Joy
χαρά (chara)
Deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character and salvation.
Chara is the Greek word for joy, describing a deep gladness that transcends circumstances. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a defining mark of the Christian life.
"The joy of the LORD is your strength." — Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 15:11
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G5479 — Joy (χαρά (chara))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where χαρά (chara) appears.
Open Strong's G5479Etymology and Original Meaning
Chara comes from the same root as charis (grace). This linguistic connection reveals a profound truth: joy in the biblical sense is grace-born gladness. It is not a fleeting emotion dependent on favorable circumstances but a settled delight rooted in who God is and what He has done.
Joy in the Old Testament
The Hebrew equivalent simchah appears frequently in contexts of worship, harvest, and God's deliverance. The Psalms overflow with joy: 'In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore' (Psalm 16:11). Israel's festivals were occasions of communal joy, celebrating God's faithfulness.
Joy in Suffering
The New Testament presents the paradox of joy amid suffering. James instructs believers to count it all joy when they encounter trials (James 1:2). Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison (Acts 16:25). Jesus endured the cross 'for the joy that was set before him' (Hebrews 12:2). This supernatural joy is evidence of the Spirit's work.
Cultivating Joy
Joy is both a gift and a discipline. It is produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and cultivated through gratitude, worship, fellowship, and fixing one's gaze on eternal realities. Paul commands, 'Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice' (Philippians 4:4). Joy is a choice empowered by grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between joy and happiness?
Happiness depends on happenings — external circumstances. Biblical joy (chara) is rooted in God's unchanging character and salvation, making it durable even in suffering.
Is joy a fruit of the Spirit?
Yes. Galatians 5:22 lists joy as the second fruit of the Spirit, indicating it is produced by the Holy Spirit's work within believers rather than by human effort alone.
What is the Greek word for "Joy" in the Bible?
χαρά (chara), pronounced "kha-RAH." It means deep, abiding gladness rooted in god's character and salvation. Its Strong's number is G5479. It is the word behind "Joy" in the New Testament, for example in Nehemiah 8:10.
What does "Joy" mean in the Bible?
Deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character and salvation. The underlying Greek word is χαρά (chara) ("kha-RAH"), Strong's G5479. Chara is the Greek word for joy, describing a deep gladness that transcends circumstances.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Joy (χαρά (chara))
Deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character and salvation.
Strong's G5479 — Joy
χαρά (chara) • Deep, abiding gladness rooted in God's character and salvation.
Biblical Meaning of Dogs in a Dream (KJV)
Loyalty when tame, but also false teachers and unclean influence.
Biblical Meaning of Wine in a Dream (KJV)
Joy, covenant, and — in excess — a warning.
Joy (Simchah) (שִׂמְחָה (simchah))
Deep gladness and celebration — the delight that springs from God's presence and works.
Strong's H8057 — Joy (Simchah)
שִׂמְחָה (simchah) • Deep gladness and celebration — the delight that springs from God's presence and works.
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Joy? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue