Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the concept of unhappiness is often intertwined with themes of suffering, trials, and the human condition in a fallen world. While the term "unhappy" itself is not frequently used in many translations, the Scriptures address the emotions and circumstances that lead to feelings of unhappiness, offering both acknowledgment of human suffering and guidance for finding joy and contentment through faith.
Biblical Instances and Themes:1.
Human Suffering and Trials: The Bible acknowledges that life in a fallen world includes suffering and trials, which can lead to feelings of unhappiness. In the Book of Job, Job experiences profound loss and suffering, expressing his anguish and despair.
Job 3:26 states, "I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come." Job's account illustrates the reality of human suffering and the struggle to understand God's purposes in the midst of pain.
2.
The Psalms: The Psalms frequently express the full range of human emotions, including unhappiness and distress.
Psalm 42:11 captures the psalmist's struggle: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." The psalmist acknowledges his inner turmoil but also points to hope and trust in God as a remedy for his unhappiness.
3.
Consequences of Sin: Unhappiness can also be a consequence of sin and disobedience to God. In
Genesis 4:6-7 , God speaks to Cain, who is angry and downcast: "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.'" This passage highlights the connection between sin and emotional distress, urging repentance and righteousness as a path to restoration.
4.
Hope and Comfort in God: Despite the reality of unhappiness, the Bible consistently points to God as the source of true joy and comfort. In the New Testament, Jesus offers words of comfort to those who are burdened: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (
Matthew 11:28). The promise of rest and peace in Christ provides a foundation for overcoming unhappiness.
5.
Joy in Trials: The New Testament also teaches that believers can find joy even in the midst of trials.
James 1:2-3 encourages, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." This perspective reframes trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.
6.
Eternal Perspective: The Bible encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that present sufferings are temporary compared to the glory to come.
Romans 8:18 states, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This hope of future glory provides comfort and strength in times of unhappiness.
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges the reality of unhappiness and suffering, it consistently points to God as the ultimate source of joy, comfort, and hope. Through faith, repentance, and an eternal perspective, believers are encouraged to find peace and contentment even in the midst of life's challenges.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Not happy or fortunate; unfortunate; unlucky; as, affairs have taken an unhappy turn.
2. (a.) In a degree miserable or wretched; not happy; sad; sorrowful; as, children render their parents unhappy by misconduct.
3. (a.) Marked by infelicity; evil; calamitous; as, an unhappy day.
4. (a.) Mischievous; wanton; wicked.
Strong's Hebrew
2489. chelekah -- hapless, unfortunate... poor. Or chelkah {khay-lek-aw'}; apparently from an unused root probably meaning
to be dark or (figuratively)
unhappy; a wretch, ie Unfortunate -- poor.
...Library
Happy Solitude --Unhappy Men
... Happy Solitude"Unhappy Men. My heart is easy, and my burden light; I smile, though
sad, when thou art in my sight: The more my woes in secret I deplore,....
The Unbeliever'sUnhappy Condition
... The Unbeliever'sUnhappy Condition. A Sermon (No.1012).... I. To begin, then, who
is THE GUILTY ONE? Who is thenunhappy man here spoken of?...
He Bemoans theUnhappy Lot of Constantinople, Owing to the...
... He bemoans theunhappy lot of Constantinople, owing to the misfortune which has
overtaken it from that heretic; and at the same time he urges the citizens to...
Concerning that MostUnhappy Time in which He, Being Deceived...
... Book IV. Chapter I."Concerning that MostUnhappy Time in Which He, Being Deceived,
Deceived Others; And Concerning the Mockers of His Confession....
He Continues on theUnhappy Method of Training Youth in Literary...
... Book I. Chapter XVII."He Continues on theUnhappy Method of Training Youth
in Literary Subjects. 27. Bear with me, my God, while...
Unhappy Souls! Stricken through with all These Barbarisms as with...
... 10.Unhappy souls! stricken through with all these barbarisms as with so
many lances! I doubt... Pyrrho. 10.Unhappy souls! stricken...
Psalm CXXXVII.
... 11. Then he turneth himself to her, "O daughter of Babylon,unhappy;"unhappy in
thy very exulting, thy presumption, thine enmity; "unhappy daughter of Babylon...
Book Three the Story of his Student Days in Carthage, his...
... For although he that grieves with theunhappy should be commended for his work of
love, yet he who has the power of real compassion would still prefer that...
Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
... lay between them. And out of thisunhappy state it was the Apostle's deep
desire to bring them, quickly and completely. He appeals...
Mr. G. Borrow's Report on Past and Future Operations in Spain...
... two thousand copies having been disposed of in an extraordinarily short space of
time, and under much disadvantage owing to the peculiarlyunhappy situation of...
Thesaurus
Unhappy (17 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not happy or fortunate; unfortunate; unlucky;
as, affairs have taken an
unhappy turn.
...Unhappy (17 Occurrences).
...Necessary (75 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 18:7 A curse is on the earth because of trouble! for it is necessary
for trouble to come; butunhappy is that man through whom the trouble comes....
Laughing (38 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Luke 6:25Unhappy are you who are full of food now: for you will be in need.
Unhappy are you who are laughing now: for you will be crying in sorrow....
Sorrow (277 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:25Unhappy are you who are full of food now: for you will be in need.Unhappy
are you who are laughing now: for you will be crying in sorrow. (BBE)....
Trouble (477 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:7 A curse is on the earth because of trouble! for it is necessary for
trouble to come; butunhappy is that man through whom the trouble comes. (BBE)....
Crying (247 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:25Unhappy are you who are full of food now: for you will be in need.Unhappy
are you who are laughing now: for you will be crying in sorrow. (BBE)....
Unsuccessful (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not successful; not producing the desired event;
not fortunate; meeting with, or resulting in, failure; unlucky;unhappy....
Unharmed (4 Occurrences)
Unfortunate (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Not fortunate; unsuccessful; not prosperous; unlucky; attended with misfortune;
unhappy; as, an unfortunate adventure; an unfortunate man; an...
Unhallowed (3 Occurrences)
Resources
What is a soul link? Can a soul be linked to another soul? | GotQuestions.orgMarital Unity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about permanent forms of birth control such as a tubal ligation or vasectomy? | GotQuestions.orgUnhappy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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