What does the word “joy” mean?

A synonym for joy can be gladness, delight, jubilation, or elation.

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.”

Nehemiah 8:10 

Joy is not something that just descends upon a person. It is always a result of something. 

In this context, we read about God’s people who returned from exile. Ezra, the scribe, taught them about the Word of God. In verses 8-9 we read that other scribes helped him explain the Word’s contents so that everybody could understand it. The revelation, or understanding, of the Word, brought them great joy. A deeper knowledge of God and who He was, was the reason for their joy! For many years they were under the yoke of slavery while in exile and had no reason for joy. The hope in God that they discovered changed their lives. It became their security, peace, and joy.

“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with faces to the ground.”

Nehemiah 8:6

“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great spoil.”

Psalm 119:162

Joy is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit – as seen in Galatians 5:22. 

In both the above verses, the joy of the Lord is independent of circumstances. We have God’s joy because we know and understand the Word, and peace because we have the assurance of salvation – and this kind of joy gives us the strength to live each day to the full.

Conclusion

“Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”

Hebrews 13:15

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, unless otherwise stated.