |
G2236-01 |
2 Corinthians 12:15 | ἥδιστα | edista | ADV SUPL |
most gladly | most gladly | most gladly |