[Greek] ἱλαρός (hilaros): cheerful, merry, hilarious, joyfully ready, joyous, gracious, eager to give, willing, good humored; 2Cor. 9:7
King Solomon bestows favor on Sheba and his other subjects
Background Information:
Classical Greek: This term, meaning glad, merry, or cheerful, can be used for daylight, songs, messages, and persons. The later usage takes on the sense of benevolence, related to deities and gods, who bestowed good fortune on man. It is unclear whether or not if there was a clear connection between cheerfulness and benevolence. At this time in history, this term has nothing to do with being hilarious.
Old Testament: In the Septuagint the Hebrew understanding of the related verb hilaruno means to cause to shine. Therefore, one who is “radiant” with cheerfulness and kindness is more open to help and serve others. Interestingly, this term hilaros is never considered as an attribute of God. Instead, God is more likely shown bestowing or giving favor to others. In addition, kings are portrayed bestowing favor, being kindly bestowed, and being gracious. The rabbis emphasize the connection between generosity and cheerfulness: “He who gives alms, let him do so with a cheerful heart.”
New Testament: As with Judaism and the Gentile world, in Christianity cheerfulness is tied to the inner freedom of generosity. This Christian value is highly valued by Jesus. Paul makes reference to Prv. 22:9 which states that the kind person will be blessed, for he gives to the poor. Reception of this gift of God makes us cheerful. With this comes the motivation to share this gift in service to others, as we are all are stewards of these gifts and graces.
Scripture:
“Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Cor.9:7
Cheerfulness allows for greater expression for generosity.
Conclusion
Hilarious, hilarity
I was surprised that our current understanding of what means hilarious is not reflected or even conceived in scripture or in secular Greek culture. Perhaps the sociological notion was far too removed to be even be considered in ancient society. It was only until the early 19th century that the term hilaros takes on the sense of being funny or hysterical.