שׂוּשׂ

to be bright, i.e. cheerful

Definition

The Hebrew verb שׂוּשׂ (sûws) fundamentally means 'to rejoice,' 'to be glad,' or 'to exult.' It describes a deep, often celebratory joy that can be expressed outwardly. While it frequently denotes the joy of God's people in response to His blessings and salvation (e.g., Psalm 40:16), it can also be used in a more general sense of gladness, such as in the joy of a horse going into battle (Job 39:21). In a striking negative usage, it describes God's own 'rejoicing' in bringing judgment upon a disobedient people (Deuteronomy 28:63), showing the word's capacity for intense, even severe, emotional expression.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 24 times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms, Isaiah, and Job. It often appears in contexts of communal worship, national deliverance, and divine favor. For example, the people are called to rejoice in God's salvation (Psalm 35:9), and God promises to rejoice over His people for good (Deuteronomy 30:9). Its usage spans from personal gladness (Job 3:22) to cosmic celebration, as the sun rejoices like a strong man running a race (Psalm 19:5).

Etymology

A primitive root, שׂוּשׂ is related to the idea of brightness or cheerfulness. It is connected to the root שִׂישׂ (sîś), which carries a similar meaning. Cognates in other Semitic languages suggest a core concept of being glad or joyful. The development from a sense of 'brightness' to 'cheerfulness' is a common metaphorical shift, linking emotional state to visual radiance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the proper human response to God's covenant faithfulness and saving acts. It frames joy not merely as an emotion but as a commanded posture of worship and trust. Understanding שׂוּשׂ enriches reading by highlighting that biblical joy is often a communal, God-centered celebration, and it startlingly reveals that God Himself can 'rejoice' in executing justice, underscoring His holy character.

In ancient Israelite culture, rejoicing (שׂוּשׂ) was often a public, vocal, and physically expressive act, closely tied to festivals, victories, and worship. This contrasts with some modern, privatized notions of joy. The word's use in contexts of both divine blessing and judgment reflects a worldview where all events, whether joyful or severe, were understood as under God's sovereign agency.

גיל (gîyl, H1523) — Often a synonym for rejoicing, but can imply spinning or circling in joy, suggesting a more ecstatic, dancing expression. שמח (śāmach, H8055) — A very common word for gladness or joy, often used in broader, more general contexts than the intense, sometimes exultant שׂוּשׂ. עלץ (ʿālats, H5937) — To exult or jump for joy, emphasizing the physical leap of rejoicing.

Word Details

Scripture References