χαρά (chara)
chara
joy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 57 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chara denotes a state of gladness or delight that arises from good news or positive circumstances. In the New Testament, it appears fifty-seven times, frequently describing the emotional response to God’s actions. The sources highlight its use in contexts ranging from the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10) to the disciples’ reaction upon seeing the risen Lord (Luke 24:41).
Its meaning extends beyond simple happiness, as it is often contrasted with sorrow or distress. John records Jesus promising that his disciples’ grief will turn into this joy after his departure (John 16:22), and Paul speaks of the kingdom of God as being characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The word also functions metonymically to refer to the very cause of that delight, such as when Paul calls the Philippian believers his "joy and crown" (Philippians 4:1).
Etymologically, chara derives from the verb chairo, meaning "to rejoice." This connection emphasizes that the feeling is a response to an external event rather than an internal mood. Translators typically render it as "joy," though occasionally as "gladness" (Mark 4:16) or "greatly" (John 3:29), reflecting its role as a deep-seated satisfaction rooted in divine grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the Greek word chara, we find a concept that goes deeper than fleeting happiness. It describes a steady gladness rooted in God’s actions and promises. This joy often appears in Scripture as a response to good news, such as the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth or the disciples’ reaction to the empty tomb. It is not merely an emotional high but a deep-seated satisfaction that comes from knowing God is at work.
This kind of joy can remain with us even when circumstances are difficult. Jesus promised his followers that their sorrow would turn into joy, and that no one could take it away. Paul also reminds us that the kingdom of God includes joy in the Holy Spirit. This suggests that our gladness is a gift from God, sustained by His presence rather than dependent on our external situation.
As you read these verses, notice how chara connects us to the heart of God. It invites us to share in the delight He feels over our restoration and faithfulness. This joy is not something we manufacture but something we receive as we focus on who He is and what He has done for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 57 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- joy47×
- with joy5×
- [the] joy2×
- of joy1×
- joy.1×
- joy,1×
- [of] joy1×
- Joy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χαρᾶς22×
- χαρὰ14×
- χαρὰν13×
- χαρᾷ6×
- χαράν,1×
- χαρά.¶1×
- χαρά,1×
- χαρά1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:10
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
The angel uses this word to describe the profound gladness that comes from the arrival of the Messiah, framing joy as a response to divine intervention.
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John 16:22
Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
Jesus contrasts temporary sorrow with a lasting joy that no one can remove, showing this gladness is secure in His return.
-
Acts 13:52
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples are described as being filled with both joy and the Holy Spirit, indicating that this gladness is a spiritual gift rather than just an emotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chara mean in the New Testament?
How is this joy different from happiness?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (57 verses across 18 books)
Matthew 6 verses
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 13:20What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
Matthew 13:44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…
Matthew 28:8They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.