### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἀγαλλίασις (agallíasis)**, represented by `{{G20}}`, describes a profound **exultation** or **exceeding joy**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying an intense form of gladness that often arises in response to a significant divine act or promise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G20}}` is used to express a deep and responsive joy. It describes the physical reaction of the babe in Elizabeth's womb, who leaped for **joy** upon hearing Mary's salutation [[Luke 1:44]]. This same word is used to foretell the **gladness** that the birth of John the Baptist would bring to many [[Luke 1:14]]. The early church experienced this joy in their daily life, eating their meals with **gladness** [[Acts 2:46]]. The term also carries a divine dimension, as Christ is anointed with the "oil of **gladness**" [[Hebrews 1:9]], and believers are to be presented before God's glory with "exceeding **joy**" [[Jude 1:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to frame the meaning of exultation:
* `{{G5479}}` **chará** (cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous)): This general word for joy appears alongside `{{G20}}` to describe the reaction to John the Baptist's birth [[Luke 1:14]].
* `{{G5463}}` **chaírō** (a primary verb; to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well:--farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy(- fully), rejoice): This verb form is used in the same context, stating that many will **rejoice** at the birth [[Luke 1:14]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (from the base of δοκέω; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.): This term is directly linked to `{{G20}}`, where believers are presented faultless before God's **glory** with exceeding joy [[Jude 1:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G20}}` is tied to its expression of profound joy in response to God's actions.
* **Joy in Redemptive Events:** The word is used to mark the beginning of the New Testament narrative, capturing the exultant response to the coming of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ ([[Luke 1:14]], [[Luke 1:44]]).
* **Fruit of Christian Fellowship:** In the early church, this **gladness** was a defining characteristic of their shared life and community, demonstrating the joy that comes from unified worship and fellowship [[Acts 2:46]].
* **Eschatological Hope:** `{{G20}}` points to the ultimate hope of the believer. It is the "exceeding **joy**" that accompanies being presented faultless in the presence of God's glory, the culmination of the believer's journey [[Jude 1:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G20}}` signifies more than simple happiness; it is a deep-seated **exultation** rooted in God's redemptive work. It spans from the personal, physical reaction to God's promises [[Luke 1:44]] to the daily, communal **gladness** of the church [[Acts 2:46]]. Ultimately, it represents the climactic and eternal **joy** of standing in the presence of God's glory [[Jude 1:24]], illustrating a powerful form of joy that is a direct response to the mighty acts and presence of God.
TRV