ἱλαρός (hilaros)
hilaros
cheerful
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hilaros describes a spirit that is cheerful and joyous, particularly in the context of giving. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul instructs believers to give not reluctantly or under compulsion. The word conveys a sense of readiness and delight, suggesting an inner disposition that finds satisfaction in generosity rather than viewing it as a burden.
Its etymology connects it to the root found in G2436, which relates to grace or favor. Lexical sources note that this term is distinct from mere happiness; it implies a promptness of heart that acts without grudging. The Old Testament background supports this nuance, as the Septuagint uses similar concepts to describe favorable or willing attitudes, such as in Proverbs 22:8 regarding kindness.
Translators typically render hilaros as "cheerful," though the English word can sometimes feel light or trivial. The Greek carries a weight of intentional joy. Paul’s use here emphasizes that the quality of one’s giving reflects the character of their heart, aligning with the divine principle that God loves a giver who acts with genuine gladness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Generosity often feels heavy when we count the cost. We might worry about what we are losing or feel pressured by expectations. Paul reminds us that true giving comes from a different place. It is not about obligation, but about the condition of your heart.
The word for cheerful here suggests a readiness and delight in sharing. It describes a spirit that finds satisfaction in blessing others. When you give with this attitude, it becomes an act of joy rather than duty. God values the gladness behind the gift more than the amount given.
This perspective lifts the burden from your shoulders. You do not need to force yourself to be generous. Instead, invite a light heart into your decisions. Let your giving reflect the grace you have received, finding peace in the freedom to share without grudging.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a cheerful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱλαρὸν1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This verse defines the word by contrasting cheerful giving with reluctance and compulsion, highlighting that God values the giver's glad disposition.