32 Bible Verses about Joy

whom though you have not seen, you love: and though he is not now the object of your view, yet you believe in him, and triumph with such a laudable transport, as cannot be express'd:

then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

and you imitated us, and were imitators of the Lord, having receiv'd the word, notwithstanding all your afflictions, with that alacrity, which the holy spirit inspires.

is it not however some advantage? since in either way, whether it be occasionally, or professedly, Christ is preach'd; which is now, and always will be matter of joy to me. for I know that this shall turn to my deliverance, thro' your prayers, by the spirit, which Jesus Christ will supply me with,

take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast.

the lamp shall no more be lighted in thee; the bridal-song shall be heard there no more: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; all nations were seduc'd by thy enchantments.

be afflicted, be mournful, and weep: let your mirth be converted to sadness, and your joy to vexation.

wo unto you that are full: for you shall be in want. wo unto you that indulge in present pleasure: for mourning and sorrow shall attend you.

At length the seventy return'd with great joy, saying, Lord, even the demons have been made subject to us by virtue of your name.

who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession:

for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast.

and not only so, but we have present joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now obtained the reconciliation.

I use indeed great freedom of speech toward you, yet I greatly glory upon your account: I am filled with comfort, and my joy is still superiour to all my affliction.

how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with,

greater joy I cannot have, than to hear that my children are attach'd to the truth.

verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

that by the will of God we may meet with joy, and rest together in peace.

so that your comfort was no small satisfaction to me: yea, and I was the more exceedingly pleased for that cheerful tranquillity of mind which Titus received from the behaviour of you all.

I therefore desired Titus, as he had begun, to finish this contribution among you.

for they have quieted my mind as well as yours: therefore to such have a regard.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

then you may triumph with joy; secure of being greatly rewarded in heaven: for such was the treatment the prophets received from their forefathers.

when I call to mind your affliction, it makes me ardently desire the exceeding pleasure I shall have in seeing you:

what we have seen and heard, we declare unto you, that ye also may be of the same society with us: and truly associated with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ. and these things write we unto you, that our joy may be perfect.

I had many things to write to you, but I don't think it proper to commit them to paper and ink, because I hope to make you a visit, and deliver them by word of mouth; that so our joy may be compleat.

Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and my crown, whom I long to see, continue firm in your christian profession, my beloved.

for ye are our glory and our joy.

which consideration persuades me that I shall abide, and even continue some time with you all, to improve your advancement in the faith, and to promote your joy:

not that I would arbitrarily prescribe what you should believe, but rather encourage you to go on: for 'tis by faith you have stood.

as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:

and they sung a new song, saying, "thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation; and hast made us kings and priests unto our God: and we shall reign on the earth."

therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. WO to the land, and to the sea: for the devil is come down unto you, in great rage, because he knows that his time is but short."

as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: I say it again, rejoice.

you, who display the doctrine of eternal life) that in the day of Christ I may have the satisfaction of not having pursued my laborious course in vain.

Confide in your guides, and be respectful: that they who are vigilant, as being accountable for your souls, may discharge themselves with cheerfulness, and not with anxiety, which would be to your prejudice.

compleat my joy, by pursuing the same view, living in mutual love, by being unanimous, and cultivating that harmony.

for the Lord's sake, brother, let me have this satisfaction: refresh my heart for his sake.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. it is not uneasy to me to write what I have already said, and it is an advantage to you.

you, who display the doctrine of eternal life) that in the day of Christ I may have the satisfaction of not having pursued my laborious course in vain.

so they set out, accompanied part of the way by the church, and pass'd thro' Phenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, which gave great joy to all the brethren.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. is his mind serene? let him sing psalms.

expressing yourselves in psalms, in hymns, and spiritual songs; and let your hearts beat the time, in concerts of praises to the Lord,

for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour,

for what can be our hope, or joy, what can crown our pretensions, unless it be you, when we shall appear before the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? for ye are our glory and our joy.

how can I be sufficiently thankful to God upon your account, for all the joy, which by your means we have been affected with,

for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field.

which caused great joy in that city.

for what can be our hope, or joy, what can crown our pretensions, unless it be you, when we shall appear before the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? for ye are our glory and our joy.

Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and make you appear in his glorious presence, without defect, and full of joy:

on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.

after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe.

