ἀγαλλιάω

agalliáō /ag-al-lee-ah'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom agan (much) and ἅλλομαι · properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult
KJV usagebe (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō), represented by G21, describes an exuberant form of joy. Derived from agan (much) and ἅλλομαι, its proper meaning is to jump for joy or to exult. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses, often translated as "be (exceeding) glad," with "exceeding joy," or to "rejoice (greatly)."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G21 signifies a profound spiritual joy, often in response to God's actions. Mary's spirit "hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" Luke 1:47, and Jesus himself "rejoiced in spirit" over the Father's sovereign will Luke 10:21. This exultation is commanded for believers, even in the midst of persecution, with the promise of a great reward in heaven Matthew 5:12. It is also a forward-looking joy, as Abraham "rejoiced to see" the day of Christ John 8:56, and it is the reaction of a new believer who "rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" Acts 16:34.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the context of this powerful emotion:

  • G5463 chaírō (to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off): This common word for joy is often used in tandem with G21 to show an escalation of emotion, such as in the command to "Rejoice G5463, and be exceeding glad G21" Matthew 5:12.
  • G5479 chará (cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight): This noun for joy is the direct result of the action of G21. Believers are described as those who "rejoice G21 with joy G5479 unspeakable and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8.
  • G2165 euphraínō (rejoice, make merry): Defined as being put in a good frame of mind, this word is used in prophecy to say "my heart rejoice G2165, and my tongue was glad G21," linking internal cheerfulness to outward exultation Acts 2:26.
  • G1391 dóxa (glory, honour, praise): This exultation is frequently connected to the revelation of God's glory. Believers who partake in Christ's sufferings can expect to "be glad also with exceeding joy G21" when his "glory G1391 shall be revealed" 1 Peter 4:13.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G21 is significant, highlighting a joy that transcends earthly circumstances.

  • Joy in God's Character and Salvation: The joy of G21 is directed toward God himself. It is seen in Mary's celebration of God her Saviour Luke 1:47 and in the great heavenly crowd that will "rejoice G21" and give honour to him at the marriage of the Lamb Revelation 19:7.
  • Exultation Amidst Trials: The word is used to describe a believer's state even while experiencing "manifold temptations" 1 Peter 1:6. This is not a denial of suffering, but a joy rooted in a greater hope that is "full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8.
  • Response to Divine Revelation: This joy is a response to understanding God's plan. Jesus rejoiced when the Father revealed truths to "babes" Luke 10:21, and believers are to rejoice with exceeding joy when Christ's glory is finally revealed 1 Peter 4:13.

Summary

In summary, G21 is far more than simple happiness. It is a profound, outward exultation—a spiritual "jumping for joy"—that is rooted in the salvation and glory of God. It defines the response of a believer who, despite present trials, recognizes the supreme worth and triumphant reality of God's redemptive work. This word captures a joy that is not dependent on circumstance but on the unshakable truth of God.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Deponent Infinitive 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in 1 Peter (3 verses).

1
Matthew
2
Luke
2
John
2
Acts
3
1 Peter
1
Revelation

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