גִּיל (gil)
gil
to rejoice
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gil means to rejoice or exult, but its physical imagery is more dynamic than simple happiness. Derived from a root meaning "to spin round," it describes a person or thing moving in circles under the influence of strong emotion. This suggests an outward expression of joy that is lively and perhaps even dizzying, akin to dancing or leaping for delight.
While most often used for gladness in the Psalms and Isaiah, the word carries a secondary meaning: to tremble. This connects the physical sensation of a racing heart or trembling body to both intense fear and overwhelming joy. For instance, it describes the earth shaking with joy in Psalm 96:11, showing that the same visceral reaction can stem from opposite emotions.
Translators typically render gil as "rejoice" or "be glad," capturing the celebratory tone found in passages like Isaiah 65:18. However, the underlying concept of spinning or trembling reminds readers that biblical joy is not a passive state but an active, bodily response to God’s actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for rejoice carries a physical energy that goes beyond simple happiness. It comes from a root meaning to spin or turn, suggesting a movement so lively it feels like dancing or trembling. This imagery reminds us that biblical joy is not a quiet, passive feeling but an active response to God’s presence. When Scripture calls us to rejoice, it invites our whole being—heart, body, and spirit—to engage with the reality of who God is.
In times of uncertainty, this dynamic joy offers a different perspective. It does not deny hardship but points to a deeper stability in God’s character. Whether expressed through singing or quiet trust, rejoicing connects us to the same hope that sustained the psalmists and prophets. It is an invitation to rest in the knowledge that God remains faithful, even when circumstances shift.
This kind of joy anchors us in grace rather than performance. It allows us to celebrate God’s work without needing to control every outcome. As we reflect on His faithfulness, we find a peace that steadies our hearts and lifts our spirits, reminding us that we are held by a loving Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ let it be glad4×
- and/ be glad4×
- let us be glad2×
- be glad2×
- you will be glad1×
- they will tremble1×
- they will be glad1×
- they exult1×
- rejoice1×
- let us rejoice1×
- let them be glad1×
- let it be glad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָגֵ֥ל3×
- תָּגִ֣יל2×
- וְ/תָגֵ֣ל2×
- תָּגֵ֤ל1×
- תָּגֵ֣ל1×
- נָגִ֥ילָה1×
- נָגִ֤ילָה1×
- נָגִ֖ילָה1×
- יָגִֽילוּ\׃1×
- יָגִ֥ילוּ1×
- יָגִ֥יל1×
- יָגִ֔ילוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 2:11
Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
This verse uniquely pairs rejoicing with trembling, showing that reverence and joy are not opposites but companions in worship.
-
Isaiah 65:18
But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a delight, and her people a joy.
Here God commands His people to rejoice forever in what He creates, linking their joy directly to His ongoing work of renewal.
-
Psalms 97:1
Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
The call for the earth to rejoice follows the declaration that Yahweh reigns, grounding communal joy in God’s sovereign rule.