"joy, gladness, rejoicing, Mt. 2:10; 13:20, 44; 28:8; meton, joy, cause of joy, occasion of rejoicing, Lk. 2:10; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19, 20; bliss, Mt. 25:21, 23"
Definition and meaning
joy, gladness, rejoicing, Mt. 2:10; 13:20, 44; 28:8; meton, joy, cause of joy, occasion of rejoicing, Lk. 2:10; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19, 20; bliss, Mt. 25:21, 23
In the original Greek the word is written: χαρά
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 chara (G5479) across the King James Bible.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
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Common questions
Strong's G5479 (chara) is a Greek word that means: joy, gladness, rejoicing, Mt. 2:10; 13:20, 44; 28:8; meton, joy, cause of joy, occasion of rejoicing, Lk. 2:10; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19, 20; bliss, Mt. 25:21, 23 It appears 56 times in the King James Bible.
The word chara (G5479) appears 56 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5479 is chara, a Greek word defined as: joy, gladness, rejoicing, Mt. 2:10; 13:20, 44; 28:8; meton, joy, cause of joy, occasion of rejoicing, Lk. 2:10; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19, 20; bliss, M. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
chara is a Greek word found in the New Testament.