One of God’s most exquisite gifts to humanity is laughter, which is interwoven with happiness, healing, and camaraderie. The Bible describes laughter as a sign of heavenly favor and blessing in addition to being a natural way to express gladness.
Scripture shows that laughter has a sacred role in our lives, from Sarah’s joy when she gave birth to Isaac, whose name literally means “laugher,” to Proverbs’ reminders that a joyful heart gives good medicine. It depicts instances in which God transforms grief into joy and serves as a reminder that happiness is a component of His purpose for His people.
The Bible, however, presents a fair analysis of laughter. It honors the happiness that results from God’s favors but cautions against irresponsible, ridiculing, or stupid laughing that deviates from morality.
Believers can better appreciate the significance of laughter by adopting this dual viewpoint. When used properly, it praises God, fosters community, and uplifts the soul. When misused, it can desecrate or ridicule the sacred. Therefore, Scripture enables us to distinguish between harmful merriment and pure joy.
Examining Bible passages regarding laughter inspires us to welcome the joy that God offers despite hardships. When we can laugh in the face of adversity while believing in God’s promises, it becomes a testament to our faith. It serves as a reminder that joy is a reflection of God’s goodness and a fruit of the Spirit, not merely a transient feeling. As part of their Christian witness, believers are encouraged by these verses to develop joyful hearts, find hope amid trying circumstances, and share joy with others.
40 Uplifting Bible Verses About Laughter (2025)
1. Genesis 21:6
“Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”
This verse captures the joy Sarah experienced when God fulfilled His promise by giving her a son in her old age. Laughter here is not just amusement but a deep expression of relief, gratitude, and overwhelming joy at God’s miraculous power. It reminds us that God often turns situations of hopelessness into testimonies of joy, where our laughter becomes a witness to His faithfulness.
2. Job 8:21
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
This verse offers encouragement during suffering, assuring us that God can restore joy and laughter after seasons of pain. It speaks of divine renewal and the hope that sorrow will not last forever. Even when life feels heavy, God’s promises remind us that laughter and rejoicing will return, reflecting His power to heal and restore.
3. Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”
This Psalm celebrates the joy of God’s people after being restored from captivity. Their laughter and joy were so evident that even surrounding nations recognized God’s work in their lives. True laughter here is an overflow of gratitude and recognition of God’s goodness. It reveals how divine deliverance not only fills us with joy but also becomes a testimony to the world.
4. Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse highlights the healing and restorative power of joy and laughter. A heart filled with gladness brings life, vitality, and health, while despair drains the spirit. It shows that laughter is not only an emotional response but also a form of spiritual and even physical healing. God designed joy to refresh us and keep us strong, even in difficult times.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
This verse acknowledges the rhythm of life—times of sorrow and times of joy. Laughter is shown as part of God’s appointed seasons, reminding us that even after hardship, joy will follow. It teaches us to embrace both moments of mourning and moments of gladness, knowing each has its purpose under heaven.
6. Ecclesiastes 8:15
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
Here, laughter and joy are celebrated as gifts from God to be enjoyed amidst life’s struggles. It reminds us that God intends for His people to experience gladness even in daily labor. Laughter is not frivolous—it is a reflection of God’s grace that brings contentment in ordinary living.
7. Psalm 2:4
“The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
This verse shows that God Himself laughs—not in joy here, but in sovereignty and authority over those who oppose Him. His laughter is a declaration of His supremacy, proving that no earthly scheme can overthrow His power. It reminds us that God reigns with confidence and that His people can rest secure in His strength.
8. Luke 6:21
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Jesus assures His followers that sorrow is temporary and will ultimately be replaced by joy in God’s kingdom. This verse is a promise of divine reversal, where present pain will turn into eternal laughter. It gives believers hope that no matter the trials, lasting joy awaits them in Christ.
9. Luke 6:25
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.”
In contrast to His blessing, Jesus warns those who find careless laughter in worldly pleasures without regard for God. This verse is not condemning joy itself but the shallow laughter rooted in sin and self-indulgence. True joy comes from God, but worldly laughter that ignores Him leads to emptiness and sorrow.
10. Psalm 37:13
“But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
Here again, God’s laughter reflects His sovereignty and justice. While the wicked may prosper for a season, God is not threatened by their actions. His laughter shows His assurance that justice will prevail and that His plans cannot be overthrown. This gives believers confidence to trust Him even when evil seems to prosper.
11. Psalm 59:8
“But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.”
This verse reveals God’s power over the nations, reminding us that no army or government can rise above His will. His laughter symbolizes divine authority, showing that worldly powers are insignificant compared to His sovereignty. It assures believers that God rules over all and His purposes cannot be thwarted.
12. Genesis 18:12
“So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’”
Sarah’s laughter here reflects disbelief and amazement at God’s promise of a son in her old age. It shows how human doubt often collides with divine promises. Yet, God turned her laughter of disbelief into laughter of joy, reminding us that His word always comes to pass despite our limitations.
13. Genesis 18:13
“Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Will I really have a child, now that I am old?”’”
This verse highlights God’s awareness of our inner thoughts, even the unspoken laughter of doubt. Sarah’s laughter became a lesson in faith, showing that nothing is too hard for the Lord. It reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, God is fully capable of doing the impossible.
14. Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Though laughter is not directly mentioned, this verse carries the promise of joy and gladness after sorrow. It shows the divine exchange where pain and perseverance lead to rejoicing. Just as farmers reap after toil, believers who endure hardships in faith will find their mouths filled with laughter and joy.
15. Isaiah 51:11
“Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
This verse paints a picture of God’s redeemed people rejoicing eternally. Their joy and gladness reflect divine laughter that never fades. It shows that in God’s salvation, laughter is not temporary but everlasting—a reflection of His eternal goodness and deliverance.
16. Jeremiah 30:19
“From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.”
This verse emphasizes restoration and rejoicing among God’s people. Laughter here is implied through the sound of joy and celebration after captivity. It shows how God not only restores His people but fills their lives with abundance and gladness, turning mourning into joyful praise.
17. Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
The virtuous woman’s laughter here is a symbol of confidence and faith in God’s provision. Her joy comes from trusting God with the future, not fearing what lies ahead. This verse teaches us that true laughter is rooted in strength, dignity, and unwavering faith.
18. Job 5:22
“You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the wild animals.”
Job is reminded that those who trust in God need not be overcome by fear, even in times of disaster. Laughter here represents victory and confidence, knowing God protects His people. It shows that faith can turn even the most frightening circumstances into moments of courage and peace.
19. Ecclesiastes 7:6
“Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.”
This verse warns against empty, superficial laughter. Foolish laughter, without depth or wisdom, fades quickly and carries no lasting joy. It reminds us that not all laughter is beneficial—true joy must be grounded in God’s truth, not in fleeting amusements.
20. Mark 5:40
“But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.”
The crowd laughed at Jesus in disbelief when He declared that Jairus’s daughter was only asleep. Their laughter was rooted in doubt and scorn, but Jesus turned their mocking into awe by raising the child to life. This verse teaches us that human laughter of unbelief cannot overshadow God’s miraculous power.
21. Matthew 9:24
“He said, ‘Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him.”
Here again, laughter is used in scorn as people mocked Jesus’ words. Their disbelief blinded them to the reality of God’s power at work. This verse warns us not to dismiss divine promises with mocking laughter, but instead to trust God’s authority even when circumstances seem impossible.
22. Psalm 52:6
“The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, ‘Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!’”
This verse shows the laughter of the righteous directed at the downfall of the wicked. It is not laughter of cruelty but of vindication, affirming God’s justice. It reminds us that relying on wealth or wickedness leads to ruin, while trusting God leads to joy and lasting security.
23. Luke 8:53
“They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.”
The people laughed at Jesus’ claim that the girl was not dead but asleep. Their laughter came from misplaced certainty in what they saw rather than faith in what God could do. This verse contrasts human doubt with divine authority, reminding us that God’s word is greater than human perception.
24. James 4:9
“Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.”
This verse calls for repentance, urging people to turn away from shallow laughter that masks sin. Sometimes laughter must give way to mourning when hearts need to be humbled before God. It teaches that true joy comes after repentance and reconciliation with Him.
