מַבְלִיגִית (mav.li.git)
mav.li.git
cheer
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun mavlîgît appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Jeremiah 8:18. It conveys a sense of smiling, cheerfulness, or a source that brings brightening to the spirit. In its single occurrence, the word is part of a lament where the prophet expresses deep sorrow, making the concept of "cheer" or "brightening" stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding despair.
Its root relates to the idea of brightening or smiling, suggesting an outward expression of inner joy or relief. The term functions as a concrete image for emotional uplift, representing the light that dispels gloom. By using this specific word, Jeremiah highlights the absence of comfort in his people’s condition, emphasizing how far they are from experiencing any source of gladness.
This rare usage underscores the weight of the word’s meaning. When cheerfulness is mentioned in a context of judgment and pain, it serves not as a promise but as a poignant reminder of what has been lost. The text uses this single term to anchor the emotional tone of the passage, showing that true comfort is currently out of reach for those facing divine discipline.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read Jeremiah 8:18, the prophet cries out for any sign of relief from his overwhelming grief. The Hebrew word mavlîgît, meaning cheer or a brightening of the spirit, appears here to highlight exactly what is missing. It reminds us that true comfort does not come from our own strength but from God’s presence, even when we feel faint and alone.
This single occurrence in Scripture shows how precious genuine joy is. In moments of deep sorrow, we are not expected to manufacture happiness. Instead, we can bring our honest pain to God, trusting that He sees our faint hearts. His peace remains a steady anchor, waiting to restore the light when we are ready to receive it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cheerfulness/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַבְלִ֥יגִיתִ֖/י1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 8:18
Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow! My heart is faint within me.
The word highlights the absence of comfort in the prophet's lament, emphasizing how far his people are from experiencing any source of gladness.