### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō), Strong's `{{G21}}`, is derived from agan (much) and ἅλλομαι (hállomai, to jump or leap). This etymology immediately reveals its core meaning: a demonstrative, often physical, expression of intense joy. It signifies to "jump for joy," "to leap for gladness," or "to exult." Unlike mere gladness (`{{G5463}}` χαίρω), ἀγαλλιάω conveys an overflowing, exuberant, and sometimes even boisterous joy that is difficult to contain. Its semantic range includes being exceedingly glad, rejoicing greatly, and triumphing with an outward manifestation of delight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ἀγαλλιάω in the New Testament consistently underscore its profound and often divinely-sourced nature of joy:
* In [[Luke 1:47]], Mary declares, "My spirit has rejoiced (ἠγαλλίασεν) in God my Savior." This is a deep, personal exultation in the unique divine favor shown to her and the redemptive work God is initiating through her.
* Jesus uses the term in [[Matthew 5:12]] in the Beatitudes, instructing those persecuted for His sake to "Rejoice (χαίρετε) and be glad (ἀγαλλιᾶσθε), for your reward is great in heaven." Here, ἀγαλλιάω intensifies the call to joy, suggesting an exuberant gladness even amidst suffering, rooted in the promise of eternal reward.
* [[John 8:56]] records Jesus stating, "Your father Abraham rejoiced (ἠγαλλιάσατο) that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad." This highlights a profound, anticipatory joy rooted in divine revelation and prophetic insight.
* In [[Acts 2:26]], Peter, quoting Psalm 16:9, applies it to Christ's resurrection: "Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced (ἠγαλλιάσατο)." This connects ἀγαλλιάω directly to the triumph over death and the hope of resurrection.
* Perhaps most powerfully, [[1 Peter 1:6]] states, "In this you greatly rejoice (ἀγαλλιᾶσθε), though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials." Similarly, [[1 Peter 4:13]] exhorts believers to "rejoice (ἀγαλλιᾶσθε) insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad (ἀγαλλιώμενοι) when his glory is revealed." These passages reveal a paradoxical joy that transcends present suffering, grounded in the certainty of future salvation and glory.
* Finally, in [[Revelation 19:7]], at the consummation of all things, the heavenly multitude declares, "Let us rejoice (χαίρωμεν) and exult (ἀγαλλιῶμεν), and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come." This portrays ἀγαλλιάω as the ultimate expression of celebratory worship at the eschatological triumph of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀγαλλιάω is closely related to its noun form, `{{G20}}` ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis), which also denotes "exultation" or "extreme joy" (e.g., [[Luke 1:14]], [[Acts 2:46]], [[Jude 1:24]]).
It stands distinct from, yet often complements, `{{G5463}}` χαίρω (chairō), which means "to rejoice" or "be glad." While χαίρω can denote a general sense of happiness, ἀγαλλιάω implies a more intense, overflowing, and often outwardly expressed joy.
Other related terms include `{{G2744}}` καυχάομαι (kauchaomai, to boast or glory), which can sometimes overlap in meaning when boasting is done "in the Lord," but ἀγαλλιάω focuses more purely on the internal feeling bursting forth rather than the act of boasting itself. `{{G2165}}` εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, to make merry, be glad) often relates to more general enjoyment, particularly in feasting or celebration, whereas ἀγαλλιάω carries a more spiritual and profound intensity. In the Septuagint, ἀγαλλιάω frequently translates Hebrew verbs like `{{H1523}}` גִּיל (gil, to rejoice, shout for joy) or `{{H7797}}` שׂוּשׂ (sus, to rejoice, be glad), which likewise convey an exuberant, often vocal, expression of joy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀγαλλιάω is profound, highlighting several key aspects of the believer's experience:
* **Divine Source:** The joy expressed by ἀγαλλιάω is consistently rooted in God's saving acts, His promises, and His presence. It is not a fleeting human emotion but a spiritual overflow directly connected to divine revelation and redemption.
* **Eschatological Orientation:** This intense joy is frequently directed towards future hope—the coming of Christ, the consummation of salvation, and the revelation of God's glory. It is the joy of anticipation for God's ultimate triumph.
* **Joy Amidst Adversity:** A striking feature is its presence even in the midst of suffering and persecution. This paradoxical joy testifies to the supernatural nature of Christian gladness, which transcends earthly circumstances and finds its basis in a secure hope in God.
* **Worshipful Response:** The very nature of "jumping for joy" implies a worshipful, celebratory, and often physical response to God's goodness and mighty deeds. It is an appropriate and fervent expression of praise and gratitude for His sovereign grace.
* **Authentic Faith:** The capacity for such profound exultation in God, particularly when facing trials, serves as a hallmark of authentic faith and a witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō, `{{G21}}`) signifies an intense, overflowing, and often outwardly expressed joy, literally meaning "to jump for joy" or "to exult." It represents a profound spiritual gladness experienced by believers in response to God's salvation, His promises, and the hope of future glory. This exultation is not diminished by present suffering but is often found precisely in the midst of it, pointing to a divine source and an eschatological fulfillment. Ultimately, ἀγαλλιάω encapsulates a deep, worshipful affirmation of God's saving work and sovereign plan, manifesting as an irrepressible joy that testifies to His goodness and faithfulness.
TRV