Among the wide array of terms used to signify “joy” in the Gospels (see Morrice, 17-81; LN §§25.116-34), two sets of terms are of special consequence. The first includes chara (“joy”), chairō (“to rejoice”) and synchairō (“to rejoice with”); agalliaō (“to be overjoyed”) and agalliasis (“great joy”); and skirtaō (“to leap with joy”), which typically relate to the response of those who are recipients of and participants in God’s saving activity. The second set includes makarios (“happy,” often translated as “blessed”) and its verbal form makarizō (“to be regarded as happy [or blessed]”), which typically refer to the condition of those who live their lives in accordance with God’s saving purpose. (Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels)
