Joy: Responding to God’s Goodness
In the third week of Advent, we’re reflecting on joy. Joy’s not only a feeling based on circumstances but a rich biblical theme expressed in song, celebration, and even shouts of delight in all seasons of life. In the Hebrew Bible, words for joy appear most often in Psalms and describe communal feasts, temple offerings, and weddings. In these moments, joy is about remembering God’s goodness in the past and anticipating his future rescue. The New Testament continues this story, with Luke and Acts in particular overflowing with joy at the arrival of the Messiah, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the resurrection of Jesus. In this episode, Jon and Tim find the theme of joy everywhere in Scripture, even before God’s work is ultimately finished.
Episode Chapters
Show Notes
Reflection Questions
What do the four main Hebrew words for joy (samaekh, giyl, rannen, and *sasson) *and the Greek words (chara and *agalliao) *reveal about the range of human experiences in relationship to God?
How does the Exodus story display joy as anticipatory, even before the journey is complete?
How do weddings, family, and friendship in the Bible illustrate the fullness of joy?
How did ancient Israel’s pilgrimages and temple sacrifices cultivate joy?
How is joy connected to God’s presence in the Holy Spirit?
Why do the apostles rejoice after being beaten and rejected in Acts 5?
How does the pattern of past joy and anticipatory joy in the Bible set the pattern for joy during the season of Advent?
Chapter 1: The Hebrew Words For Joy
Advent frames joy as just one part of the fourfold practice of hope, peace, joy, and love, which teaches God’s people to rejoice in anticipation—just like Simeon and Anna did as they awaited the Messiah (Luke 2:28–30; Luke 2:36–38). The Hebrew Bible uses a rich vocabulary for joy. Samaekh / simkhah refers to feeling happiness or gladness (Jeremiah 33:10–11; Proverbs 27:9). Giyl / giylyah is to rejoice or express joy (Proverbs 23:22–25). Rannen / rinenah means to shout for joy (Psalm 32:11), and sus / sasson also means joy or rejoice (Psalm 105:43).
Chapter 2: Joy In Psalms, Songs, And Processions
Israel celebrated God’s saving acts and provision with pilgrimages, temple sacrifices, and testimonies in the assembly (Psalm 42:4; Isaiah 30:29; Psalm 107:21-22). After the Exodus deliverance, Israel sang a song of joy, praising Yahweh for his mercy, power, and rescue (Exodus 15:1-2, 20–21).
Chapter 3: New Testament Joy In Jesus And The Spirit
The New Testament uses several Greek words: khairo / *chara *(rejoice and joy) and agalliao / agaliasis (to be happy or glad, happiness). Luke has a rich vocabulary to describe the immense joy at the Messiah’s arrival, experiences of his presence, and the transition from sadness to joy after his resurrection (Luke 1:14; Luke 1:46-47; Luke 10:17-21; Luke 24:38-43). Additionally, Luke highlights the joy of Spirit-filled Church, even as it faces tragedy and persecution (Acts 5:41-42; Acts 13:49-52).
Chapter 4: Reflections On Joy With Alena
Our podcast editor Tyler talks with Alena, an art director on our design team, about what brings her joy.
Scripture References
Referenced Resources
- Chara / Joy: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores one of the biblical words for joy, chara.
Interested in learning more? Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.
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Show Music
- “I'll Be Warm This Christmas” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz
- “Joy” by Lofi Sunday & CRFT
- “Snowflakes” by Aves
- BibleProject theme song by TENTS
Show Credits
Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Alena.
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