The meaning of “שִׂמְחָה”
Understanding simchâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). - blithesomeness or glee, (religious or...
שִׂמְחָה
[idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). - blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival) 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 31:27 | “Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?” Word: שִׂמְחָה (simchâh) | |
| 1 Samuel 18:6 | “And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.” Word: שִׂמְחָה (simchâh) | |
| 2 Chronicles 30:21 | “And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.” Word: שִׂמְחָה (simchâh) | |
| Job 20:5 | “That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” Word: שִׂמְחָה (simchâh) | |
| Song of Solomon 3:11 | “Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. ” Word: שִׂמְחָה (simchâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Joy
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Joy, gladness
The Hebrew simchah (שִׂמְחָה) means joy or gladness—deep delight in God. 'The joy of the LORD is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10), and God's presence brings 'fulness of joy' (Psalm 16:11).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Joy, gladness
The Greek chara (χαρά) denotes joy—deep spiritual gladness. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), independent of circumstances. Jesus promised that His joy would remain in believers, making their joy full (John 15:11).