What does the Bible say about joy?
Quick answer
Joy is the deep gladness given by God himself — fruit of the Spirit, distinct from passing happiness, possible even in suffering.
Joy is named as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) — produced in us as we walk with God.
"The joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is not the icing; it is fuel.
Jesus calls his followers to a joy that no one can take away (John 16:22). The cross and the resurrection ground it.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.