Topical Encyclopedia
The term "joyous" in the biblical context refers to a state of great happiness and delight, often associated with the presence and blessings of God. Joy is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both an emotional response and a spiritual condition that arises from a relationship with God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, joy is frequently linked to God's deliverance and the celebration of His mighty works. The Israelites expressed joy in response to God's salvation and provision. For instance, in the Book of Exodus, after the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam and the women of Israel sang and danced with joy, praising God for their deliverance from the Egyptians (
Exodus 15:20-21).
The Psalms are replete with expressions of joy, often in the context of worship and thanksgiving.
Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Here, joy is depicted as a result of being in God's presence, highlighting the spiritual dimension of joy that transcends mere happiness.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in
Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." This indicates that joy is a characteristic of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the inner work of God in a believer's heart.
The birth of Jesus Christ is heralded as a time of great joy. The angel announced to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (
Luke 2:10). This joy is rooted in the coming of the Savior, who brings salvation and hope to humanity.
Jesus Himself spoke of joy in the context of His teachings and relationship with His disciples. In
John 15:11, He said, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance and contentment found in Christ.
Theological SignificanceJoy in the Bible is often contrasted with temporary happiness that depends on external situations. Biblical joy is enduring and rooted in the eternal truths of God's love, salvation, and promises. It is a response to God's grace and a reflection of His character.
The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous trials and hardships, frequently wrote about joy. In
Philippians 4:4, he exhorts believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command underscores the idea that joy is a choice and a discipline, grounded in faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, living a joyous life involves cultivating a heart of gratitude, worship, and trust in God. It means finding joy in God's Word, His presence, and His people. Joy is also expressed in community, as believers gather to worship and serve together, reflecting the joy of the Lord to the world.
In summary, "joyous" in the biblical sense is a profound and enduring state of delight that arises from a relationship with God, characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and is a defining mark of the Christian life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Glad; gay; merry; joyful; also, affording or inspiring joy; with of before the word or words expressing the cause of joy.
Greek
2431. hilaros -- cheerful... cheerful. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hilaros Phonetic Spelling:
(hil-ar-os') Short Definition:
joyous, cheerful Definition:
joyous, cheerful
...4005. pentekoste -- fiftieth, Pentecost, the second of the three...
... celebrated at the end of the barley harvest. This was ajoyous time of giving
great thanks to God. [The workers could only spare one day...
Strong's Hebrew
5947. alliz -- exultant, jubilant...joyous, that rejoiceing. From alaz; exultant --
joyous, (that) rejoice(-ing). see
HEBREW alaz. 5946, 5947. alliz. 5948 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
TheJoyous Return
... TheJoyous Return. A Sermon (No.2192). Delivered on Lord's-day Morning, March 1st,
1891, by. CH SPURGEON,. At [10]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington....
Morn of Beauty,Joyous Morn
... EASTER XX Morn of beauty,joyous morn. 7,7,7,7. Morn of beauty,joyous morn.
Hails the Resurrection day,. All our fears are borne away,....
The Golden Sunbeams with theirJoyous Gleams,
... II. The golden sunbeams with theirjoyous gleams,. i Die goldene Sonne.... trans. by
Catherine Winkworth, 1855. The golden sunbeams with theirjoyous gleams,....
On the Source and Cause of True Joy, --The Example of theJoyous...
... Book VI. Chapter VI."On the Source and Cause of True Joy,"The Example of
theJoyous Beggar Being Adduced. 9. I longed for honours...
And if Anything Happens which Does not Foster Ourselves or Our...
... Book I. 10 And if anything happens which does not foster ourselves or
our affairs withjoyous success? And if anything happens...
March 3. "Now no Chastening for the Present Seemeth to beJoyous...
... MARCH 3. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to bejoyous but grievous;
nevertheless afterward" (Heb. xii. 11). "Now no chastening...
The Blood of Sprinkling
... Holy Spirit now dwells. We are come to a morejoyous sight than Sinai,
and the mountain burning with fire. The Hebrew worshipper...
Hymn for all Hours
... When the king in priestly raiment sang the Christ that was to be, Voice and lute
and clashing cymbal joined injoyous harmony, While the Spirit, heaven...
Psalm LXVI.
... 10. "There we will bejoyous in Him." O ye Jews, of... For therein we will bejoyous,
but not in ourselves: "there we will bejoyous in Him." When shall we joy?...
Psalm LXX.
... "Let them exult and bejoyous in Thee:" not in me, not in this man or in that
man; but in whom they have been made light that were darkness....
Thesaurus
Joyous (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Joyous (10 Occurrences).
... (See RSV). Song of Songs 1:9 To
my
joyous one in chariots of Pharaoh, I have compared thee, my friend, (YLT).
...Joy (422 Occurrences)
... The fundamental fact of the sovereignty of God, of the equity of the Divine government
of the world, gives to the pious ajoyous sense of security in life...
Feast (209 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A festival; a holiday; a solemn, or
more commonly, ajoyous, anniversary. 2. (n.) A festive or...
Cheer (22 Occurrences)
... chase. 9. (vi) To grow cheerful; to become gladsome orjoyous; -- usually
with up. 10. (vi) To be in any state or temper of mind. 11....
Assurance (16 Occurrences)
... spiritual meaning. It signifies thejoyous, unwavering confidence of an
intelligent faith; the security of a fearless trust. The...
Smile (4 Occurrences)
... to sneer. 3. (vi) To look gay andjoyous; to have an appearance suited
to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smiling plenty. 4. (vi...
Commandment (209 Occurrences)
... The force of authority and the active resistance or inertia of the subject disappear;
the law becomes a principle, a motive, ajoyous harmony of man's will...
Joyously (8 Occurrences)
Monthly (11 Occurrences)
... Nor is there much force in Professor Paterson's objection that sacrifices were
preponderantlyjoyous in character and therefore could not be offered as an...
Yields (21 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 12:11 All chastening seems for the present to be notjoyous but grievous;
yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have...
Resources
What is the Christian calendar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Noel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgJoyous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
