JOY (שִׂמְחָה, H8525, gladness, mirth; גִּיל֙, H1637, rejoicing; ἀγαλλίασις, G21, exultation, exuberant joy; χαρά, G5915, delight). The Heb. words are esp. vivid, simhah, the more common, having the root meaning “to shine” or “to be bright,” and gel, seeming to mean to go around or go about, emphasizes activity or motion.

1. Old Testament. There is a general usage of the term joy in the OT, applying to the state of mind in any pleasurable experience. The particular usage, however, is a religious emotion. This is most notable in the Psalms, where it appears as a natural consequence of the individual’s fellowship with God who is the source of joy (Pss 16:11; 51:12). Various attributes and works of God evoke this joy, such as His judgments (Ps 48:11), and His governance over the earth (Ps 97).

Joy was prominent in the total national and religious life of Israel. The inward emotion found expression in outward shouting, singing, leaping, and dancing. The most complete occasion or motivation for this religious joy was the experience of salvation, which came to particular intensity in the contemplation of the future state (Isa 49:13; 61:10f.).

Nor is joy solely a human quality. God is pictured as rejoicing in His works (Ps 104:31), and delighting in prospering His people (Deut 30:9).

2. New Testament. The NT is richer yet in its description of joy. The mighty redemptive works of God, esp. the coming of His Son (Luke 2:10), and the Resurrection of Christ (24:41), were causes of joy. Joy in the NT is not merely an emotion, but a characteristic of the Christian. It is a fruit produced by the inner working of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22), being dynamic rather than static. It is not affected by circumstances however adverse and painful; in fact, joy may be the outcome of suffering for Christ’s sake (Col 1:24).

Jesus was characterized by joy in the task and goal set before Him (Heb 12:2). The Father is pictured as rejoicing over the salvation of one lost sinner in the three parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (Luke 15:3-24). Paul also found joy in the spiritual development and steadfastness of fellow believers (Phil 4:1).

Bibliography J. S. Banks, “Joy,” HDB, II (1899), 790; G. C. Martin, “Joy,” HDCG, I (1906), 903-905; E. G. Gulin, Die Freude im Neuen Testament (1932); D. M. Edwards, “Joy,” ISBE, III (1952), 1755; J. B. Payne, The Theology of the Older Testament (1962), 417-419; S. S. Smalley, “Joy,” NBD (1962), 665, 666.