χαρά
chara
joy
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word χαρά (chara) is defined as joy. It is used 60 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in the text. This word encompasses a sense of happiness, delight, and pleasure that arises from a positive experience or relationship. χαρά is used in various contexts, including expressions of gratitude, celebration of good news, and descriptions of a person's emotional state. Its range of usage suggests that it is a fundamental aspect of human experience, highlighting the significance of joy in everyday life. The frequency of its occurrence also implies that joy is a common theme in the Bible, warranting further exploration. The significance of χαρά lies in its association with positive emotions and experiences. It serves as a counterpoint to negative emotions like sorrow and grief, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in life's challenges and triumphs. By examining the usage of χαρά, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the role of joy in the human experience and its relevance to their own lives.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
60 total occurrences across the text — showing 50
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 13:20What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it;
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 28:8They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.
Mark 4:16These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
Luke 1:14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
Luke 2:10The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Luke 8:13Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation.
Luke 10:17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
Luke 15:7I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
Luke 15:10Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.”
Luke 24:41While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
Luke 24:52They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
John 3:29He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.
John 3:29He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.
John 15:11I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:11I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 16:20Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
John 16:21A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.
John 16:22Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
John 16:24Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
John 17:13But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
Acts 8:8There was great joy in that city.
Acts 12:14When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
Acts 13:52The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 15:3They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.
Acts 20:24But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
Romans 15:13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:32that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest.
2 Corinthians 1:24We don’t control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.
2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you.
2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
2 Corinthians 7:13Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
2 Corinthians 8:2how in much proof of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
Philippians 1:4always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy,
Philippians 1:25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
Philippians 2:2make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
Philippians 2:29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor,
Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Colossians 1:11strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
1 Thessalonians 1:6You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
1 Thessalonians 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
1 Thessalonians 2:20For you are our glory and our joy.
1 Thessalonians 3:9For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
2 Timothy 1:4longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Philemon 1:7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.