The meaning of “χαρά”
Understanding chará reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). - cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight
χαρά
gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). - cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 25:21 | “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Word: χαρά (chará) | |
| John 16:21 | “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” Word: χαρά (chará) | |
| 2 Corinthians 7:4 | “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” Word: χαρά (chará) | |
| Colossians 1:11 | “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;” Word: χαρά (chará) | |
| Hebrews 12:11 | “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Word: χαρά (chará) |
Theological Word Study: Joy
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Joy, gladness
The Hebrew simchah (שִׂמְחָה) means joy or gladness—deep delight in God. 'The joy of the LORD is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10), and God's presence brings 'fulness of joy' (Psalm 16:11).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Joy, gladness
The Greek chara (χαρά) denotes joy—deep spiritual gladness. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), independent of circumstances. Jesus promised that His joy would remain in believers, making their joy full (John 15:11).