ἱλᾰρότης G2432
cheerfulness, joy, gladness; the quality of being glad-hearted and generous in spirit
The noun ἱλαρότης denotes cheerfulness, gladness, or joyful disposition—the quality of being bright-spirited and generous-hearted. Romans 12:8 instructs that whoever shows mercy should do so "with cheerfulness" (ἐν ἱλαρότητι). The word emphasizes that acts of mercy and compassion should be performed gladly, not reluctantly or with resentment. The spirit in which ministry is done matters. Classical and Septuagintal usage associates ἱλαρότης with joy and gladness. Translations render it "cheerfulness" (English), "alegría" (Spanish), "joie" (French), "Froehlichkeit" (German), the glad-hearted quality that should characterize Christian service and mercy.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Paul instructs that the one showing mercy should do so ἐν ἱλαρότητι—with cheerfulness (Rom 12:8). The noun denotes gladness, joy, or cheerful disposition—the quality of acting bright-heartedly rather than grudgingly. Mercy ministry requires not just action but joyful spirit: compassion performed gladly, not resentfully. Classical sources use ἱλαρότης for gaiety and cheerfulness; LXX employs it for joy. The context lists various ministries (prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, showing mercy), each to be exercised with proper spirit. Translations consistently render "cheerfulness," "alegría," "joie," the glad-hearted quality befitting merciful service. 1×
AR["بَشَاشَةٍ"]·ben["আনন্দে।"]·DE["Froehlichkeit"]·EN["cheerfulness"]·FR["joie"]·heb["שִׂמְחָה"]·HI["प्रसन्नता"]·ID["sukacita"]·IT["volentieri"]·jav["kabungahan."]·KO["즐거움에"]·PT["alegria."]·ES["alegría"]·SW["furaha."]·TR["neşeyle"]·urd["خوشی"]
Related Senses
G2309 1. want, desire (166×)G0025 1. to love actively (133×)H0157 1. love (verb, active Qal) (129×)H8055 1. Qal: rejoice, be glad (123×)H7453 1. neighbor, fellow man (120×)G0026 1. of love (115×)H1058 1. Qal: to weep, cry (112×)H0954 1. to be ashamed, feel shame (Qal) (95×)H8057 1. joy, gladness, delight (90×)H2781 1. disgrace, shame, dishonor (68×)G2307 1. will, desire, purpose (63×)G5463 1. rejoice, be glad (63×)G0027 1. beloved (61×)H8130 1. Qal: to hate, detest (60×)G5479 1. (59×)G1680 1. (53×)H8130 2. Qal ptcp: hater, enemy (53×)H0014 1. be willing, want (51×)H0157 2. lover, friend (Qal participle substantive) (51×)H1945 1. woe (50×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἱλᾰρότης [ῐ], ητος, ἡ, cheerfulness, gaiety, LXX+1st c.BC+