Biblica Analytica

בָּלַג

ba.lag (H1082)

be cheerful

4 verses 3 books OT 4 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Bālaḡ (H1082): A Hebrew Expression of Cheer The Hebrew word *bālaḡ* denotes a state of cheerfulness or gladness. Based on its lexical definition and limited biblical occurrence—appearing only four times in the Hebrew scriptures—this verb represents a specific emotional condition rather than a broad or frequently emphasized concept in biblical thought. The rarity of *bālaḡ* in the biblical corpus is noteworthy. With just four attestations, the word occupies a minor position in the Hebrew vocabulary for describing human emotional states. This limited usage suggests that while cheerfulness was recognized as a legitimate human experience, the biblical writers did not employ this particular term as a primary or central way to discuss joy, gladness, or positive emotions. Other terms may have carried greater theological or practical significance in Hebrew expression. Without access to the specific passages where *bālaḡ* appears, the precise contexts and nuances of its usage remain constrained by the lexical data provided. What can be stated definitively is that *bālaḡ* functioned as a Hebrew verb capturing the concept of being in good spirits or displaying cheer—a straightforward emotional descriptor in the language's semantic inventory.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Job 9:27

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;’

Job 10:20

Aren’t my days few? Stop! Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

Psalms 39:13

Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more.”

Amos 5:9

who brings sudden destruction on the strong, so that destruction comes on the fortress.