Laughter is an interesting topic that comes up a number of times in the Bible. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about laughter and what we can learn from them:
Genesis 17:17 – Abraham’s laughter
When God promised Abraham that he would have a son in his old age, Abraham “fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, ‘Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?'” This depicts Abraham’s natural disbelief and skepticism at something seemingly impossible. Yet God fulfilled his promise, and Abraham’s laughter of disbelief turned to joyful laughter when Isaac was born.
Genesis 21:6 – Sarah’s laughter
Similarly, when Isaac was born, Sarah declared, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” This too depicts a laughter of joy and amazement at God’s provision in their old age.
Job 8:21 – Joyful laughter
Bildad declares, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Here, laughter is associated with joy, gladness and celebration.
Psalm 126:1-2 – Laughter of joy
The psalmist declares, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.'” This depicts the joyful laughter at God graciously restoring his people.
Ecclesiastes 2:2; 7:3 – Fleeting laughter
Solomon laments the fleeting nature of laughter when pursued apart from God: “I said of laughter, ‘It is mad,’ and of pleasure, ‘What use is it?'” (2:2) “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.” (7:3) Much worldly laughter is empty and temporary.
Luke 6:21 – Laughter of blessing
Jesus declares blessed are those who weep now, “for you will laugh.” In context, this refers to the joy and laughing that will come for those who are reviled and persecuted for Christ now.
Luke 6:25 – Temporary laughter
Jesus declares woe to those who are laughing now, living in comfort and luxury, “for you will mourn and weep.” Their laughter is temporary and will change to grief in eternity.
Proverbs 14:13 – Laughter can hide pain
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” Much laughter can cover deep pain inside. Not all laughter is a sign of true happiness.
Genesis 18:12-15 – Sarcastic laughter
When Sarah overheard the Lord say she would have a son in old age, she laughed mockingly to herself, denying the possibility. God called out her laughter of disbelief, even though she lied about laughing out of fear.
2 Chronicles 30:10 – Scornful laughter
The couriers sent to invite the Israelites to Jerusalem “were mocked and laughed at.” Their scornful laughter displayed arrogance and contempt for God’s ways.
Job 41:29 – Mocking laughter
God describes Leviathan as one who “laughs at the rattle of the javelin.” This depicts the defiant mocking and sneering laughter of the wicked aimed at that which is good.
Psalm 52:6 – Malicious laughter
David laments how the wicked man “laughs at the calamity of the righteous.” This malicious laughter gloats over the suffering of others.
Proverbs 29:9 – Quarrelsome laughter
“If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.” Fools respond to correction with mocking, quarrelsome laughter rather than humility.
Ecclesiastes 7:6 – Foolish laughter
“Like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools.” The laughter of fools is loud, yet empty, temporary and foolish, like crackling thorns.
Luke 22:53 – Evil laughter
When Judas betrayed Jesus, He declared to the chief priests and officers, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Even amidst the evil laughter of wicked men, Jesus submitted to God’s sovereign plan.
In summary, the Bible depicts many facets of laughter:
- Joyful laughter at God’s grace and goodness
- Mocking, foolish laughter at righteousness
- Pain hiding behind laughter
- God honoring laughter between friends
- Scornful laughter from the proud and arrogant
- The fleeting temporary laughter of the godless
As Christians, we are called to cultivate laughter that glorifies God – laughter of joy in His redemption, laughter that builds others up, and laughter reflecting our hope in Jesus our Savior. Our laughter should avoid mocking, belittling, or sneering at others. May our laughter reflect the surpassing joy found in Christ alone.
Old Testament Verses on Laughter
Genesis 17:17
Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”
Genesis 18:12-13
So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’”
Genesis 21:6
And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”
Job 8:21
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
Psalm 126:1-2
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.
Ecclesiastes 2:2
I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?”
Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
Ecclesiastes 7:6
For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 10:19
Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.
New Testament Verses on Laughter
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Luke 6:25
Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
Luke 22:53
When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Examples of Godly Laughter in the Bible
Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17-21)
Though Abraham and Sarah both initially responded in disbelief when told they would have a child in old age, their laughter turned to rejoicing when God fulfilled His promise. Isaac’s birth brought them great joy and merriment.
Job’s Future Hope (Job 8:21)
Despite Job’s suffering, his friend Bildad offered hope of future blessing, indicating Job would again have laughter and joy in God’s presence.
Israel’s Restoration (Psalm 126:1-2)
The psalmist recalls Israel’s joyful laughter when God amazingly restored their fortunes after the exile. Their laughter expressed their jubilation and gratitude.
Eternal Joy in Christ (Luke 6:21)
Jesus encourages those who weep now not to lose heart, for in Christ their sorrow will turn to future joy and laughter in God’s kingdom.
Examples of Sinful Laughter in the Bible
Mocking God’s Promises (Genesis 18:12-15)
Sarah laughed in disbelief when told she would bear a child in old age. But God called out her unbelief, as nothing is too hard for the Lord.
Scorn and Derision (2 Chronicles 30:10)
Some Israelites scornfully mocked and laughed at the invitation to come to Jerusalem and worship God at the temple.
Mocking Righteousness (Job 41:29)
Leviathan is depicted as a beast who laughs and sneers at righteousness, picturing proud evil defiance against God.
Callous Indifference (Proverbs 14:13)
The picture of the wicked laughing at the calamity of the righteous depicts a callous indifference to others’ suffering.
Foolish Mockery (Proverbs 29:9)
Fools respond to correction with anger and mocking laughter rather than humility. Their laughter reflects pride and defiance.
Principles for Godly Laughter
Based on these verses, here are some principles for laughter that honors God:
- Our laughter should reflect genuine joy in God’s presence and grace, not mere silliness.
- We must avoid mockery and cruel laughter that belittles others.
- Laughter should build others up, not tear them down.
- We must be willing to have our own laughter corrected if needed.
- Laughter should not distract from reverence for holy things.
- True laughter comes from hope in Christ’s redemption, not just temporary earthly pleasure.
The book of Proverbs sums it up well: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). As we seek to become more Christlike, may our laughter be a joyful reflection of God’s powerful grace. And may it build others up, not tear them down.