[Greek] χαρά (chara), [Latin] gaudium, [Latin] laetitia: joy, rejoicing, happiness, gladness; 59 scriptural references
Joy can still be found as we move forward in our struggles and uncertainty.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means joy, rejoicing, pleasure, delight, and joyous tidings. Sophocles’ Antigone 392 states “But since this joy that exceeds and oversteps my hopes can be compared in fullness to no other pleasure.” Euripides’ Phoenissae 170 states “He will come to this home, under truce, to fill your heart with joy.” Demosthenes’ On the Crown 1125 states “When the whole city was a scene of enthusiasm, rejoicing, and thanksgiving, did he take part in the worship and festival of the populace?” Euripides’ Alcestis 1125 states “Is this truly my wife, I see here, or does some delusive joy sent by a god steal my wits?”
Old Testament: This term means joy, rejoicing, praising, singing, shouting for joy, gladness, glee, cheerfulness, laughter and exultation. Joy is not just inward, but also an outward expression. Examples include secular joy, cultic joy, joy in the harvest, God’s joyfulness, thankfulness to God, and eschatological joy. The heart becomes the organ for expressing cheerfulness and joy. The rabbis emphasize the connection between generosity and cheerfulness: “He who gives alms, let him do so with a cheerful heart.” Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations (Hos.9:1). And tell of His works with joyful singing (Psa.107:22). Shout to God with the voice of joy (Psa.47:1). Sing, O heavens, and be joyful (Isa.49:13). He will fill your mouth with laughter (Job.8:21). Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart (Num.10:10). For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor (Est.8:16).
New Testament: This term means joy, gladness, rejoicing, happiness, and reason for gladness.
I hope you will enjoy looking at these notable scriptural examples:
Mt. 2:10: The magi were overjoyed at seeing the star.
Mt.13:20: Seed sown on rocky road: one whose joy does not last.
Mt.13:44: The kingdom of heaven (like a buried treasure): one will (out of joy) will sell everything to buy that field.
Lk.1:14: You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at His birth.
Lk.15:10: There will be more joy in heaven over when one sinner repents.
Jn.16:20: While the world rejoices, you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
2Cor.7:4: I am overflowing with joy all the more because of all our afflictions.
Heb.10:34: You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession (salvation).
Jas.1:2: Consider it all a joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.
Conclusion:
Gaudete, charism, charisma, elate, elation, Leticia (and its other name variations)
I thought it was very timely that I make a post about this term joy. In Greek Hellenism, the gods were often a source of joy. This culture also even received glad tidings of joy.
In the Old Testament, this term takes on the sense of singing, praising, rejoicing, exulting, and laughing. It is important to note that the heart becomes the “seat of emotion.” A joyful heart leads to cheerfulness and generosity.
In the New Testament, there was a lot of joy to be experienced. Although it may sound counter-intuitive and seemingly impossible, joy can be attained even in the midst of struggling, difficulties, adversity, tragedy, and persecution. Grief may be temporary. But joy that comes can be long lasting. Oftentimes, those who have been persecuted for Jesus’ sake, become joyful and blessed.
The girl’s name Leticia means joy and happiness.
2020 has been a very difficult year for many of us (for many reasons). Yet we can still experience this joy even through struggles and loss from this past year.
I wish you glad tidings and a joyous new year!