Dictionaries :: Joy

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Joy:

joi (simchah; chara):

1. Terms:

The idea of joy is expressed in the Old Testament by a wealth of synonymous terms that cannot easily be differentiated. The commonest is simchah (1Sa 18:6, etc.), variously translated in English Versions of the Bible "joy," "gladness," "mirth"; from sameah, properly "to be bright," "to shine" (Pr 13:9, "The light of the righteous rejoiceth," literally, "is bright"), but generally used figuratively "to rejoice," "be glad" (Le 23:40 and very frequent).

Other nouns are masos and sason, both from sus, properly "to spring," "leap," hence, "exult," "rejoice"; rinnah, "shouting." "joy"; gil, from verb gil or gul, "to go in a circle," hence, "be excited" (dancing round for joy), "rejoice." In the New Testament, far the commonest are chara, "joy," chairo, "to rejoice" (compare charis, "grace"). But we have also agalliasis, which expresses "exuberant joy," "exultation" (not used in classical Greek, but often in the Septuagint; in the New Testament, Lu 1:14,44; Ac 2:46; Jude 1:24; Heb 1:9), and the corresponding verb agalliaoo (-aomai), "to exult," "rejoice exceedingly" (Mt 5:12, etc.). In English Versions of the Bible we have sometimes "to joy" (now obsolete as a verb), used in an intransitive sense =" to rejoice" (Hab 3:18; 2Co 7:13, etc.).

2. In the Old Testament:

Besides joy in a general sense, as the response of the mind to any pleasurable event or state (1Ki 1:40; Es 8:17, etc.), joy as a religious emotion is very frequently referred to in the Old Testament. Religion is conceived of as touching the deepest springs of emotion, including the feeling of exultant gladness which often finds outward expression in such actions as leaping, shouting, and singing. Joy is repeatedly shown to be the natural outcome of fellowship with God. "In thy presence is fullness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps 16:11; compare 16:8,9). God is at once the source (Ps 4:7; 51:12) and the object (Ps 35:9; Isa 29:19) of religious joy. The phrase "rejoice (be glad) in Yahweh" and similar. expressions are of frequent occurrence (e.g. Ps 97:12; 149:2; Isa 61:10; Zec 10:7). Many aspects of the Divine character call forth this emotion, such as His lovingkindness (Ps 21:6,7; 31:7), His salvation (Ps 21:1; Isa 25:9; Hab 3:18), His laws and statutes (Ps 12; 119 passim), His judgments (Ps 48:11), His words of comfort in dark days (Jer 15:15,16). The fundamental fact of the sovereignty of God, of the equity of the Divine government of the world, gives to the pious a joyous sense of security in life (Ps 93:1 f; 96:10; 97:1) which breaks forth into songs of praises in which even inanimate Nature is poetically called upon to join (Ps 96:11-13; 98:4-9). In the case of those who held such views of God, it was natural that the service of God should elicit a joyous spirit ("I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy," Ps 27:6; compare 1Ch 29:9), a spirit which is abundantly manifest in the jubilant shouting with which religious festivities were celebrated, and the trumpet-sound which accompanied certain sacrifices (2Sa 6:15; Ps 33:1-3; Nu 10:10; 2Ch 29:27), and especially in psalms of praise, thanksgiving and adoration (Psalms 47; 81; 100, etc.). "Rejoice before Yahweh your God" is an oft-repeated phrase in De with reference to the sacrificial feast (e.g. 12:12). But joy is a Divine, as well as a human, emotion; for God Himself is represented in the Old Testament, not as a rigid, impassible Being, but as susceptible to pleasure and pain. God may be conceived of as "rejoicing in his works" (Ps 104:31; compare Ge 1:31), and over His people "for good" (De 30:9). "He will rejoice over thee (Zion) with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing" (Ze 3:17). Such noble and vivid anthropomorphisms are a nearer approach to the truth than the abstract doctrine of the impassibility of God which, owing to Platonic influences, dominated theology of the early Christian centuries.

