Joy is one of the major themes of the Bible – from the jubilant Psalms to the letter Paul writes from prison, in which he repeatedly says, “Rejoice!” Here you’ll find 22 Bible verses about joy: verses that make you want to enjoy life, and verses about a joy that does not depend on circumstances.
Bible verses about joy
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Rejoice always in the LORD. And again I say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4PraiseConfirmation sayings
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The joy of the LORD is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10bEncouragementConfirmation sayings
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You show me the way to life; before you is joy in abundance, and delight in your right hand forever.
Psalm 16:11LifeBaptism sayings
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This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24MorningBaptism sayings
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But may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may have full hope.
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These things I say to you so that my joy may remain in you and your joy may be complete.
John 15:11God’s love
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And now you are sorrowful, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
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The LORD has done great things for us; therefore we are glad.
Psalm 126:3Thankfulness
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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all things; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18ThankfulnessPrayer
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You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.
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I will rejoice in the LORD, and my soul shall be glad in my God.
Joy that lasts
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Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20bHeavenBaptism sayings
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My dear brothers, do not consider it foolish to rejoice when you fall into many trials, but know that if your faith is genuine, it will produce perseverance.
James 1:2-3Suffering
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You gladden my heart, even though those who have much wine and food have more.
Psalm 4:8Heart
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A joyful heart makes life pleasant, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22HealthProverbs of Solomon
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For the LORD your God is with you, a mighty Savior; he will rejoice over you, be gracious to you, and will abundantly pardon you.
Zephaniah 3:17God’s loveBaptism sayings
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I tell you, there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents before ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.
Luke 15:7RepentanceConversion
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Rejoice before the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before his face with joyful songs!
Psalm 100:1-2Singing
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For the righteous will see the light again and again, and joy will shine on devout hearts.
Psalm 97:11Light
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For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17Kingdom of GodFood
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy.
Galatians 5:22aBearing fruitFaithfulness
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You have not seen him, yet you love him, and you have believed that you will see him, though you do not see him now; and you will rejoice with glorious, inexpressible joy.
1 Peter 1:8Faith
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
This Goes Well Together
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Joy in Spite of Everything
The letter to the Philippians is often called the “Letter of Joy.” Paul writes it from prison, uncertain whether he will be released – and yet he repeatedly calls the church to rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Biblical joy is therefore more than a good mood. It is rooted in God himself: Nehemiah 8:10 calls the joy of the LORD a strength, and John 16:22 promises a joy that “no one can take from you.” That is why joy is also one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
God Rejoices Over You
An often-overlooked thought: Not only do we rejoice over God – God also rejoices over us. Zephaniah 3:17 describes how God “rejoices over you with shouts of joy.” And Luke 15:7 tells of the joy in heaven over every person who repents. Psalm 118:24 and Psalm 16:11 are particularly suitable for greeting cards. You can find more on the topic under Bible verses about happiness, Bible verses about praising God, and Bible verses about thankfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse is about joy?
The best-known are Philippians 4:4 (“Rejoice always in the LORD”), Nehemiah 8:10 (“The joy of the LORD is your strength”), Psalm 118:24, and Psalm 16:11.
What is the difference between joy and happiness in the Bible?
Happiness often depends on circumstances. Biblical joy is deeper: It is rooted in God’s presence and can even be there in difficult times (James 1:2; John 16:22).
