Introduction
Joy is one of those things that everyone longs for. It’s more than just a happy moment—it’s something deeper, something that stays with you even when life gets tough. The Bible talks a lot about joy, weaving it into the stories, teachings, and promises that make up the core of the Christian faith. But just how many times is the word joy in the Bible? Let’s dive in and find out.
In this blog, we will look at various Bible translations to find out how often joy is mentioned in God’s Word, and what the first time is that joy appears in the Bible. We will also study joy in the book of Philippians, as it is also called the book of joy!
You’ll find the various types of joy in the Bible, and, of course, plenty (65!) Bible verses on joy. Making this a complete joy Bible study.
Let’s see what God has to say about joy, how many times is the word joy in the Bible, and examples of joy in the Bible.
How many times does the Bible say joy?
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The Bible has quite a bit to say about joy. When checking how many times is the word joy in the bible, depending on the Bible translation, you’ll find the word joy mentioned anywhere from 150 to 200 times.
That’s a lot! This proves how crucial joy is in the big picture. Studying and meditating on these verses will enable us to find the answer to the question what is joy in the Bible.
What does joy mean in the Bible? Biblical joy is not just an occasional feeling, but a central theme in the lives of those who follow God. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, joy is a sign of God’s presence and a response to His goodness.
Different Bible translations show slight variations in language and style when it comes to the frequency of the word joy. Think for example of differences because of example Greek words, a Hebrew word, or English versions of the Bible.
Here’s how often the word joy is mentioned in the most popular Bible translations:
- New International Version (NIV): 218 times
- New Living Translation (NLT): 326 times
- English Standard Version (ESV): 203 times
- New American Standard Bible (NASB): 184 times
- Christian Standard Bible (CSB): 242 times
- Revised Standard Version (RSV): 206 times
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): 197 times
- Amplified Bible (AMP): 236 times
- The Message (MSG): 324 times
- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB): 246 times
The number of times the word joy is mentioned in the Bible shows just how central the concept of joy is throughout Scripture, regardless of the translation you choose. Joy is woven deeply into the message of the Bible, reminding us of the enduring happiness and contentment that comes from knowing God.
When considering the words joy, rejoice, and joyful combined, the frequency across different Bible translations increases significantly.
Here’s an estimate of how many times is joy mentioned in the Bible together with the two related words, in various translations:
- New International Version (NIV): Approximately 430 times
- New Living Translation (NLT): Approximately 575 times
- English Standard Version (ESV): Approximately 430 times
- New American Standard Bible (NASB): Approximately 400 times
- Christian Standard Bible (CSB): Approximately 490 times
- Revised Standard Version (RSV): Approximately 440 times
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): Approximately 420 times
- Amplified Bible (AMP): Approximately 500 times
- The Message (MSG): Approximately 570 times
- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB): Approximately 495 times
These high numbers reflect the combined frequency of joy, rejoice, and joyful—joy is a constant theme that underlies the entire Bible. Whether expressing happiness, celebration, or the deep-seated satisfaction that comes from faith, these words collectively highlight the Bible’s focus on joy as a key element of spiritual life.
When we see how many times is the word joy in the Bible, we get an understanding of the importance of joy as Christians. The phrase ‘fear not’ is 365 times in the Bible, once for each day. But the word joy is mentioned far more than that!
In the next section, we will look at what the bible says about joy KJV.
How many times is the word joy in the KJV Bible?
The word joy is mentioned 187 times in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
Looking at the KJV is important for several reasons. First, the KJV has been one of the most influential and widely read Bible translations since its publication in 1611. Its language has shaped the way many people understand and interpret the Bible, and it has had a lasting impact on English literature and culture.
The KJV’s translation choices are also significant. Because it was created when English was undergoing major changes, the KJV captures a particular style of language that resonates with many readers for its poetic and reverent tone. When the KJV uses the word joy, it carries a weight and depth that reflects the translation’s emphasis on the majesty and solemnity of Scripture.
For many, the KJV is more than just a Bible translation—it’s a spiritual and cultural touchstone. Understanding how often joy appears in the KJV helps us appreciate how central this concept is in a version of the Bible that has been foundational for generations of Christians.
Let’s look at two important scriptures in which the word joy is mentioned in the KJV.
Joy unspeakable KJV – 1 Peter 1:8
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Fullness of joy KJV – Psalm 16:11
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
You can affirm joy in your life by declaring Bible verses on joy over your life. This can especially be a good idea when you are struggling with anxiety and depression.
How often is joy mentioned in Philippians?
The word joy appears 5 times in the book of Philippians, but if you include the related terms rejoice and joyful, the count goes up to around 18 times in just four chapters (depending on the translation).
The importance of joy in Philippians is especially striking given the difficult circumstances under which it was written. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned, facing uncertain outcomes and personal hardship. Despite his difficult situation, Philippians is often referred to as the Epistle of Joy.
Paul’s emphasis on joy in Philippians isn’t about ignoring suffering or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about finding a deep, abiding sense of joy that comes from knowing Christ and trusting in God’s plan, no matter what. Paul’s joy wasn’t dependent on his circumstances—he rejoiced because of his relationship with God and the hope he had in the Gospel.
This theme of joy, repeatedly woven through Paul’s words, serves as a powerful reminder that true joy rises above external conditions. It’s an inner assurance and contentment that comes from faith—a joy that sustains us through trials and tribulations.
The book of Philippians teaches that joy is not just a religious emotion but a choice and a discipline rooted in the knowledge of God’s presence and promises. Despite his imprisonment, Paul repeatedly encourages the believers to find their joy in the Lord, highlighting the profound, unshakeable joy that stems from faith in Christ.
Philippians uses several other words related to joy, which further highlight the theme of joy and rejoicing throughout the letter.
These related terms include Bible verse about happiness and contentment:
Gladness: In Philippians 2:29, Paul encourages the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus with “all gladness,” a word that carries a similar reference to joy, reflecting a sense of happiness and delight.
Contentment: In Philippians 4:11, Paul speaks about being content in all circumstances. While not directly synonymous with joy, contentment is closely related, as it implies a sense of peace and satisfaction that aligns with the deeper joy Paul describes.
Gratitude/Thankfulness: While the exact words “gratitude” or “thankfulness” aren’t repeated frequently, the concept is embedded in Paul’s writing, especially in Philippians 1:3-4, where he expresses his gratitude and joy every time he remembers the Philippians in prayer.
Encouragement: Philippians 2:1 mentions “encouragement in Christ,” which, while not the same as joy, contributes to the overall atmosphere of support, comfort, and shared joy among believers.
These terms contribute to the overarching theme of joy in Philippians. Together, they paint a picture of a Christian life marked by joy, peace, and a positive outlook, even in the face of trials.
Where is joy first mentioned in the Bible?
The first time joy is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 31:27. In this passage, Laban asks Jacob why he left secretly without letting him celebrate his departure with joy and music.
It’s interesting that the first mention of joy is connected to a celebration—something that brings people together and creates a sense of community. This sets the tone for how joy is portrayed throughout the rest of the Bible.
What are the different types of joy in the Bible?
Joy in the Bible isn’t one-size-fits-all. There’s joy that comes from God’s presence, like when the Israelites rejoice after being freed from slavery. There’s the joy of salvation, which David speaks about in the Psalms. And there’s even the joy that comes from trials, as James talks about, which might seem strange, but it’s all about growing stronger in faith.
Each type of joy has its own flavor, but they all point back to the same source of joy—God.
Each form has the benefits of joy.
Joy of God’s Presence: This type of joy comes from being in the presence of God. It’s a deep and abiding joy that we experience when we draw near to Him. Psalm 16:11 captures this beautifully: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but results from an intimate relationship with God.
Joy of Salvation: The joy of salvation is a deep sense of happiness and gratitude for being saved and redeemed by God. This type of joy is mentioned in Psalm 51:12, where David, after his sin with Bathsheba, prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.” It’s the joy that comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are in right standing with God.
Joy in Trials: This might seem paradoxical, but the Bible speaks of a joy that can be found even amid trials and suffering. James 1:2-3 (NIV) says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This type of joy comes from understanding that trials produce perseverance, character, and hope. It’s a mature joy that sees beyond the immediate pain to the growth and good that God will bring out of it.
Joy of Worship and Praise: The joy of worship is the exuberant happiness that comes from praising and honoring God. This joy is often expressed in collective worship, as seen in Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV): “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Worship is a celebration of God’s goodness, and the joy experienced during worship is a natural outflow of that recognition. We can call this scripture the serve with joy Bible verse.
Joy of Reconciliation: This type of joy happens when relationships are restored, whether between people or between God and people. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates this joy beautifully. When the lost son returns home, the father says, “Let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The joy of reconciliation is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes when broken relationships are restored.
Joy of Giving: There’s a special joy that comes from giving, whether it’s giving of time, resources, or love. Acts 20:35 quotes Christ Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This joy reflects God’s generous nature, and it fills the giver with a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. The joy of giving is not about material gain, but about joining in God’s work and blessing others.
Joy in the Word of God: Another type of joy comes from delighting in God’s Word. Jeremiah 15:16 expresses this joy: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” This is the joy of discovering God’s truth, wisdom, and guidance through Scripture. It’s a joy that fills the heart as we grow in understanding and love for God’s commandments.
Joy in the Fellowship of Believers: The joy of fellowship is the happiness that we experience when we come together in unity and love. Philippians 2:2 says, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” This joy is found in the community of faith, where mutual encouragement, support, and shared purpose create a deep sense of belonging and joy.
Joy of Rewards in Heaven: God says we can be joyful for the rewards that await us in Heaven. One of the best examples of leaping for joy in the Bible is in Luke 6:23 (ESV), “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” It is a joy for eternal things, gained by faithful service to God.
Each of these types of joy reflects a different aspect of our Christian life, showing that real joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a multi-layered experience rooted in a relationship with God and with others.
There are many Bible verses about joy in suffering. Whether in times of peace or trials, joy remains a central theme in the Bible, guiding us in our journey of faith.
