שַׁעֲשֻׁעִים (sha.shu.a)
sha.shu.a
delight
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sha’ashu’im denotes deep delight or joyful enjoyment. It appears nine times in the Old Testament, primarily within Psalms, Proverbs, and Jeremiah. The word captures a sense of pleasure that is both personal and relational, often describing things that bring satisfaction to the heart.
In Scripture, it frequently refers to objects or activities that are sources of happiness. For instance, Proverbs 10:23 contrasts the fool’s amusement with the wise person’s deeper engagement, while Psalm 1:2 describes the righteous individual whose delight is found in God’s law. The term suggests a genuine affinity for what one loves, rather than mere casual interest.
Its usage highlights the importance of finding joy in godly things. Whether it is the study of wisdom or the practice of faith, sha’ashu’im points to a sustained pleasure that nourishes the soul. This concept reminds readers that true happiness comes from aligning one’s desires with what is good and enduring.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sha’ashu’im describes a deep, steady delight that goes beyond fleeting amusement. It is the kind of joy found in what truly sustains us. When Psalm 119:24 says God’s statutes are the psalmist’s delight, it points to a relationship where obedience brings peace rather than burden. This word invites you to find your satisfaction in things that endure.
In Proverbs 8:30-31, Wisdom itself is described as finding delight in humanity. This shows that God takes pleasure in His creation and in the people He made. Your life has value because it is something God delights in. You are not an afterthought but a cherished part of His story.
When trouble comes, as in Psalm 119:92, remembering what brings true joy can keep you from perishing. Aligning your heart with God’s ways does not mean life will be easy. It means you have a source of strength that remains constant. May you find your rest in the One who delights in you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- delight<s>2×
- [is] delight<s>/ my2×
- [are] delight<s>/ my2×
- delight<s>/ his1×
- and/ delight<s>/ my1×
- [had been] delight<s>/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁעֲשֻׁעָֽ/י\׃2×
- שַׁעֲשׁוּעָ֑י/ו1×
- שַׁעֲשֻׁעָ֗/י1×
- שַׁעֲשֻׁעָ֑/י1×
- שַׁעֲשֻׁעִ֔ים1×
- שַֽׁעֲשֻׁעָֽ/י\׃1×
- שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים1×
- וְ֝/שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ֗/י1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 119:24
Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors. DALETH
This verse establishes God’s law not as a heavy yoke but as a source of comfort and counsel for the believer.
-
Proverbs 8:31
rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
Here, Divine Wisdom expresses that its primary delight is in dwelling with human beings, highlighting God's personal interest in you.
-
Psalms 119:92
Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
The psalmist credits this specific delight in the law as the very thing that preserved his life during severe affliction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sha’ashu’im mean in the Bible?
How is this word different from simple fun?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Psalms 5 verses
Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors. DALETH
Psalms 119:77Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Psalms 119:92Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalms 119:143Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
Psalms 119:174I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight.