Joyful Celebration: χαίρω (Strong’s G5463: chairō) Radiates Divine Delight

Strong’s G5463: A primary verb expressing joy, gladness, and delight. From Proto-Indo-European roots, chairō conveys deep-seated joy and rejoicing, often used in greetings. In New Testament usage, it represents both everyday happiness and profound spiritual joy, particularly in relation to divine encounters and salvation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Chairō embodies a spectrum of joy from common gladness to profound spiritual elation. As a primary verb, it expresses genuine delight and celebration, often marking moments of divine revelation or spiritual breakthrough. In Hellenistic culture, it served as a standard greeting, similar to “hello” or “welcome,” but in New Testament contexts, it takes on deeper theological significance. Early church fathers emphasized its connection to spiritual joy that transcends circumstances, particularly in relation to salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Today, chairō reminds believers that true joy isn’t merely emotional but stems from a deep relationship with the Messiah, reflecting the kind of joy that characterized the early church’s response to the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χαίρω, chairō, /khai’-rō/
• Detailed pronunciation: khī-rō (where ‘kh’ is guttural like ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: χαίρω (chairō)
• From Proto-Indo-European *ǵher- meaning “to desire” or “to find pleasure”
• Related to χάρις (charis, grace)

D – Defining Meanings

• To rejoice, be glad
• To be well, thrive
• To greet, bid farewell (in imperative form)

For compound words: Not applicable as chairō is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “Rejoice” – Best captures the spiritual dimension of joy
• “Be glad” – Emphasizes the emotional aspect
• “Greet” – Specific to contextual usage in salutations

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εὐφραίνω (euphrainō) /yoo-frah’-ee-no/ – emphasizes celebration and festivity See G2165
• ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō) /ag-al-lee-ah’-o/ – describes exuberant joy or exultation See G21
• σκιρτάω (skirtaō) /skeer-tah’-o/ – depicts physical expression of joy, to leap See G4640

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, chairō exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• χαίρω (I rejoice)
• χαίρεις (you rejoice)
• χαῖρε (rejoice! – imperative)
• χαρήσομαι (I will rejoice)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The comprehensive lexical analysis of chairō reveals its rich semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its use in both secular and sacred contexts, from common greetings to profound spiritual joy. Thayer’s highlights its connection to divine grace (charis) and its usage in expressing congratulations. LSJ traces its classical development from “to be cheerful” to its later religious significance. Vine’s notes its frequent appearance in epistolary greetings and its spiritual application. Strong’s connects it to the concept of calmness of mind. LEH demonstrates its Septuagint usage paralleling Hebrew שָׂמַח (samach). Moulton and Milligan’s papyri studies show its widespread use in personal letters as a standard greeting formula.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
When they saw the star, they [rejoiced (χαίρω)] with exceeding great joy.

Additional References:
Matthew 5:12, Luke 1:28, John 16:20, Romans 12:15, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Chairō represents more than mere happiness; it embodies the profound joy that comes from experiencing God’s presence and grace. This verb appears at crucial moments in the gospel narrative, from the angel’s greeting to Mary to Paul’s exhortations to “rejoice always.” It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus brings a joy that transcends circumstances, rooted in the eternal reality of God’s kingdom. This joy isn’t optional for believers but is a natural response to understanding and experiencing the gospel’s transformative power.

D – Did You Know?

• Chairō was used as the standard greeting in ancient Greek letters, similar to “Dear” in English
• The imperative form χαῖρε was used to mock Jesus during His passion, showing how divine joy was perverted by human cruelty
• In modern Greek, chairō evolved into “γεια σου” (yia sou), a common greeting

Strong’s G5463: A primary verb expressing joy, gladness, and delight. From Proto-Indo-European roots, chairō conveys deep-seated joy and rejoicing, often used in greetings. In New Testament usage, it represents both everyday happiness and profound spiritual joy, particularly in relation to divine encounters and salvation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: joy, rejoicing, greeting, gladness, celebration, worship, praise, happiness, divine joy, spiritual delight, New Testament Greek, biblical Greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​