שָׂמַח
Probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does שָׂמַח (samach) mean in the Bible?
שָׂמַח (samach) is a Hebrew word meaning "probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome". probably to brighten up, i. The passage highlights that marriage is intended to be a joyful and satisfying relationship. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Meaning
Joy rooted in brightening—moves from physical illumination to emotional gladness, often involving celebration and festive delight.
probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome BDB: rejoice Usage: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, × very.
Why This Word Matters
The passage highlights that marriage is intended to be a joyful and satisfying relationship. Hosea 9:1-6
The joy heard far away testifies that God Himself granted gladness to His restored people. Nehemiah 12:27-43
Joy detached from covenant fidelity is condemned. Proverbs 5:15-23
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 66×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 13×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 1×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 158 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.