χαίρω (chairō)
chairō
to rejoice
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 68 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb chairō describes a state of being glad or rejoicing, often carrying a sense of calm well-being rather than fleeting excitement. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in Luke’s Gospel and Paul’s letters, such as when Mary prophesies that her spirit will rejoice in God (Luke 1:47) or when Paul urges believers to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4). It captures a deep-seated joy that persists even amid external circumstances.
Interestingly, chairō also functions as a standard greeting in both spoken and written contexts. At meetings, it translates to "hail" or "greetings," as seen when the angel announces Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:28) or when soldiers mockingly address him on the cross (Matthew 27:29). In epistolary openings, it serves as a formal salutation, establishing a tone of goodwill before the letter’s content begins.
This dual usage highlights how joy and greeting are intertwined in biblical thought. To wish someone well is to wish them rejoicing. The word bridges personal emotion and social interaction, showing that true joy is not just an internal feeling but something expressed outwardly in relationships and community life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chairō points to a steady, deep-seated gladness that does not depend on shifting circumstances. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears in Mary’s song of praise and in Jesus’ teaching about the lost sheep being found with great joy. This suggests that true rejoicing is rooted in who God is and what He has done, rather than in temporary successes or comfort.
It also functions as a common greeting, linking personal emotion with social connection. To wish someone well is to wish them this kind of enduring joy. When Paul urges believers to rejoice always, he is not asking for forced happiness but inviting us into a shared life where gladness flows from faith and community.
This dual use reminds us that joy is both an inner state and an outward expression. It invites us to greet others with goodwill and to find contentment in God’s presence, even when external events are uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 68 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do rejoice7×
- rejoicing,5×
- I rejoice5×
- to rejoice4×
- rejoicing4×
- they rejoiced3×
- I rejoiced3×
- Greeting.3×
- rejoicing.2×
- Hail2×
- Greetings!2×
- you may rejoice,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐχάρησαν5×
- χαίρω5×
- χαίρετε5×
- χαῖρε3×
- χαίροντες,3×
- χαίροντες3×
- χαίρειν3×
- χαίρει3×
- Ἐχάρην2×
- ἐχάρη2×
- χαῖρε,2×
- χαίρομεν2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:28
Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”
The angel uses chairō as a greeting to Mary, establishing that divine favor is associated with a state of gladness and peace.
-
John 16:20
Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
Jesus contrasts the world’s fleeting rejoicing with the disciples’ sorrow turning into lasting joy through His resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chairō mean in the New Testament?
Why is chairō used as a greeting in the Bible?
How is chairō different from other words for happiness?
Where does chairō appear most often?
Every Occurrence (68 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 6 verses
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who…
Matthew 18:13If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…
Matthew 26:49Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Matthew 27:29They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him…
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…