ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis)
agalliasis
joy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun agalliasis describes a state of intense, overflowing joy that goes beyond simple happiness. It conveys a sense of exultation or ecstatic delight, often associated with loud praise or visible celebration. In the New Testament, this word appears in only five verses, giving it a distinct and powerful presence wherever it occurs.
Its usage highlights moments of profound spiritual significance. Mary uses it to describe her baby’s reaction to her greeting, indicating a joyful leap (Luke 1:44). The early church is depicted as sharing meals with "gladness and singleness of heart," where this exuberant joy was a hallmark of their community life (Acts 2:46). It also appears in descriptions of divine favor, such as the Father’s love for the Son (Hebrews 1:9) and God’s power to keep believers blameless with great joy (Jude 24).
This term often pairs with other words for gladness, emphasizing a joy that is both deep and outwardly expressive. Unlike quieter contentment, agalliasis suggests a spirit lifted up by a significant reality, reflecting the intense delight found in God’s presence and promises.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agalliasis points to a joy that overflows rather than stays contained. It is the kind of delight that makes the spirit leap, much like the baby in Mary’s womb responding to her greeting. This is not a quiet satisfaction but a vibrant expression of life found in God’s promises.
When we encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that true joy is often communal and visible. The early believers shared meals with gladness, showing that their faith was lived out in open celebration. We are invited to let our own hearts respond with similar openness, trusting that God can fill us with a joy that reflects His presence.
Ultimately, this deep delight is something we look forward to. It is the hope of standing faultless before God’s glory, sustained by His power. May you find moments where your spirit leaps in response to His goodness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of exultation1×
- gladness,1×
- gladness1×
- exultation —1×
- exultation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγαλλιάσει2×
- ἀγαλλίασις,1×
- ἀγαλλιάσεως1×
- ἀγαλλιάσει,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:44
For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
This verse captures the physical manifestation of agalliasis as the baby leaps in response to Mary's voice.
-
Acts 2:46
Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
Here the word describes the shared, daily celebration that characterized the early church's community life.
-
Jude 1:24
Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy,
This occurrence highlights the future hope of presenting believers faultless before God in great joy.