εὐφροσύνη

joy, gladness

Definition

εὐφροσύνη refers to a state of joy, gladness, or rejoicing, often with a communal or celebratory dimension. In the New Testament, it describes the divinely given joy of knowing God's presence and favor, as seen in Acts 2:28 where Peter quotes Psalm 16, speaking of the joy found in God's path. It also denotes the general gladness experienced in creation, as in Acts 14:17, where God provides rains and fruitful seasons, filling human hearts with joy. The word carries a sense of outward, often shared, delight rather than a purely internal feeling.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:28, it is used in a quotation from the Septuagint (Psalm 16:11) to describe the joy of resurrection hope and God's presence. In Acts 14:17, it describes the natural, providential joy that God gives to all people through His creation. Its usage is tied to divine action—whether in redemption or general providence—as the source of human gladness.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective εὔφρων (euphrōn), meaning 'well-minded,' 'cheerful,' or 'glad.' It combines εὖ (eu, 'well' or 'good') and φρήν (phrēn, 'mind,' 'heart'). Thus, εὐφροσύνη literally means 'good-heartedness' or a state of a glad mind. It is related to the verb εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, G2165), meaning 'to cheer' or 'make glad.'

Semantic Range

εὐφροσύνη highlights joy as a gift from God, rooted in both His saving work and His general care in creation. In Acts 2:28, it is connected to the joy of resurrection and eternal life through Christ, a core Christian hope. In Acts 14:17, it reflects natural theology, where God's goodness in creation points to His character and invites thankfulness. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by showing that biblical joy is often a responsive, God-centered gladness, not merely a human emotion.

In ancient Greek culture, εὐφροσύνη often referred to festive joy, mirth, or celebration at social and religious gatherings. The New Testament usage retains this communal, outward dimension but redirects the ultimate source and object of joy toward the one true God, contrasting with purely secular festivities.

χαρά (chara, G5479) — more common NT word for joy, often with a deeper, spiritual, or eschatological focus; ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis, G20) — exultation, intense joy, often in a salvation context.

Word Details

Scripture References