MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

Restoring the Joy of Salvation!

by Dr. Lance T. Ketchum, MBA State Missionary

What is Joy?

Christians often find themselves confused about Bible terms. One such confusion lies in the difference between the words "joy" and "happiness."

There is a Hebrew word in the Old Testament that is usually translated "happy." It is the word esher (eh'- sher). In the English use of the word "happy," it is an expression of an emotion. The Bible use of the word esher refers more to a state of being; i.e., the state of being blessed of God. Therefore it refers more to a position within a relationship than an emotion. Esher is intended to express the results of a right relationship with God. That is really the meaning of "joy" as well; a state of bliss.