Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5874 happiness

A state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people and by God, but subject to change according to circumstances. True happiness derives from a secure and settled knowledge of God and a rejoicing in his works and covenant faithfulness. God rejoices over his faithful people.

Happiness found in human relationships

Deuteronomy 24:5 See also Genesis 30:13; Genesis 34:19; 1 Kings 10:8; Psalm 113:9; Proverbs 23:24; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Songs 4:10; Romans 15:24; 2 Corinthians 7:13

Happiness found in people and things

1 Kings 4:20; Luke 1:14; 1 Timothy 6:17 See also Deuteronomy 20:6

David and Jonathan:

1 Samuel 18:3; Samuel 20:17 Psalm 127:3-5; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Isaiah 65:22; Jonah 4:6; Luke 12:19; John 16:21; Philippians 2:25-30

Happiness found in God

In God's presence

Psalm 16:11 See also Psalm 21:6; Psalm 43:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:9

In God's word

Psalm 119:35 See also Isaiah 55:2; Jeremiah 15:16; Mark 12:37; Romans 7:22

In God's actions

Genesis 21:6; Acts 11:23 See also Exodus 18:9; 1 Samuel 2:1; Samuel 19:5; 1 Kings 8:66; Esther 8:16; Psalm 16:6; Psalm 92:4; Psalm 111:2; Isaiah 61:10; Acts 13:48

God's happiness

In obedient people

Deuteronomy 30:9-10 See also 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 147:11; Isaiah 9:17; Matthew 25:21

In the righteous

Proverbs 11:20 See also Psalm 147:11; Proverbs 11:1; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Jeremiah 9:24

Jesus Christ's recipe for happiness

Matthew 5:3-10 pp Luke 6:20-22

Happiness may not be permanent

Ecclesiastes 7:14 See also Esther 5:9; Job 7:7; Psalm 10:6; Proverbs 15:13; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Jeremiah 16:9; Lamentations 5:15; Joel 1:12

Happiness for those who trust in God

Psalm 84:12 See also Psalm 2:12; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 146:5; Proverbs 16:20; Jeremiah 17:7; Luke 1:45; John 20:29; Galatians 3:9

Happiness for those who obey God

Psalm 89:15 See also Job 5:17; Psalm 1:1-2; Psalm 94:12; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 128:1; Proverbs 28:14; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 56:1-2; Luke 11:27-28; Revelation 1:3; Revelation 22:7

Happiness for those who are forgiven

Psalm 32:1-2 See also Romans 4:7-8; Revelation 22:14

Happiness for those who suffer persecution

1 Peter 3:14 See also Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:14

Happiness for those who persevere

Matthew 11:6 See also James 1:12; James 5:11; Revelation 16:15

See also

1070  God, joy of
1335  blessing
4971  seasons of life
5528  shouting
5830  delight
5846  enjoyment
5900  laughter
5918  pleasure
5939  satisfaction
5970  unhappiness
8117  discipleship, benefits
8283  joy