At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard:

This it is that fills you with joy, notwithstanding the various tryals, which still necessarily afflict you,

Consider the various tryals that surround you, my brethren, as matter of great joy; knowing this,

then you may triumph with joy; secure of being greatly rewarded in heaven: for such was the treatment the prophets received from their forefathers.

and they worship'd him, and with great joy return'd to Jerusalem,

then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

abundance of people spread their garments upon the ground; others lop'd down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way: while the crowd that were marching before, and behind, cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna."

many spread their clothes in the way, others lopt down the branches of trees to strew them in the road. the crowd that march'd before and behind crying out, Hosanna, blessed be he that comes in the name of the Lord; blessed be the kingdom of our father David, which is now come, Hosanna in the highest heavens.

and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart,

and the disciples were filled with joy, and with the holy spirit.

be always chearful.

and you imitated us, and were imitators of the Lord, having receiv'd the word, notwithstanding all your afflictions, with that alacrity, which the holy spirit inspires.

as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

and I heard a voice from heaven, which was like the noise of many waters, or like a great thunder-clap: I heard too a sound like that of a harp, when touch'd by the hand of a musician. and a new song was sung before the throne, and before the four animals, and the elders: and no one could learn that song, but the hundred forty four thousand, who were ransom'd from the earth.

who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power,

My dear brethren, don't be surpriz'd at your being brought as it were to the test of fire; as if some strange thing had happen'd to you. on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.

and I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, which was like the sound of many waters, or like a volley of thunder, saying, "alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent does reign."

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness of disposition, beneficence, faithfulness, meekness, temperance:

for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.

your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments. These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat.

not that I would arbitrarily prescribe what you should believe, but rather encourage you to go on: for 'tis by faith you have stood.

and I wrote to you upon that disagreeable subject, that when I came, I might not receive uneasiness from those from whom I ought to receive comfort, being persuaded that you will all think yourselves interested to promote my satisfaction.

his lord said to him, well done, thou art an honest faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust; go in and partake of thy master's diversions.

All of a sudden an army of celestial beings join'd the angel, singing praises to God, and saying, "glory to God in the heavens, and to men on earth felicity in the divine favour."

And they instantly left the sepulchre, with fear and joy, and ran to carry his disciples this good news.

when they observ'd this of the star, they were extreamly well pleas'd.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy spirit.

be joyful in hope; be patient under affliction; persevere in prayer;

when they observ'd this of the star, they were extreamly well pleas'd.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy spirit.

that by the will of God we may meet with joy, and rest together in peace.

having Jesus in our view, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.

having Jesus in our view, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.

for the gospel dispensation does not consist in meats and drinks, but in piety and peace, and spiritual joy.

on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.

but the angel said to them, be not afraid, I am only come to bring you great news, which will be matter of joy to you and to the whole world. for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David:

whom though you have not seen, you love: and though he is not now the object of your view, yet you believe in him, and triumph with such a laudable transport, as cannot be express'd:

whom though you have not seen, you love: and though he is not now the object of your view, yet you believe in him, and triumph with such a laudable transport, as cannot be express'd:

and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance.

Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch; who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession:

so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. read more.
take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.

in our Lord Jesus Christ. but now I am fix'd in my resolution to go to Jerusalem, without any apprehension of what may befal me there: save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me." things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

even so, I assure you, the angels in heaven rejoice, when any one sinner becomes a penitent. Again he said: a certain man had two sons; the younger of which said to his father, father, give me that portion of the estate which falls to my share. accordingly he divided his estate among them. read more.
a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living. when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country; and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine. for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him. at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.

now that I am coming to thee, while I am here, I make these requests for them, that their joy in me may be compleat.

and they worship'd him, and with great joy return'd to Jerusalem,

hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be compleat.

then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart, praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.

then he took him up in his arms, and returned thanks to God in these words, "now, Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise. for mine eyes have beheld the saviour, read more.
whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words. "blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he hath regarded and wrought a deliverance for his people: he hath rais'd up a powerful saviour for us, in the family of his servant David, read more.
according to the antient promise he made by the mouth of the holy prophets, to deliver us from our enemies, and from the power of all that hate us: to show regard to our forefathers, in performing his holy covenant, the oath which he made to our father Abraham, to grant us this favour, that we should be delivered from the power of our enemies, and serve him with security, in the sincere practice of holiness and justice, all our days. and you, dear babe, you shall be the prophet of the most high: for you shall go before the Lord, in order to prepare his way, by acquainting his people how they may be saved by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun has visited us from on high, to enlighten those, who are in darkness, and in the shadow of death, and to direct our steps into the ways of peace."

Then Mary said, "my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour, for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed. read more.
the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd. his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts. he has cast down princes from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree, the needy he has furnished with plentiful enjoyments, and the rich he has reduced to poverty. he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy, which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever." Now Mary stay'd about three months with Elizabeth, and then return'd to her own house.

even so, I assure you, the angels in heaven rejoice, when any one sinner becomes a penitent.

I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance.

