The Glad Passages of the Bible

The Glad Passages

For years I have been fascinated by the Glad Passages talked about in the movie, Pollyanna. I've often wondered how she came up with over 800 glad passages. Are there really 800, and what words did her father use to look them up in the concordance of the King James Version of the bible?

After doing a Google search for the Glad Passages, I was discouraged to find that my name actually came up more times than the Glad Passages AND that most of the Glad Passages links led to negative passages in the bible.

So I think this project will be a benefit to our world. I hope that it inspires you!

This is my rough draft of passages extracted from BibleGateway. As I have time, I'll be going through them and delete those passages that are NOT happy and positive.

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The Glad Passages:

Glad (144)

Happy (25)

Joy/Joyful/Joyfulness (187)

Abundance/Abundant (44)

Ador/Adornment/Adorns (52)

Benefit/Beneficial (8)

Rejoice (240)

Sing (169)

Dance (19)

Celebrate (2)

Encourage (8)

Peace (420)

Please (104)

Prosper (91)

Gift (104)

Wealth (29)

(1646 Total Passages)

In the movie, Pollyanna (most recently played by Haley Mills and filmed by Disney), Pollyanna came to live with her aunt after her missionary parents died. Even though she had lost her parents she was able to help many "negative people" with her attitude. She introduced them to the "glad game," to look for things to be glad about in any situation.

Her father had taught her the Glad Game after she experienced a disappointment. She had always wanted a doll, but her parents never had enough money to buy it for her. Her father sent a request from their post in Africa for a second hand doll to his missionary sponsors. They sent a pair of crutches instead. "What is there to be glad about crutches?" they thought. Then they decided they could be glad because they didn't have to use them.

This very simple game changed the attitudes and lives of many people in the entire town. Pollyanna especially affected the minister. Before she came to town he preached hellfire and damnation (spurred on by her Aunt Polly.) He did not seem to be very happy, and neither was his congregation.

Pollyanna told him one day, after contemplating on which words to say, that her father used to preach like that and found he was not very effective. "Then he discovered that the Bible had 800 'Glad Passages,' so decided to build his sermons around them. He figured and that if God mentioned being glad that many times, it must be because He wants us to think that way." She told the minister.

The term Pollyanna came from the movie. A Pollyanna is defined as a person who always looks on the bright side of things. While I was growing up, my father used to call me that on a regular basis. I don't think he meant it in a positive sense. Some people just can't take how happy I am. I didn't care, and took it as a compliment. I am the eternal optimist and I spread it wherever I go. I hope I always do.

OK. . .Here they are!

Glad

1. Exodus 4:14
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Exodus 4:13-15 (in Context) Exodus 4 (Whole Chapter)

2. Numbers 10:10
Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.
Numbers 10:9-11 (in Context) Numbers 10 (Whole Chapter)

3. Deuteronomy 28:47
Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
Deuteronomy 28:46-48 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter)

4. Judges 18:20
And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
Judges 18:19-21 (in Context) Judges 18 (Whole Chapter)

5. 1 Samuel 11:9
And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
1 Samuel 11:8-10 (in Context) 1 Samuel 11 (Whole Chapter)

6. 2 Samuel 6:12
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
2 Samuel 6:11-13 (in Context) 2 Samuel 6 (Whole Chapter)

7. 1 Kings 8:66
On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.
1 Kings 8:65-66 (in Context) 1 Kings 8 (Whole Chapter)

8. 1 Chronicles 16:27
Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
1 Chronicles 16:26-28 (in Context) 1 Chronicles 16 (Whole Chapter)

9. 1 Chronicles 16:31
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
1 Chronicles 16:30-32 (in Context) 1 Chronicles 16 (Whole Chapter)

10. 1 Chronicles 29:22
And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the LORD to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.
1 Chronicles 29:21-23 (in Context) 1 Chronicles 29 (Whole Chapter)

11. 2 Chronicles 7:10
And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.
2 Chronicles 7:9-11 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 7 (Whole Chapter)

12. 2 Chronicles 29:30
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
2 Chronicles 29:29-31 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 29 (Whole Chapter)

13. 2 Chronicles 30:21
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.
2 Chronicles 30:20-22 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 30 (Whole Chapter)

14. 2 Chronicles 30:23
And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
2 Chronicles 30:22-24 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 30 (Whole Chapter)

15. Nehemiah 8:17
And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
Nehemiah 8:16-18 (in Context) Nehemiah 8 (Whole Chapter)

16. Nehemiah 12:27
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.
Nehemiah 12:26-28 (in Context) Nehemiah 12 (Whole Chapter)

17. Esther 5:9
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
Esther 5:8-10 (in Context) Esther 5 (Whole Chapter)

18. Esther 8:15
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
Esther 8:14-16 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter)

19. Esther 8:16
The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
Esther 8:15-17 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter)

20. Esther 8:17
And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.
Esther 8:16-17 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter)

21. Esther 9:17
On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
Esther 9:16-18 (in Context) Esther 9 (Whole Chapter)

22. Esther 9:18
But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
Esther 9:17-19 (in Context) Esther 9 (Whole Chapter)

23. Esther 9:19
Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
Esther 9:18-20 (in Context) Esther 9 (Whole Chapter)

24. Job 3:22
Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
Job 3:21-23 (in Context) Job 3 (Whole Chapter)

25. Job 22:19
The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.
Job 22:18-20 (in Context) Job 22 (Whole Chapter)

26. Psalm 4:7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Psalm 4:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 4 (Whole Chapter)

27. Psalm 9:2
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 9 (Whole Chapter)

28. Psalm 14:7
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Psalm 14:6-7 (in Context) Psalm 14 (Whole Chapter)

29. Psalm 16:9
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psalm 16:8-10 (in Context) Psalm 16 (Whole Chapter)

30. Psalm 21:6
For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
Psalm 21:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 21 (Whole Chapter)

31. Psalm 30:11
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Psalm 30:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 30 (Whole Chapter)

32. Psalm 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Psalm 31:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 31 (Whole Chapter)

33. Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psalm 32:10-11 (in Context) Psalm 32 (Whole Chapter)

34. Psalm 34:2
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Psalm 34:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 34 (Whole Chapter)

35. Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psalm 35:26-28 (in Context) Psalm 35 (Whole Chapter)

36. Psalm 40:16
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
Psalm 40:15-17 (in Context) Psalm 40 (Whole Chapter)

37. Psalm 45:7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 45 (Whole Chapter)

38. Psalm 45:8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Psalm 45:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 45 (Whole Chapter)

39. Psalm 45:15
With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
Psalm 45:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 45 (Whole Chapter)

40. Psalm 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
Psalm 46:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 46 (Whole Chapter)

41. Psalm 48:11
Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
Psalm 48:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 48 (Whole Chapter)

42. Psalm 51:8
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Psalm 51:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 51 (Whole Chapter)

43. Psalm 53:6
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Psalm 53:5-6 (in Context) Psalm 53 (Whole Chapter)

44. Psalm 64:10
The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
Psalm 64:9-10 (in Context) Psalm 64 (Whole Chapter)

45. Psalm 67:4
O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
Psalm 67:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 67 (Whole Chapter)

46. Psalm 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Psalm 68:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 68 (Whole Chapter)

47. Psalm 69:32
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
Psalm 69:31-33 (in Context) Psalm 69 (Whole Chapter)

48. Psalm 70:4
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
Psalm 70:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 70 (Whole Chapter)

49. Psalm 90:14
O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:13-15 (in Context) Psalm 90 (Whole Chapter)

50. Psalm 90:15
Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
Psalm 90:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 90 (Whole Chapter)

51. Psalm 92:4
For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Psalm 92:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 92 (Whole Chapter)

52. Psalm 96:11
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Psalm 96:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 96 (Whole Chapter)

53. Psalm 97:1
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Psalm 97:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 97 (Whole Chapter)

54. Psalm 97:8
Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Psalm 97:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 97 (Whole Chapter)

55. Psalm 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Psalm 97:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 97 (Whole Chapter)

56. Psalm 100:2
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 100 (Whole Chapter)

57. Psalm 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
Psalm 104:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 104 (Whole Chapter)

58. Psalm 104:34
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalm 104:33-35 (in Context) Psalm 104 (Whole Chapter)

59. Psalm 105:38
Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
Psalm 105:37-39 (in Context) Psalm 105 (Whole Chapter)

60. Psalm 105:43
And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
Psalm 105:42-44 (in Context) Psalm 105 (Whole Chapter)

61. Psalm 106:5
That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
Psalm 106:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 106 (Whole Chapter)

62. Psalm 107:30
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psalm 107:29-31 (in Context) Psalm 107 (Whole Chapter)

63. Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:23-25 (in Context) Psalm 118 (Whole Chapter)

64. Psalm 119:74
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
Psalm 119:73-75 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

65. Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Psalm 122:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 122 (Whole Chapter)

66. Psalm 126:3
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 126 (Whole Chapter)

67. Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Proverbs 10:1-3 (in Context) Proverbs 10 (Whole Chapter)

68. Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
Proverbs 10:27-29 (in Context) Proverbs 10 (Whole Chapter)

69. Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Proverbs 12:24-26 (in Context) Proverbs 12 (Whole Chapter)

70. Proverbs 15:20
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Proverbs 15:19-21 (in Context) Proverbs 15 (Whole Chapter)

71. Proverbs 17:5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 17:4-6 (in Context) Proverbs 17 (Whole Chapter)

72. Proverbs 23:25
Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
Proverbs 23:24-26 (in Context) Proverbs 23 (Whole Chapter)

73. Proverbs 24:17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Proverbs 24:16-18 (in Context) Proverbs 24 (Whole Chapter)

74. Proverbs 27:11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Proverbs 27:10-12 (in Context) Proverbs 27 (Whole Chapter)

75. Song of Solomon 1:4
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
Song of Solomon 1:3-5 (in Context) Song of Solomon 1 (Whole Chapter)

76. Song of Solomon 3:11
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Song of Solomon 3:10-11 (in Context) Song of Solomon 3 (Whole Chapter)

77. Isaiah 16:10
And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.
Isaiah 16:9-11 (in Context) Isaiah 16 (Whole Chapter)

78. Isaiah 22:13
And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Isaiah 22:12-14 (in Context) Isaiah 22 (Whole Chapter)

79. Isaiah 25:9
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Isaiah 25:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 25 (Whole Chapter)

80. Isaiah 30:29
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
Isaiah 30:28-30 (in Context) Isaiah 30 (Whole Chapter)

81. Isaiah 35:1
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
Isaiah 35:1-3 (in Context) Isaiah 35 (Whole Chapter)

82. Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:9-10 (in Context) Isaiah 35 (Whole Chapter)

83. Isaiah 39:2
And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
Isaiah 39:1-3 (in Context) Isaiah 39 (Whole Chapter)

84. Isaiah 51:3
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Isaiah 51:2-4 (in Context) Isaiah 51 (Whole Chapter)

85. Isaiah 51:11
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:10-12 (in Context) Isaiah 51 (Whole Chapter)

86. Isaiah 65:18
But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
Isaiah 65:17-19 (in Context) Isaiah 65 (Whole Chapter)

87. Isaiah 66:10
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: