ἀγαλλίασις
agallíasis
G20 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or expression of exuberant joy or exultation; the manifestation of great rejoicing, especially in religious or communal contexts. The term frequently denotes not only an internal feeling but also an outward display, such as singing or proclamation, of overwhelming gladness or triumphant delight.
Semantic Range
exultation, exuberant joy, celebration, gladness, triumphant rejoicing, liturgical rejoicing, festive delight
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἀγαλλιάω (to exult, to rejoice greatly), built from the root ἀγαλλι- with the noun-forming suffix -σις indicating the action or result of the root verb. Root meaning relates to making something splendid or magnificent, then by extension to expressing great joy.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Classical Greek but rare; more frequent in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in religious or liturgical contexts. In the Septuagint, often translates Hebrew terms for rejoicing, particularly in response to divine acts (e.g., salvation, deliverance). In the New Testament, ἀγαλλίασις is used for overwhelming joy brought by divine intervention or fulfillment of promise, sometimes parallel to words like χαρά (joy) but more intense and celebratory. English translations often render as 'exceeding joy,' 'gladness,' or 'exultation.' However, the nuance of active, exuberant celebration can be muted in translation. Closely related to the verb ἀγαλλιάω (to exult) and intensifies the sense of communal or spiritual rejoicing compared to simple happiness (χαρά).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀγαλλιάω; exultation; specially, welcome:--gladness, (exceeding) joy.
Root Family
ἀγαλλίασις (agalliasis) — exultation, exuberant joy, triumphant rejoicing, festive celebration
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G20-01 |
ἀγαλλιάσει | agalliasei | N DAT F SG |
gladness | in exultant rejoicing | 3 |
G20-02 |
ἀγαλλιάσεως | agalliaseos | N GEN F SG |
of exultant rejoicing | 1 | |
G20-03 |
ἀγαλλίασις | agalliasis | N NOM F SG |
gladness | exultant rejoicing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G20-03 |
Luke 1:14 | ἀγαλλίασις | agalliasis | N NOM F SG |
gladness | exultant rejoicing |
G20-01 |
Luke 1:44 | ἀγαλλιάσει | agalliasei | N DAT F SG |
joy | in exultant rejoicing |
G20-01 |
Acts 2:46 | ἀγαλλιάσει | agalliasei | N DAT F SG |
gladness | in exultant rejoicing |
G20-02 |
Hebrews 1:9 | ἀγαλλιάσεως | agalliaseos | N GEN F SG |
of exultant rejoicing | |
G20-01 |
Jude 1:24 | ἀγαλλιάσει | agalliasei | N DAT F SG |
great joy | in exultant rejoicing |