"to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, be full of joy, Mt. 2:10; 5:12; 18:13; Mk. 14:11; Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 2:3; a term of salutation, Hail! Mt. 26:49; λέγω χαίρειν, to greet, 2 Jn. 10:11; an epistolary forth, Health! Acts 15:23"
Definition and meaning
to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, be full of joy, Mt. 2:10; 5:12; 18:13; Mk. 14:11; Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 2:3; a term of salutation, Hail! Mt. 26:49; λέγω χαίρειν, to greet, 2 Jn. 10:11; an epistolary forth, Health! Acts 15:23
In the original Greek the word is written: χαίρω
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 chairo (G5463) across the King James Bible.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
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Common questions
Strong's G5463 (chairo) is a Greek word that means: to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, be full of joy, Mt. 2:10; 5:12; 18:13; Mk. 14:11; Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 2:3; a term of salutation, Hail! Mt. 26:49; λέγω χαίρειν, to greet, 2 Jn. 10:11; an epistolary fort... It appears 68 times in the King James Bible.
The word chairo (G5463) appears 68 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5463 is chairo, a Greek word defined as: to rejoice, be glad, be joyful, be full of joy, Mt. 2:10; 5:12; 18:13; Mk. 14:11; Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 2:3; a term of salutation, Hail! Mt. 26:49; λέγω . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
chairo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.