The happiest word
Discover the joy of learning Hebrew
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Ten Ways to Be Biblically Happy
The Hebrew Bible contains a surprising number of words for happiness. What is often simply translated in English as “joy” can be one of ten Hebrew words that connotes a different shade of positive emotion. Among these terms, one of the most powerful is the word sasson ששון, meaning “exultation”. It comes from the root SIS שיש, which is clearly linked with happiness. Just try saying this word without cracking a smile!
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The Meaning of Happiness
The prophet Isaiah used the word sos שׂוֹשׂ in his famous prophecy of the deliverance of Zion, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God” (Isa. 61:10). The words “greatly rejoice” in the original Hebrew are sos asis שׂוֹשׂ אָשִׂישׂ. This is not just any old feeling of happiness. Isaiah specifically uses the special root SIS to connote a feeling of triumphant celebration following a catastrophe.
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The joy of Hebrew studies
Isaiah reserved this special term for the ultimate happiness that will come with God’s deliverance. But when you read the Bible in translation, you would never know that Isaiah’s language is unique. The simple English words “greatly rejoice” conceal the truth. That is why you need to get back to the vital source of Scripture: the Hebrew language. Enroll in our live online course today, learn to read the authentic Bible and discover the true meaning of happiness.
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