The term "overjoyed" refers to an overwhelming sense of joy and delight, often in response to witnessing or experiencing the fulfillment of God's promises, the presence of Christ, or the manifestation of divine intervention. This profound joy is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the deep emotional response of God's people to His works and presence.

Biblical Instances of Being Overjoyed:

1. The Birth of Jesus:
The Magi, upon seeing the star that led them to the birthplace of Jesus, experienced an overwhelming sense of joy. Matthew 2:10 states, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight." This joy was not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound recognition of the fulfillment of prophecy and the arrival of the Messiah.

2. The Resurrection of Jesus:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ brought immense joy to His followers. In John 20:20 , after Jesus appeared to His disciples following His resurrection, it is recorded, "After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord." This joy was rooted in the victory over death and the confirmation of Jesus' divine nature.

3. The Return of the Prodigal Son:
In the parable of the prodigal son, the father's reaction to the return of his lost son is one of overwhelming joy. Luke 15:24 captures this sentiment: "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." The father's joy symbolizes God's rejoicing over the repentance and return of sinners.

4. The Joy of Salvation:
The joy of salvation is a central theme in the Psalms. David, in his plea for restoration, expresses a desire to experience the joy of God's salvation once more. Psalm 51:12 reads, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit." This joy is a deep-seated assurance of God's grace and redemption.

5. The Joy of the Early Church:
The early church experienced great joy as they witnessed the growth of the Christian community and the work of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:46-47 describes their communal life: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."

Theological Significance:

The experience of being overjoyed in the biblical context is often linked to the recognition of God's active presence and the fulfillment of His promises. It is a response that transcends mere happiness, reflecting a deep spiritual satisfaction and assurance in God's faithfulness. This joy is both a gift from God and a fruit of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

Practical Implications:

For believers, being overjoyed serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ. It encourages a posture of gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word and His unchanging nature.

Epistle L. From Cyprian to the Confessors, Congratulating them on ...
... that you wrote to me about your return, and about the peace of the Church, and the
brotherly restoration, I confess that I was as greatly overjoyed as I had ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle l from cyprian to.htm

Conversational Phrases
... I am more grieved than I can tell you. I am naturally overjoyed. I am not a person
of prejudices. ... I am not vindictive. I am overjoyed to hear you say so. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ix conversational phrases.htm

Preface of Father Louis Gonzalez, SJ , to the "Acts of St. ...
... is finished remind me.". Father Natalis was overjoyed that a beginning had
been made, and told me to urge St. Ignatius to complete ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/preface of father louis gonzalez.htm

Called to Swatow
... Captain Bowers, the Christian friend who had been used of GOD in bringing the needs
of Swatow before Mr. Burns and myself, was overjoyed when he heard of our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xii called to swatow.htm

Two Safe
... been brought to Christ in the midst of such hostile influences is so entirely and
marvellously the Holy Spirit's work, that I am sometimes overjoyed to have ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxx two safe.htm

To the Philadelphians
... will. 5 My brothers, in my abounding love for you I am overjoyed to put
you on your guard"though it is not I, but Jesus Christ. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/to the philadelphians.htm

A Confirmation of what Hath Been Said, Particularly of the ...
... 3. "The pilgrim, overjoyed with these news, answered: So I may have my life safe,
and may at last come to the place that I above all things only desire, I care ...
/.../chapter vi a confirmation of.htm

The Ninth Chapter: Wanting no Share in Comfort
... Do not exult, do not be overjoyed, do not be presumptuous, but be the humbler for
the gift, more careful and wary in all your actions, for this hour will pass ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the ninth chapter wanting no.htm

John i. 41, 42
... word, "we have found," is the expression of a soul which travails [502] for His
presence, and looks for His coming from above, and is made overjoyed when the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xix john i 41.htm

Letter xxxvi. --On Life and Death.
... Therefore I am overjoyed to find myself where God wishes me to be by the arrangements
of His loving providence which always leads me as though by the hand. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xxxvi on life and death.htm

Overjoyed (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Overjoyed (5 Occurrences). Matthew 2:10 When they saw
the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (See NIV). ...
/o/overjoyed.htm - 7k

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

/o/overlaid.htm - 21k

Over-interested (3 Occurrences)
Over-interested. Over-indulge, Over-interested. Overjoyed . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Over-indulge, Over-interested. Overjoyed . Reference Bible.
/o/over-interested.htm - 7k

Ephesians (4 Occurrences)
...Overjoyed with the account which their messenger had brought him of their faith
and holiness (Ephesians 1:15), and transported with the consideration of the ...
/e/ephesians.htm - 48k

Redeemer (42 Occurrences)
... Of course, the assumption in the mind of the Biblical writers was that any man in
prison or in slavery or in sickness would be overjoyed at being redeemed; but ...
/r/redeemer.htm - 45k

Redemption (46 Occurrences)
... Of course, the assumption in the mind of the Biblical writers was that any man in
prison or in slavery or in sickness would be overjoyed at being redeemed; but ...
/r/redemption.htm - 48k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... longed! Now both they and he knew how dear he was to them. Titus, too, was
overjoyed by the magnanimity of their reception of him. The ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... longed! Now both they and he knew how dear he was to them. Titus, too, was
overjoyed by the magnanimity of their reception of him. The ...
/c/corinthians.htm - 77k

Epistle (13 Occurrences)
... longed! Now both they and he knew how dear he was to them. Titus, too, was
overjoyed by the magnanimity of their reception of him. The ...
/e/epistle.htm - 101k

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is joy? | GotQuestions.org

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Overjoyed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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