Joy

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

Attributed to God

• Deuteronomy 28:63 Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.
• Deuteronomy 30:9 So the LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land. Indeed, the LORD will again delight in your prosperity, as He delighted in that of your fathers,
• Jeremiah 32:41 Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.

In heaven

• Luke 15:10–32 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. After a few days, the younger s…

Unclassified Scriptures Relating to

• Deuteronomy 12:18 Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose— you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,
• 1 Samuel 2:1 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.
• 1 Chronicles 16:27 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling.
• 2 Chronicles 7:10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad of heart for the good things that the LORD had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel.
• Ezra 6:22 For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel.
• Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
• Nehemiah 8:12 Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.
• Nehemiah 12:43 On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.
• Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with a shout of joy.
• Job 22:21 Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you.

Instances of

Of Moses and the Israelites, when Pharaoh and his army were destroyed

• Exodus 15:1–22 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt H…

Of Deborah and the Israelites, when Sisera was overthrown

• Judges 5 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: “When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD. Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. O LORD, when You went out from Seir, w… (whole chapter)

Of Jephthah's daughter, when he returned from his victory over the Ammonites

• Judges 11:34 And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her.

Of Hannah, when Samuel was born

• 1 Samuel 2:1–11 At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. Do not boast so proudly…

Of Naomi, when Boaz showed kindness to Ruth

• Ruth 2:20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”
• Ruth 4:14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel.

Of the Israelites

When Saul was presented as their king

• 1 Samuel 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

When David killed Goliath

• 1 Samuel 18:6–7 As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, a…

When they came to David to Hebron to make him king

• 1 Chronicles 12:40 And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen— abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.

When they took the ark of the covenant from Kirjath-jearim

• 1 Chronicles 13:8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

When they brought the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem

• 1 Chronicles 15:16 David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments— harps, lyres, and cymbals.
• 1 Chronicles 15:25 So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom.
• 1 Chronicles 15:28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and with cymbals and the music of harps and lyres.

When they made gifts to the house of God

• 1 Chronicles 29:9 And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.

When they observed the dedication of the temple, and the feast of tabernacles under Ezra

• Ezra 6:16 Then the people of Israel — the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles — celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
• Ezra 6:22 For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel.

Of the Jews, after hearing, anew, the word of God

• Nehemiah 8:9–18 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is ric…

When they turned away from idolatry

• 2 Chronicles 15:14–15 They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
• 2 Chronicles 23:18 Moreover, Jehoiada put the oversight of the house of the LORD into the hands of the Levitical priests, whom David had appointed over the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and song, as ordained by David.
• 2 Chronicles 23:21 and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been put to the sword.
• 2 Chronicles 29:30 Then King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the LORD in the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed down and worshiped.
• 2 Chronicles 29:36 Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had prepared for the people, because everything had been accomplished so quickly.
• 2 Chronicles 30:21 The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD.
• 2 Chronicles 30:23 The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy.
• 2 Chronicles 30:26 So there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for nothing like this had happened there since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel.

When the wall of Jerusalem was dedicated

• Nehemiah 12:43 On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.

When the foundation of the second temple was laid

• Ezra 3:11–13 And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levit…

Of David, over the offerings of the princes and people for the house of God

• 1 Chronicles 29:10–19 Then David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly and said: “May You be blessed, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs…

Jews, over the hanging of Haman

• Esther 8:15–16 Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor.
• Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Of Elisabeth, when Mary visited her

• Luke 1:5–44 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. But they…

Of Mary, when she visited Elisabeth

• Luke 1:46–56 Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who…

Of Zecharias, when John the Baptist was born

• Luke 1:67–79 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past…

Of angels, when Jesus was born

• Luke 2:13–14 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”

Of the shepherds, when they saw the infant Jesus

• Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.

Of the Magi

• Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.

Of Simeon, when Jesus was presented in the temple

• Luke 2:28–32 Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

Of the disciples, because the demons were subject to them

• Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”

Of the father, when his prodigal son returned

• Luke 15:20–32 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But…

Of angels, when sinners repent

• Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.
• Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

Of the disciples, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem

• Matthew 21:8–9 A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
• Mark 11:8–10 Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in…

Of the women who returned from the Lord's sepulcher

• Matthew 28:8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

The disciple, after the resurrection of Jesus

• Luke 24:41 While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

Of the disciples in the temple after the ascension of Jesus

• Luke 24:53 praising God continually in the temple.

Of the disciples in the temple because they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit

• Acts 2:46–47 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Of the immobile man who was healed by Peter

• Acts 3:8 He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

Of Paul, when he went up to Jerusalem

• Acts 20:22–24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry…

Of Paul and Silas, in the jail at Philippi

• Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Of Rhoda, when she heard Peter at the gate

• Acts 12:14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!”

Of the disciples at Jerusalem, when Peter told them about the conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles

• Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

Of Barnabas, when he saw the success of the gospel at Antioch (in Syria)

• Acts 11:22–23 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

Of Paul and the Corinthians, because the excommunicated member repented

• 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
• 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.

Of Paul and Titus, because of the hospitality of the Corinthians

• 2 Corinthians 7:13 On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
• 2 Corinthians 8:6 So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.
• Romans 15:32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
• 1 Corinthians 16:18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Of the Macedonian Christians, when they made a contribution for the Christians at Jerusalem

• 2 Corinthians 8:2 In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

Of Paul, when he prayed for the Philippian Christians

• Philippians 1:4 In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,

Of Thessalonians, when they believed Paul's gospel

• 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.

Of Paul, rejoicing over his converts

• 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? You are indeed our glory and our joy.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:9 How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?
• Philemon 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Of early Christians, when they believed in Jesus

• 1 Peter 1:8–9 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Of the Wicked

• Job 20:5 the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?
• Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.
• Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
• Ecclesiastes 2:10 Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
• Ecclesiastes 7:6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
• Ecclesiastes 11:8–9 So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile. Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight…
• Isaiah 16:10 Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering.
• James 4:9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.

See Happiness

See Praise

See Thanksgiving