ἀγαλλίασις – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gal-lee’-ah-sis (emphasis on ‘lee’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G20: Exultant joy, extreme gladness, or spiritual exultation. This word describes an overwhelming feeling of joy that manifests itself in expression, often through physical demonstration or vocal celebration. It represents the highest form of gladness that bubbles over into external expression.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Language Origin: Compound from ἄγαν (very much) and ἅλλομαι (to leap)

Morphology:

• ἀγαλλίασις (nominative singular) – exultation
• ἀγαλλιάσεως (genitive singular) – of exultation
• ἀγαλλιάσει (dative singular) – with/in exultation

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγαλλίασις emerges from classical Greek literature where it was associated with religious festivities and divine celebration. Its compound structure suggests an intensification of regular joy into something that cannot be contained internally.

The word family appears in the Septuagint (LXX) translation of the Hebrew Bible, often translating Hebrew terms related to rejoicing before Yahweh in worship settings, particularly in the Psalms where it captures the enthusiastic praise of God’s people.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγαλλίασις appears in contexts of both present spiritual joy and eschatological celebration. It frequently describes the joy associated with salvation and the presence of God, distinguishing itself from ordinary happiness by its spiritual depth and external expression.

Key Passages:

• Luke 1:14 – “And you will have joy and gladness (ἀγαλλίασις), and many will rejoice at his birth.”
• Acts 2:46 – “…breaking bread from house to house, they received their food with gladness (ἀγαλλίασις) and simplicity of heart.”
• Hebrews 1:9 – “Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness (ἀγαλλίασις) more than Your companions.”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, joy was considered incomplete unless expressed outwardly. The concept of ἀγαλλίασις aligned perfectly with Jewish worship practices where physical expressions of joy – dancing, shouting, and lifting hands – were normal parts of celebrating God’s goodness.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀγαλλίασις reveals that God intends for His people to experience and express overwhelming joy. This isn’t merely happiness based on circumstances but a deep-seated exultation rooted in divine reality.

The word appears prominently in Messianic contexts, particularly regarding Jesus’ own joy and the joy He brings. This suggests that true spiritual exultation is both a gift from God and a response to His presence and work.

Personal Application

Believers today can embrace the full-bodied nature of biblical joy. Rather than constraining our worship to quiet contemplation, ἀγαλλίασις encourages us to express our joy in God physically and vocally. This challenges modern tendencies to separate emotional expression from spiritual experience.

Related Words

• χαρά (joy, delight) – See G5479
• εὐφροσύνη (gladness, good cheer) – See G2167
• σκιρτάω (to leap for joy) – See G4640

Did You Know?

• The word ἀγαλλίασις appears only five times in the New Testament, but its verbal form ἀγαλλιάω occurs much more frequently
• Modern Greek still uses this word family to describe intense celebration, particularly in religious contexts
• The concept was so important that early Christian worship was known for its exuberant expressions of joy, even during times of persecution

Remember This

“True biblical joy isn’t just felt in the heart—it leaps in the soul and dances in the feet!”