ἀγαλλιάω – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gal-lee-AH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G21: To exult, rejoice exceedingly, be overjoyed. This intensified form of rejoicing describes an overwhelming spiritual joy that manifests in visible expression, often including physical demonstration such as leaping or dancing for joy.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Origin: Compound of ἄγαν (very much) and ἅλλομαι (to jump, leap)

Morphology:

• ἀγαλλιάω (Present Active Indicative) – I am exulting
• ἀγαλλιᾶσθε (Present Middle/Passive Indicative) – you are exulting
• ἠγαλλιάσατο (Aorist Middle Indicative) – he/she exulted
• ἀγαλλιώμενοι (Present Middle/Passive Participle) – exulting, rejoicing greatly

Word Origin & History

The word ἀγαλλιάω emerges from classical Greek literature where it conveyed intense celebration and jubilation. Its compound structure emphasizes the completeness of the joy being expressed, suggesting an action that engages the whole person – spirit, soul, and body.

In Hellenistic usage, the term was often associated with religious festivities and sacred celebrations, particularly in contexts where divine intervention or blessing was being celebrated.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγαλλιάω appears predominantly in contexts of spiritual rejoicing, often connected to salvation, divine revelation, or eschatological hope. The word frequently occurs in the Gospels and epistles to describe the joy of believers in response to God’s mighty acts of redemption.

The Middle/Passive voice usage suggests this joy is both experienced internally and expressed externally, indicating a divine origin of the rejoicing rather than merely human happiness.

Key Passages:

• Luke 1:47 – Mary’s Magnificat expresses this exultant joy in response to being chosen as the mother of the Messiah
• 1 Peter 1:8 – Believers experience inexpressible and glorious joy despite not seeing Jesus physically
• Revelation 19:7 – The multitude in heaven rejoices at the wedding of the Lamb

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, public expressions of joy often included dancing, singing, and physical movement. The use of ἀγαλλιάω would have evoked images of festival celebrations where people would literally leap and dance with joy, similar to David’s dancing before the Ark of the Covenant.

Theological Significance

This word reveals that genuine spiritual joy is not merely an internal emotion but a transformative experience that affects the whole person. It demonstrates that encounters with God’s grace naturally produce visible expressions of celebration and praise.

The frequent use of ἀγαλλιάω in contexts of salvation highlights that true joy is found in relationship with God and the hope of eternal life, transcending circumstantial happiness.

Personal Application

When we understand the full meaning of ἀγαλλιάω, we’re challenged to examine our own expression of joy in worship. Are we holding back in our celebration of God’s goodness? This word encourages us to embrace uninhibited, wholehearted rejoicing in response to God’s grace.

Related Words

• χαίρω – to rejoice, be glad – See G5463
• εὐφραίνω – to cheer, make glad – See G2165
• σκιρτάω – to leap for joy – See G4640

Did you Know?

• The word ἀγαλλιάω shares its root with the modern Greek word “agalliasi,” still used today to describe ecstatic joy
• In early Christian worship, this kind of rejoicing often included spontaneous dancing and raised hands
• The Septuagint uses this word to translate Hebrew terms associated with exuberant praise in the Psalms

Remember This

True spiritual joy cannot be contained—it must leap forth in passionate expression of praise to God!