All of a sudden an army of celestial beings join'd the angel, singing praises to God, and saying, "glory to God in the heavens, and to men on earth felicity in the divine favour."

these things I have appriz'd you of, that ye might repose your confidence in me. the world shall give you trouble: but take courage, I have overcome the world.

who has given us access by faith to that degree of favour, we are in, by which we triumph in the hopes of divine glory.

however, let not this be the matter of your rejoicing, that the spirits are subject to you: but rejoice, that you have a title to the joys of heaven.

At that very time Jesus fell into a divine transport, and said, "I magnify thee, O father, the Lord of heaven and earth, for having conceal'd these things from the artful and the crafty, whilst thou hast reveal'd them to the unskilful. justly, O father, hast thou thus dispens'd thy favour."

now that I am coming to thee, while I am here, I make these requests for them, that their joy in me may be compleat.

These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat.

verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance.

thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy by thy presence."

so they set out, accompanied part of the way by the church, and pass'd thro' Phenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, which gave great joy to all the brethren.

and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour,

he that reapeth, receiveth wages, by gathering fruit unto life eternal: that the sower, and the reaper, may both rejoice together.

be afflicted, be mournful, and weep: let your mirth be converted to sadness, and your joy to vexation.

whom though you have not seen, you love: and though he is not now the object of your view, yet you believe in him, and triumph with such a laudable transport, as cannot be express'd: since the salvation of your souls is the reward you receive for your faith.

In the time of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a certain priest, named Zacharias, of the family of Abia, whose wife; nam'd Elizabeth, was of the race of Aaron: they were both of them sincerely pious; observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; with unspotted reputation. they had no children, because Elizabeth was steril, and they were both advanced in years. read more.
now Zachary was to officiate in divine service, in the order of his family, and according to the custom of distributing the parts, it fell to his lot to burn incense in the sanctuary. and all the congregation of the people stood praying without, at the time of offering incense, when there appear'd to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the incense-altar. Zacharias startled at the sight and was seized with fear. but the angel said to Zacharias, don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard: and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, whom you shall name John: he shall be your joy and transport, and numbers shall rejoice at his birth. he shall appear as a divine messenger. he shall drink neither wine, nor any other strong liquor: he shall be filled with the holy spirit, even from his infancy: he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. and he shall march before him, in the spirit and power of Elias, to reconcile parents and children together, and the unruly to the practice of justice, that the people may be duly dispos'd to receive the Lord. But Zacharias said to the angel, by what sign shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife is of a great age. the angel replied, I am Gabriel, who attend in the presence of God, and am sent to communicate to you this agreeable message. you shall now become dumb and not recover your speech, till the very day when these things shall happen; because you distrusted my words, which in due time shall have their effect. In the mean time the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wonder'd at his tarrying so long in the temple. but when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he intimated it to them by signs, and continued dumb. and the time of his officiating being ended, he departed to his own house. Some time after, Elizabeth his wife was pregnant, and went into retirement for five months. it is the Lord, said she, who has thus favour'd me, at the time when he took care to remove the reproach I was under among men. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin contracted to a man; whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. and the virgin's name was Mary. the angel, upon his arrival, said to her; "Hail, favorite of heaven, the Lord is with thee: thou happiest of thy sex." Mary was surpriz'd at the voice of such an appearance, and wonder'd what the meaning of this salutation should be. but the angel said to her, "Mary, be not afraid: for you are the object of divine favour. you shall be now pregnant, and be delivered of a son, whom you shall name JESUS. he shall be great, he shall be the son of the most high. the Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David. he shall reign over the house of Jacob, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Then said Mary to the angel, what shall this be without any intercourse with man? the angel answered her, "the holy spirit shall descend upon thee, and the power of the most high shall over-shadow thee: wherefore thy holy offspring shall be called the son of God. even your cousin Elizabeth, as old as she is, is become pregnant with a son: she, who was stiled barren, is now in her sixth month; for nothing is impossible to God." then said Mary, "behold the servant of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word." upon which the angel disappeared. Soon after this, Mary departed, and made an expeditious journey to a city of Juda, in the mountains: where entring into the house of Zacharias, she saluted Elizabeth. no sooner had Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, but the babe leap'd within her: and Elizabeth divinely inspired, broke out into this acclamation. "Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord! no sooner did the sound of your salutation strike mine ear, than the babe leap'd within me for joy.

so they set out, accompanied part of the way by the church, and pass'd thro' Phenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, which gave great joy to all the brethren.

and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders?

which caused great joy in that city.

Having heard this, they were appeas'd, and glorified God, saying, God has then granted salvation likewise to the gentiles, on the terms of their repentance.

where they daily praised and blessed God in the temple.

At length the seventy return'd with great joy, saying, Lord, even the demons have been made subject to us by virtue of your name.

but as they were diffident of so joyful an event, and still in amaze, he said to them, have you any thing here to eat?

upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there.

At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard:

who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power,

and I never pray without praying for you all with joy, for your liberality to the gospel,