Expresses deep, heartfelt delight, pleasure, or favorable inclination toward something or someone. More than mere approval, chāphēts conveys joyful desire — the kind of pleasure that moves to action. The noun chēphets means 'delight, pleasure, matter of concern.'
The theology of divine delight is one of Scripture's most tender themes. God delights in steadfast love, justice, and righteousness (Jer 9:24). He delights in His people — 'The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy' (Zeph 3:17). The messianic servant is described as one in whom 'my soul delighteth' (Isa 42:1), echoed at Jesus' baptism: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' Critically, this word appears in Psalm 1:2 — 'his delight is in the law of the LORD' — establishing that the blessed life is characterized by joyful desire for God's word, not mere dutiful obedience. Psalm 37:4 promises reciprocity: 'Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.'