ἱλαρότης
hilarótēs
G2432 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State or quality of cheerfulness; gladness or cheerfulness, especially as a positive disposition or generosity of spirit. The word primarily denotes a state of joyful readiness, willingness, or good-heartedness, particularly in the sense of engaging in action (such as giving) with a joyful or eager disposition rather than reluctance or compulsion.
Semantic Range
cheerfulness, gladness, state of joy, cheerful willingness, eager disposition, joyfulness of spirit, generosity of spirit
Root / Etymology
From ἱλαρός (cheerful, joyful, glad) plus the abstract noun suffix -της (-tēs), forming a quality or state noun. The root ἱλαρ- connects to expressions of joy, enthusiasm, or pleasantness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἱλαρότης appears rarely in extant Greek literature. In the New Testament, it is attested in 2 Corinthians 9:7 to describe the quality of the heart with which a person should give—freely and cheerfully, not under obligation. In Hellenistic and broader Koine usage, ἱλαρότης is closely related to the positive, gracious disposition denoted by its root, ἱλαρός, which can describe both emotional cheerfulness and a broader sense of generosity or good will. The LXX does not use the term, but related forms occur in classical authors describing a bright, glad mood or spirited readiness. Standard English translations often render the word as "cheerfulness," but this may understate the element of enthusiastic willingness. The term stands in contrast to words denoting reluctance, compulsion, or sorrowful obligation. Its semantic field partially overlaps with εὐπροθυμία ('readiness, willingness') but retains a distinctive emphasis on the joyful or glad-hearted character of the action or giver.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἱλαρός; alacrity:--cheerfulness.
Root Family
ἱλαρότης (hilarotēs) — cheerfulness, gladness, joyful willingness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2432-01 |
ἱλαρότητι | ilaroteti | N DAT F SG |
cheerfulness | with cheerful willingness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2432-01 |
Romans 12:8 | ἱλαρότητι | ilaroteti | N DAT F SG |
cheerfulness | with cheerful willingness |