Which Bible verse talks about joy?
There are many Bible verses that talk about joy, but one that stands out is Nehemiah 8:10, which says,
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (NLT)
It’s short, but very powerful! And… it is one of my favorite verses. It is this strength that enables us to face anything with joy.
This verse in Nehemiah reminds us that joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling but a powerful force that can carry us through even the hardest times. It’s a joy that comes from knowing God is with us, no matter what.
God also assures us that our difficult situations don’t last forever, as we can see in the Bible verse of joy comes in the morning:
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (ESV)
Let’s look at various other scriptures on joy.
What is the perfect joy verse?
When looking for the perfect joy verse, you may land on the fullness of joy Bible verse of Psalm 16:11:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (NKJV)
And what about the my joy comes from the lord verse in Psalm 43:4:
“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” (NIV)
This Old Testament verse captures the essence of biblical joy—complete and lasting, found in God’s presence and nowhere else. It’s the kind of joy that fills you up and doesn’t fade away.
In the New Testament, we have John 15:11,
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (NIV)
In John 15:11, our Lord Jesus Christ emphasizes His teachings are intended to fill us with His joy, ensuring that our joy is not just superficial but made complete through a deep relationship with Him.
And, of course, there is joy as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual joy can’t be left out when searching for the perfect joy verse.
65 Bible verses about joy
We have looked at how many times is joy in the Bible and found high numbers of joy in the scriptures! Too many to mention all here. I made therefore a selection of positive happy Bible verses about joy.
Here are 65 scriptures on joy, with the full verse followed by the reference and translation:
- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
- “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 1:8 (NLT)
- “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 51:11 (ESV)
- “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
- “I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 (ESV)
- “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
- “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)
- “Sing for joy, O heavens; and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing!” Isaiah 49:13 (ESV)
- “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)
- “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11 (ESV)
- “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (ESV)
- “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 (NLT)
- “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)
- “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)
- “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11 (NIV)
- “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 (NIV)
- “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52 (ESV)
- “So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him.” Philippians 2:29 (NIV)
- “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 (NIV) (the joy in the Holy Spirit Bible verse)
- “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything.” Philippians 4:5-6 (ESV)
- “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
- “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.” Psalm 119:1 (NLT)
- “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28 (NIV)
- “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV)
- “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.” Psalm 33:1 (NKJV)
- “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18 (ESV)
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
- “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God.” Isaiah 61:10 (NASB)
- “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)
- “For we know that our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV)
- “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (ESV)
- “And there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (ESV)
- “The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.” Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
- “You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing.” Isaiah 55:12 (ESV)
- “For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.” Psalm 92:4 (NIV)
- “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22 (NIV)
- “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” Revelation 19:7 (NIV)
- “The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.” Proverbs 13:9 (ESV)
- “They shall come back and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:12 (ESV)
- “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.” Psalm 5:11 (ESV)
- “You have granted me life and favor, and your care has preserved my spirit.” Job 10:12 (NKJV)
- “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 (NIV)
- “You shall have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Luke 1:14 (ESV)
- “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44 (NIV)
- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)
- “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” Psalm 119:111 (NIV)
- “The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever!” Psalm 22:26 (NIV)
- “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
- “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1 (NIV)
- “The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb, and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground.” Deuteronomy 30:9 (ESV)
- “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1:7 (ESV)
- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (ESV)
- “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7 (ESV)
- “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:7 (NIV)
- “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
- “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.” Proverbs 10:28 (ESV)
- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
- “Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
- “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13 (ESV)
- “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.” 1 Chronicles 16:27 (ESV)
- “For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.” Psalm 21:6 (ESV)
- “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4 (NIV)
- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
- “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:7 (ESV)
- “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11 (ESV)
I pray these short Bible verses about joy and happiness are a blessing to you.
Read them for yourself during your Christian morning routine, and so infuse your day with joy!
Take-Away how many times is the word Joy in the Bible
Understanding biblical joy is key for us Christians, as it influences how we view life’s challenges and blessings. Joy empowers us to face trials with a hopeful outlook, fostering resilience and strength in faith. We have seen how many times is the word joy in the Bible. Understanding how often the word joy appears in the Bible—over 400 times—reveals just how central this concept is in our Christian faith!
Joy is so much more than a temporary emotion or temporary happiness. In the Bible, joy means being happy and having a deep assurance from being close to God. When we check out different translations and where joy is mentioned, we can see how this theme is all over the Bible and gives us a solid grounding for our faith.
We’ve looked at joy from different angles in the Bible. We checked how many times joy is mentioned in different translations, especially in the King James Version, and emphasized how important joy is in the book of Philippians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail.
Also, we talked about different types of joy in the Bible, like the joy of being saved, the joy during difficult times, and the joy of being close to God. This helped us understand joy in a more detailed way. Once we understand how awesome joy is in the Bible, we can learn to be thankful and content, even in tough times.
In the end, Christian joy isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a spiritual joy that experiences life to the max in Christ, spreading that joy around, and showing God’s love in a world that really needs it.
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