גִּילָה (gi.lah)
gi.lah
rejoicing
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun giylah signifies a state or act of rejoicing, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 35:10 and 61:7). It describes the collective joy of God’s redeemed people, characterized by an enduring and permanent gladness that replaces sorrow.
Its etymology connects to the verb galal, meaning to roll or turn, suggesting a dynamic shift in circumstance. This word captures more than fleeting happiness; it denotes a deep, settled delight in salvation. Translators typically render it as "joy" or "rejoicing," emphasizing the lasting nature of this divine gift rather than a momentary emotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word giylah points to a deep, settled rejoicing that comes from God’s redemption. It is not a fleeting emotion but a lasting state of delight for those who have been saved. This joy replaces sorrow and marks the permanent shift in our circumstances through divine grace.
When we read Isaiah 65:18, we see this promise clearly: God invites us to rejoice forever in what He creates. Our lives are meant to reflect this enduring gladness, rooted in His faithfulness rather than temporary successes. This joy is a gift that sustains us through every season.
May you find peace in knowing that your joy is secure in Him. Let this lasting gladness encourage your heart today and always.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gladness2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּילָ֖ה1×
- גִּילַ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse explicitly commands believers to rejoice forever, directly linking the concept of giylah to God's creative work and His delight in Jerusalem.