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What does the Bible say about rejoicing?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that rejoicing is a God-given response to his saving grace, steadfast presence, and sovereign goodness, rooted especially in the Lord rather than changing circumstances. Philippians 4:4 calls believers to rejoice always in the Lord, while Romans 5:3 shows that even suffering can produce hope through God’s faithful work. Isaiah 61:10 celebrates salvation as a garment of righteousness, and Romans 15:13 prays that believers would abound in joy and hope by the Holy Spirit. This joy is also shared: Romans 12:15 commands Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice, and Luke 15:10 reveals heaven’s joy over repentant sinners. Zephaniah 3:14-17 assures God’s people that the Lord himself rejoices over them with saving love.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Philippians 4:4

    Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!

  • Romans 5:3

    Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance;

  • Psalms 113:1-9

    [1] Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, Praise the name of Yahweh. [2] Blessed be the name of Yahweh, From this time forth and forevermore. [3] From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Yahweh's name is to be praised. [4] Yahweh is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. [5] Who is like Yahweh, our God, Who has his seat on high, [6] Who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth? [7] He raises up the poor out of the dust. Lifts up the needy from the ash heap; [8] That he may set him with princes, Even with the princes of his people. [9] He settles the barren woman in her home, As a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!

  • Luke 10:20

    Nevertheless, don't rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

  • Isaiah 61:10

    I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

  • Acts 16:33-34

    [33] He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. [34] He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.

  • Romans 15:13

    Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

  • Luke 15:10

    Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."

  • Zephaniah 3:14-17

    [14] Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. [15] Yahweh has taken away your judgments. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is in the midst of you. You will not be afraid of evil any more. [16] In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, "Don't be afraid, Zion. Don't let your hands be slack." [17] Yahweh, your God, is in the midst of you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will rest in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

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