If there’s one thing all people are searching for, it’s happiness. However, the Bible has many different things to say about happiness that we may be shocked to hear. That’s why I wanted to look up what the word happy means in Hebrew and Greek.
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Happy’ Mean In Hebrew?
asher- to be happy, prosper.
esher- how happy!
Esher means blessed or happy. The word connotes the state of happiness or prosperity that comes when someone superior bestows their favor on one. In most cases, the superior being bestowing favor is God Himself.
Being blessed before God doesn’t always mean to be happy or what ordinary people think it means to be blessed.
“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects;
Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.“
– Job 5:17
osher- happiness, blessedness.
shalah- to be tranquil.
Related: What Does The Word ‘Fearful’ Mean In Hebrew and Greek?
What Does The Word ‘Happy’ Mean In Greek?
makarizo- to esteem fortunate.
“For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.“
– Luke 1:48
makarios- fortunate, well off.
This word is used many times during the beatitudes.
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.“
– Matthew 5:1-11
Conclusion
In conclusion, to be happy can also mean to be blessed. That’s what the word happy means in Hebrew and Greek. I pray you found this article helpful. If so, please share this content. Also, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Looking for similar content? Check out these:
