"exultation, extreme joy"
Definition and meaning
exultation, extreme joy
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀγαλλίασις
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
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 agalliasis (G20) across the King James Bible.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
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Common questions
Strong's G20 (agalliasis) is a Greek word that means: exultation, extreme joy It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word agalliasis (G20) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G20 is agalliasis, a Greek word defined as: exultation, extreme joy. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
agalliasis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.