"to celebrate, praise; usually in the middle in the NT (ἀγαλλιάομαι) to exult, rejoice exceedingly; to desire ardently, Jn. 8:56"
Definition and meaning
to celebrate, praise; usually in the middle in the NT (ἀγαλλιάομαι) to exult, rejoice exceedingly; to desire ardently, Jn. 8:56
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀγαλλιάω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of agalliao (G21) across the King James Bible.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
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Common questions
Strong's G21 (agalliao) is a Greek word that means: to celebrate, praise; usually in the middle in the NT (ἀγαλλιάομαι) to exult, rejoice exceedingly; to desire ardently, Jn. 8:56 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word agalliao (G21) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G21 is agalliao, a Greek word defined as: to celebrate, praise; usually in the middle in the NT (ἀγαλλιάομαι) to exult, rejoice exceedingly; to desire ardently, Jn. 8:56. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
agalliao is a Greek word found in the New Testament.