Topical Lexicon
Concept OverviewStrong’s Greek 2115 pictures a heart that is light, courageous, and ready. It is not mere optimism, but settled confidence that God is sovereignly at work. The term marries joy and boldness, describing a disposition that gladly undertakes duty and steadfastly endures hardship.
Occurrences in the New Testament
1.Acts 24:10 – When Governor Felix beckons Paul to speak, the apostle replies “gladly” and proceeds to give his defense. The word underscores Paul’s unruffled composure before a hostile tribunal.
2.Acts 27:36 – After Paul’s faith-filled exhortation during the storm, “they were all encouraged and took some food themselves”. The passengers move from despair to active courage, displaying the transformative impact of faith-based exhortation.
Historical Background
• Caesarea,Acts 24: Facing accusations from Jerusalem’s leaders, Paul stands before the Roman governor with confidence rooted in a clear conscience (Acts 24:16).
• The Adriatic Sea,Acts 27: Amid life-threatening conditions, Paul anchors the crew’s morale in God’s revealed promise of preservation (Acts 27:22-25). In both settings, the word marks a decisive turning of the emotional tide—first in Paul, then in those he addresses.
Theological Significance
• Joy and Courage United – Scripture refuses to divorce boldness from joy (Nehemiah 8:10;Philippians 1:18-20). 2115 captures that union in a single term.
• Fruit of Assurance – The cheerfulness arises after God’s word is believed (Acts 27:25). Faith, not circumstance, generates the attitude.
• Witness Before the World – Roman officials and pagan sailors alike observe the distinctive composure that belongs to Christ’s servants, validatingProverbs 28:1, “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Ministry and Pastoral Application
• Apologetics – When believers must “make a defense” (1 Peter 3:15), 2115 reminds them that tone matters as much as content; a glad heart commends the gospel.
• Crisis Leadership – In emergencies, leaders who rest in God’s promises instill courage in others. Paul first embodies 2115, then imparts it to 276 anxious souls aboard ship.
• Worship and Service – The same spirit should mark giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), hospitality (Romans 12:13), and preaching (2 Timothy 4:2), transforming obligation into delight.
• Pastoral Care – Counsel that combines realism about danger with confidence in God can shift congregations from paralysis to constructive action.
Intertextual Echoes
The Septuagint uses cognate forms to translate Hebrew terms for glad-hearted service (Deuteronomy 28:47) and steadfastness in battle (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). The New Testament usage therefore stands in a long biblical trajectory that celebrates joyful courage as a covenant virtue.
Summary
Strong’s 2115 describes the glad courage that springs from trust in God’s faithfulness. Whether defending the faith before political power or steadying others in a storm, those who possess this attitude magnify Christ, strengthen the church, and draw unbelievers toward the hope of the gospel.
Forms and Transliterations
ευθυμοι εύθυμοι εὔθυμοι ευθυμότερον ευθυμως εὐθύμως euthumoi euthumos euthumōs euthymoi eúthymoi euthymos euthymōs euthýmos euthýmōsLinks
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