Chairō

Chairō was often used at the opening of a letter as a formal salutation (e.g., Jas 1:1). Letters embedded in the book of Acts open with the author’s charein (“greetings”) to the recipients (Acts 15:23; 23:26).

Chairō was also employed as a formalized greeting when meeting someone in a public place (e.g., Matt 28:9). The term chairō, as an expression of wellbeing or gladness, characterizes Zacchaeus’ welcome of Jesus into his house—he received Him “gladly” (Luke 19:6). Jesus is mocked with the term, often translated as “hail” (Matt 27:29). The recipients of 2 John are warned not to offer charein to those espousing heretical doctrine—to do so means becoming partners with them in their evil deeds (2 John 10).

When the good news is preached and received, those who believe are filled with chairō (Acts 8:39). John the Baptist compares his joy to that of the friend of the bridegroom at the coming of Jesus, who is the fulfillment of his chairō (John 3:29). The word describes the father’s desire to celebrate and “rejoice” because his prodigal son returned home (Luke 15:32).

One can express chairō during certain present trials and afflictions because after suffering there will be a day when they will be vindicated by Christ (1 Pet 4:13). It is also an appropriate response because trials are the means to Christian maturity (Jas 1:2–4). Jesus comforted His disciples on the night of His betrayal, telling them that He would be taken away, but that they would see Him again; and when they saw Him, their grief would turn to chairō (John 16:16–22).

Chairō often will result in a response of worship. It represents the proper attitude following the culmination of a sequence of events, ending in praise, suggesting the praise not only expresses chairō, but also completes the enjoyment that is experienced. Those who witnessed Jesus’ miracles should also experience rejoicing (chairō; Luke 13:17; 19:37). According to Jesus, a person should “rejoice” (chairō) at one’s name being written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Praise can also be expressed at the arrival of the marriage of the Lamb recounted in Revelation (Rev 19:7).

Even Jesus experiences chairō. He praises the Father because of the generous revelation God gave to the disciples (Luke 10:21). In his farewell discourse, Jesus exhorts His disciples to rejoice (chairō) at His departure since He will be with the Father (John 14:28).

David Seal