3. In the New Testament:

The element of joy in religion is still more prominent in the New Testament. It is the appropriate response of the believer to the "good tidings of great joy" which constitute the gospel (Lu 2:10). In the four Gospels, especially Luke, this element is conspicuous. It is seen in the canticles of Lu 1 and 2. It is both exemplified in the life and character, and set forth in the teaching of Jesus. There are many intimations that, in spite of the profound elements of grief and tragedy in His life, His habitual demeanor was gladsome and joyous, certainly not gloomy or ascetic: such as, His description of Himself as bridegroom, in defense of His disciples for not fasting (Mr 2:18-20); the fact that He came "eating and drinking," giving occasion to the charge that He was "a gluttonous man and a winebibber" (Mt 11:19); His "rejoicing in the Holy Spirit" (Lu 10:21); the fact that His presence was found to be congenial at social festivities (Mr 14:3; Lu 14:1; Joh 12:1), and at the wedding in Cana (Joh 2:1 ); His mention of "my joy" (Joh 15:11; 17:13). His teaching with reference to His followers harmonizes with this. The Christian virtues confer on those who attain them not only beatitude, a calm and composed state of felicity (Mt 5:3-11), but also a more exuberant state of joy, which is in sharp contrast to the "sad countenance" of the hypocrites (Mt 6:16) ("Rejoice, and be exceeding glad", Mt 5:12). This spirit is reflected in many of the parables. The discovery of the true treasure of life brings joy (Mt 13:44). The three parables in Lu 15 reveal the joy of the Divine heart itself at the repentance of sinners (see especially 15:5-7,9,10,22-24,32). The parable of the Talents lays stress on the "joy of the Lord" which is the reward of faithfulness (Mt 25:21,23). Jesus confers on His followers not only peace (Joh 14:27; 16:33), but participation in His own fullness of joy (Joh 15:11; 16:24; 17:13), a joy which is permanent, in contrast to the sorrow which is transient (Joh 16:22). In the dark days of disappointment that succeeded the crucifixion, the joy of the disciples passed under a cloud, but at the resurrection (Lu 24:41) and still more on the day of Pentecost it emerged into light, and afterward remained a marked characteristic of the early church (Ac 2:46 f; 8:39; 13:52; 15:3). Paul speaks of joy as one of the fruits of the spirit (Ga 5:22) and of "joy in the Holy Spirit" as an essential mark of the kingdom of God (Ro 14:17). This joy is associated with faith (Php 1:25), hope (Ro 5:2; 12:12), brotherly fellowship and sympathy (Ro 12:15; 2Co 7:13; Php 2:1 f). To rejoice in the Lord is enjoined as a Christian duty (Php 3:1; 4:4; compare 2:17 f; 1Th 5:16). In Christ, the Christian "rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1Pe 1:8), in spite of his temporary afflictions (1Pe 1:6). Christian joy is no mere gaiety that knows no gloom, but is the result of the triumph of faith over adverse and trying circumstances, which, instead of hindering, actually enhance it (Ac 5:41; Ro 5:3 f; Jas 1:2,12; 5:11; 1Pe 4:13; compare Mt 5:11,12). Even our Lord Himself "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame" (Heb 12:2).

Written by D. Miall Edwards

Nave's Topical Bible

Joy: Attributed to God

Deu 28:63; 30:9; Jer 32:41

Joy: In Heaven

Luk 15:10-32

Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To:

Deu 12:18; 1Sa 2:1; 1Ch 16:27; 2Ch 7:10; Ezr 6:22; Neh 8:10, 12; 12:43; Job 8:21; 22:21, 26; 33:26; Psa 2:11; 4:7; 5:11; 9:2, 14; 13:5; 14:7; 16:5, 6, 8, 9, 11; 17:15; 19:8; 20:5; 21:1, 6; 28:7; 30:5, 11, 12; 32:1, 2, 11; 33:21; 35:9; 36:8; 40:16; 42:4; 43:4; 45:15; 46:4; 51:8, 12; 53:6; 63:5-7, 11; 64:10; 68:3; 69:32; 70:4; 71:23; 85:6; 89:15, 16; 97:11, 12; 100:1, 2; 104:34; 105:3, 43; 119:1, 2, 14, 16, 55, 111, 162, 165; 126:5, 6; 132:16; 138:5; 149:2, 5; Pro 10:28; 13:9; 19:23; 28:12; 29:6; Ecc 2:26; Isa 9:3; 12:1-6; 25:9; 29:19; 30:29; 35:1, 2, 10; 41:16; 44:23; 49:13; 51:11; 52:9; 55:12; 56:7; 61:3, 7, 10; 65:14, 19; 66:10-12, 14; Jer 15:16; 31:12-14, 25, 26; 33:6, 11; Joe 2:23; Nah 1:15; Hab 3:18; Zep 3:14; Hag 2:9; Zec 2:10; 9:9; 10:7; Mat 18:13; 25:21; Luk 1:47; 2:10; 6:22, 23; 10:20; 15:6-8, 10, 22-32; 24:52; Jhn 16:20, 22, 24, 33; 17:13; Act 2:28; 8:8, 39; 13:52; 16:25, 34; Rom 5:2, 11; 12:12; 14:17; 15:13; 2Cr 1:12, 24; 6:10; 7:4; 8:2; 12:10; Gal 5:22; Eph 5:18, 19; Phl 3:3; 4:4; Col 1:11; 1Th 1:6; 5:16; Hbr 10:34; Jam 1:2; 5:13; 1Pe 1:8; 4:13; 1Jo 1:4; Jud 1:24

Joy: Instances Of:

Of Moses and the Israelites, when Pharaoh and his army were destroyed,

Exd 15:1-22.

Of Deborah and the Israelites, when Sisera was overthrown,

Jdg 5.

Of Jephthah's daughter, when he returned from his victory over the Ammonites,

Jdg 11:34.

Of Hannah, when Samuel was born,

1Sa 2:1-11.

Of Naomi, when Boaz showed kindness to Ruth,

Rth 2:20; 4:14.

Of the Israelites,

when Saul was presented as their king,

1Sa 10:24;

when David killed Goliath,

1Sa 18:6, 7;

when they came to David to Hebron to make him king,

1Ch 12:40;

when they took the ark of the covenant from Kirjath-jearim,

1Ch 13:8;

when they brought the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem,

1Ch 15:16, 25, 28;

when they made gifts to the house of God,

1Ch 29:9;

when they observed the dedication of the temple, and the feast of tabernacles under Ezra,

Ezr 6:16, 22.

Of the Jews, after hearing, anew, the word of God,

Neh 8:9-18;

when they turned away from idolatry,

2Ch 15:14, 15; 23:18, 21; 29:30, 36; 30:21, 23, 26;

when the wall of Jerusalem was dedicated,

Neh 12:43;

when the foundation of the second temple was laid,

Ezr 3:11-13.

Of David, over the offerings of the princes and people for the house of God,

1Ch 29:10-19.

Jews, over the hanging of Haman,

Est 8:15, 16; with Est 7:10.

Of Elisabeth, when Mary visited her,

Luk 1:5-44.

Of Mary, when she visited Elisabeth,

Luk 1:46-56.

Of Zecharias, when John the Baptist was born,

Luk 1:67-79.

Of angels, when Jesus was born,

Luk 2:13, 14.

Of the shepherds, when they saw the infant Jesus,

Luk 2:20.

Of the Magi,

Mat 2:10.

Of Simeon, when Jesus was presented in the temple,

Luk 2:28-32.

Of the disciples, because the demons were subject to them,

Luk 10:17.

Of the father, when his prodigal son returned,

Luk 15:20-32.

Of angels, when sinners repent,

Luk 15:7, 10.

Of the disciples, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem,

Mat 21:8, 9; Mar 11:8-10.

Of the women who returned from the Lord's sepulcher,

Mat 28:8.

The disciple, after the resurrection of Jesus,

Luk 24:41.

Of the disciples in the temple after the ascension of Jesus,

Luk 24:53.

Of the disciples in the temple because they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit,

Act 2:46, 47.

Of the immobile man who was healed by Peter,

Act 3:8.

Of Paul, when he went up to Jerusalem,

Act 20:22-24.

Of Paul and Silas, in the jail at Philippi,

Act 16:25.

Of Rhoda, when she heard Peter at the gate,

Act 12:14.

Of the disciples at Jerusalem, when Peter told them about the conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles,

Act 11:18.

Of Barnabas, when he saw the success of the gospel at Antioch (in Syria),

Act 11:22, 23.

Of Paul and the Corinthians, because the excommunicated member repented,

2Cr 1:24; 2:3.

Of Paul and Titus, because of the hospitality of the Corinthians,

2Cr 7:13; with 2Cr 8:6; Rom 15:32; 1Cr 16:18.

Of the Macedonian Christians, when they made a contribution for the Christians at Jerusalem,

2Cr 8:2.

Of Paul, when he prayed for the Philippian Christians,

Phl 1:4.

Of Thessalonians, when they believed Paul's gospel,

1Th 1:6.

Of Paul, rejoicing over his converts,

1Th 2:19, 20; 3:9; Phm 1:7.

Of early Christians, when they believed in Jesus,

1Pe 1:8, 9.

Joy: Of the Wicked:

Job 20:5; Pro 14:13; 15:21; Ecc 2:10; 7:6; 11:8, 9; Isa 16:10; Jam 4:9

See HAPPINESS; PRAISE; THANKSGIVING

Thematic Subject Guide

Joy:

Deu 12:181Sa 2:1Neh 8:10; Neh 12:43Job 33:26Psa 2:11; Psa 4:7; Psa 5:11; Psa 9:2; Psa 13:5; Psa 16:9; Psa 16:11; Psa 19:8; Psa 20:5; Psa 28:7; Psa30:5; Psa 30:11; Psa 32:11; Psa 33:21; Psa 35:9; Psa 40:16; Psa 63:5; Psa 63:7; Psa 64:10; Psa 71:23; Psa 89:16; Psa 97:12; Psa 100:1-2; Psa 119:14; Psa 119:16; Psa 119:162;Psa 126:5-6Ecc 2:26Isa 12:2-3; Isa 35:10; Isa 41:16; Isa 51:11; Isa 55:12; Isa 61:10Jer 15:16; Jer 32:41; Jer 33:11Joe 2:23Hab 3:18Mat 25:21Luk 1:47; Luk 2:10; Luk 6:23; Luk 10:20; Luk 15:10Jhn 15:11; Jhn 16:20; Jhn 16:22; Jhn 16:24; Jhn 16:33; Jhn 17:13Act 2:28; Act 8:8; Act 8:39; Act 13:52; Act 16:34Rom 5:2;Rom 5:11; Rom 12:12; Rom 14:17; Rom 15:132Cr 1:12; 2Cr 6:10; 2Cr 7:4; 2Cr 8:2Gal 5:22Eph 5:18Phl 4:4Col 1:111Th 1:6; 1Th 5:16Hbr 10:34Jam 1:21Pe 1:8; 1Pe 4:131Jo 1:4Jud 1:24

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Joy: God Gives

Ecc 2:26; Psa 4:7

Joy: Christ Appointed to Give

Isa 61:3

Joy: Is a Fruit of the Spirit

Gal 5:22

Joy: The Gospel, Good Tidings Of

Luk 2:10,11

Joy: God's Word Affords

Neh 8:12; Jer 15:16

Joy: The Gospel to Be Received With

1Th 1:6

Joy: Promised to Saints

Psa 132:16; Isa 35:10; 55:12; 56:7

Joy: Prepared for Saints

Psa 97:11

Joy: Enjoined to Saints

Psa 32:11; Phl 3:1

Joy: Fulness Of, in God's Presence

Psa 16:11

Joy: Vanity of Seeking, from Earthly Things

Ecc 2:10,11; 11:8

Joy: Experienced By

Believers

Luk 24:52; Act 16:34

Peace-makers

Pro 12:20

The just

Pro 21:15

The wise, and discreet

Pro 15:23

Parents of good children

Pro 23:24

Joy: Increased to the Meek

Isa 29:19

Joy: Of Saints Is

In God

Psa 89:16; 149:2; Hab 3:18; Rom 5:11

In Christ

Luk 1:47; Phl 3:3

In the Holy Spirit

Rom 14:17

For election

Luk 10:20

For salvation

Psa 21:1; Isa 61:10

For deliverance from bondage

Psa 105:43; Jer 31:10-13

For manifestation of goodness

2Ch 7:10

For temporal blessings

Joe 2:23,24

For supplies of grace

Isa 12:3

For divine protection

Psa 5:11; 16:8,9

For divine support

Psa 28:7; 63:7

For the victory of Christ

Jhn 16:33

For the hope of glory

Rom 5:2

For the success of the gospel

Act 15:3

Joy: Of Saints Should Be

Great

Zec 9:9; Act 8:8

Abundant

2Cr 8:2

Exceeding

Psa 21:6; 68:3

Animated

Psa 32:11; Luk 6:23

Unspeakable

1Pe 1:8

Full of glory

1Pe 1:8

Constant

2Cr 6:10; Phl 4:4

For evermore

1Th 5:16

With awe

Psa 2:11

In hope

Rom 12:12

In sorrow

2Cr 6:10

Under trials

Jam 1:2; 1Pe 1:6

Under persecutions

Mat 5:11,12; Luk 6:22,23; Hbr 10:34

Under calamities

Hab 3:17,18

Expressed in hymns

Eph 5:19; Jam 5:13

Joy: Afflictions of Saints Succeeded By

Psa 30:5; 126:5; Isa 35:10; Jhn 16:20

Joy: Pray for Restoration Of

Psa 51:8,12; 85:6

Joy: Promote, in the Afflicted

Job 29:13

Joy: Of Saints, Made Full By

The favour of God

Act 2:28

Faith in Christ

Rom 15:13

Abiding in Christ

Jhn 15:10,11

The word of Christ

Jhn 17:13

Answers to prayer

Jhn 16:24

Communion of saints

2Ti 1:4; 1Jo 1:3,4; 2Jo 1:12

Joy: Saints Should Afford, to Their Ministers

Phl 2:2; Phm 1:20

Joy: Ministers Should

Esteem their people as their

Phl 4:1; 1Th 2:20

Promote, in their people

2Cr 1:24; Phl 1:25

Pray for, for their people

Rom 15:13

Have, in the faith and holiness of their people

2Cr 7:4; 1Th 3:9; 3Jo 1:4

Come to their people with

Rom 15:32

Finish their course with

Act 20:24

Desire to render an account with

Phl 2:16; Hbr 13:17

Joy: Serve God With

Psa 100:2

Joy: Liberality in God's Service Should Cause

1Ch 29:9,17

Joy: Is Strengthening to Saints

Neh 8:10

Joy: Saints should engage in all religious services with

Ezr 6:22; Psa 42:4

Joy: Saints Should Have, in All Their Undertakings

Deu 12:18

Joy: Saints Shall Be Presented to God with Exceeding

1Pe 4:13; Jud 1:24

Joy: The coming of Christ will afford to saints, exceeding

1Pe 4:13

Joy: Shall be the final reward of saints at the judgment day

Mat 25:21

Joy: Of the Wicked

Is derived from earthly pleasures

Ecc 2:10; 11:9

Is derived from folly

Pro 15:21

Is delusive

Pro 14:13

Is short-lived

Job 20:5; Ecc 7:6

Should be turned into mourning

Jam 4:9

Shall be taken away

Isa 16:10

Joy: Holy-Illustrated

Isa 9:3; Mat 13:44

Joy: Holy-Exemplified

Hannah

1Sa 2:1

David

1Ch 29:9

Wise men

Mat 2:10

The Virgin Mary

Luk 1:47

Zacchaeus

Luk 19:6

Converts

Act 2:46; 13:52

Peter, &c

Act 5:41

Samaritans

Act 8:8

Jailor

Act 16:34