Section One

Introduction

When I searched several English translations of the Bible, I did not find any reference to the word “fun” in those translations. All of those translators must have come to the conclusion that God did not intend for saints (born-again believers in Christ Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit) to have “Biblical fun,” according to their understanding of the Bible. But, before we go further, let me share the definition of the English word “fun” provided by a Google search: “An experience, activity, or person that provides enjoyment and happiness (e.g., “We had a lot of fun at the party”).” I will use that English definition in this study of some Bible passages concerning experiences, activities and people who provide enjoyment and happiness. Therefore, can you imagine that God did not intend for saints to experience Biblical fun? To understand Biblical Fun, I will review some of the Greek terms translated as “joy” and similar words found in the New Testament.

In Matthew 5 :12, Jesus used two Greek words to describe the saints’ reaction to spiritual attacks upon them by unbelieves, and especially religious unbelievers. Jesus said: “Rejoice” (“χαίρετε”) and “exult” (ἀγαλλιᾶσθε”).  In my mind, Jesus did not use two different terms to describe the same exact thing. By using two words, “χαίρετε” and “ἀγαλλιᾶσθε,” Jesus intended to communicate two different meanings and ideas. Therefore, we must distinguish those two terms by further study of the usage of those terms in the New Testament.

Section Two

chairo

Matthew 2:10. In Matthew 2:10, when the Wise Men from the east saw the Messiah Astera, they  rejoiced with great joy (ἐχάρησαν χαρὰν μεγάλην). Some lexicographers immediately saw a connection between the verb “ἐχάρησαν” (aorist passive indicative) and the noun “χαρὰν” and traced the basic meaning to the word xáris, “grace.” Therefore, we should keep in mind that both the verb ἐχάρησαν and the noun χαρὰν relate to the grace of God experienced through a particular event, such as seeing the Messianic Astera.

Matthew 18:13.

Mark 14:11

Luke 6:23

Luke 15:5

Revelation 11:10

Luke 23:8

Luke 15:5-7, 15:32

 

 

Section Two

χαρὰ

Romans 14:17

 

Section Three

sunchairo

 

Section Four

agalliasis

 

Section Five

eagalliao

Luke 1:47.  Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν κύριον (Luke 1:46). Notice that the soul (” ψυχή”) of Mary magnified (” Μεγαλύνει”–present active indicative) the Lord, meaning that she extolled to Lord. While not directly a word about joy or fun, Μεγαλύνει conveys the thought of worship from her soul. Then Mary expressed her spirit:  “ἠγαλλίασεν τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου” (Luke 1:47). Her spirit ἠγαλλίασεν (Aorist active indicative) in to the God (notice the dative case), in to the Savior of me (notice the dative case). 

 

Section Six

euphrosune

 

Section Seven

euphraino

 

 

Luke 12:19.

Luke 15:23.

Luke 15:24.

Luke 15:29.

Luke 15:32.

Luke 16:19.

Luke 15:23.

Acts 2:26.

Acts 7:41.

Romans 15:10.

2 Corinthians 2:2.

Galatians 4:27.

Revelation 11:10.

Revelation 12:12.

Revelation 18:20.

Section Seven

εὐψυχέω

Eupsuchéō (εὐψυχέω) / Euphrosúnē (εὐφροσύνη): Terms related to gladness, good cheer, and relief of heart or encouragement (found in Acts 2:28 and Philippians 2:19).

Section Eight

εὐφροσύν

Philippians 2:19

 

kauchaomai

Romans 2:17.

Romans 2:23.

Romans 5:2.

Romans 5:3.

Romans 5:11.

1 Corinthians 1:29.

1 Corinthians 1:31.

1 Corinthians 3:21.

1 Corinthians 4:7.

1 Corinthians 1:29.

1 Corinthians 13:3.

2 Corinthians 5:12.

2 Corinthians 7:14.

2 Corinthians 9:2.

2 Corinthians 10:8.

2 Corinthians 10:13.

2 Corinthians 10:15.

2 Corinthians 10:16.

2 Corinthians 10:17.

 

 

 

• chara (Strong’s 5479)
• agalliasis (Strong’s 20)
• euphrosune (Strong’s 2167)
• chairo (Strong’s 5463)
• kauchaomai (Strong’s 2744)
• agalliao (Strong’s 21)
• oninemi (Strong’s 3685)
• sunchairo (Strong’s 4796) 
• euphraino (Strong’s 2165)
• kaucaomai (Strong’s 2744)

simchah (1Sa 18:6,

(Pr 13:9,

 (Le 23:40 and very frequent).

(Ps 97).

 (Ps 104:31)

 (Deut 30:9).

 (De 30:9). 

 (Ze 3:17)

 

(Pss 16:11; 51:12).

HALLELUJAH !