25. Psalm 80:6
“You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.”
Though laughter is not directly mentioned, mockery here reflects the laughter of enemies who scorn God’s people. It highlights the pain of being ridiculed and serves as a prayer for restoration. This verse reminds us that even in times of humiliation, God is able to restore His people’s joy.
26. Lamentations 3:14
“I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long.”
Jeremiah speaks of being ridiculed for his faithfulness to God’s message. This type of laughter is mocking and painful, showing how God’s servants often endure scorn. Yet it also teaches perseverance, reminding us that ridicule does not diminish God’s truth.
27. Job 12:4
“I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered— a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!”
Job laments being mocked by those who should have comforted him. His suffering drew laughter instead of compassion. This verse reveals how human laughter can wound deeply, but it also shows Job’s continued faith in God despite rejection and ridicule.
28. Job 30:1
“But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.”
Here, Job reflects on the humiliation of being laughed at by those once beneath him socially. His suffering reduced him to scorn, yet it illustrates how quickly human dignity can fade. It teaches us humility and reminds us that God alone sustains true honor.
29. Habakkuk 1:10
“They mock kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; by building earthen ramps they capture them.”
This verse describes the arrogance of invading nations who laugh at earthly powers. Their laughter is rooted in pride and violence, but it serves as a reminder that such arrogance will not last before God’s justice. Worldly laughter without reverence for God always leads to downfall.
30. Job 21:3
“Bear with me while I speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.”
Job appeals for his friends to listen before ridiculing him further. Their laughter was dismissive and cruel, adding to his pain rather than easing it. This verse highlights how destructive mocking laughter can be and reminds us to respond to others with empathy instead of ridicule.
31. Psalm 22:7
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.”
This verse prophetically describes the ridicule faced by Christ on the cross. The mocking laughter of His enemies reveals the cruelty of human scorn. Yet, it also points to the greater victory of the cross, where humiliation turned into triumph and everlasting joy for all who believe.
32. Nehemiah 2:19
“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’”
Nehemiah and his people were laughed at and ridiculed for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Their enemies used mockery to discourage them. This verse teaches us that laughter rooted in opposition to God’s work cannot stop His plans from succeeding.
33. Matthew 27:29
“And then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said.”
The soldiers mocked Jesus with cruel laughter, pretending to honor Him while ridiculing His kingship. This verse reveals the depth of human mockery but also shows that even in scorn, Christ’s true glory as King could not be diminished.
34. Mark 15:20
“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.”
Mocking laughter accompanied Jesus to the cross. It underscores the pain He endured for humanity’s sake. This verse reminds us that He bore not only physical suffering but also the shame of ridicule, turning even scorn into redemption.
35. Psalm 44:13
“You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us.”
Here, laughter is expressed through derision and mockery of God’s people. It reflects times of humiliation when others laugh at our struggles. Yet, this verse is also a cry to God for deliverance, trusting that He will turn ridicule into rejoicing.
36. 2 Kings 19:21
“This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: ‘Virgin Daughter Zion despises you and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee.’”
In this verse, laughter and mockery come from God’s people directed at their enemies. It represents victory and confidence in God’s deliverance. When God defends His people, the tables turn, and those who once mocked are now mocked in defeat.
37. Ezekiel 23:32
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup large and deep; it will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much.’”
Here, derision and mocking laughter symbolize judgment. God warns that rebellion leads to shame and ridicule. It reminds us that laughter without repentance can quickly turn into humiliation when sin’s consequences are revealed.
38. Job 17:6
“God has made me a byword to everyone, a man in whose face people spit.”
Though not directly about laughter, this verse reflects Job’s experience of ridicule and mockery. It shows how laughter can be used as a tool of scorn against the suffering. Still, Job’s enduring faith highlights resilience under humiliation.
39. Psalm 35:16
“Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me.”
This verse describes the laughter of enemies who delight in another’s pain. Such mocking is rooted in malice, not joy. Yet the psalmist cries out to God, who defends the righteous and turns unjust laughter into ultimate justice.
40. Luke 23:35
“The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’”
At the cross, the rulers mocked Jesus with scornful laughter, doubting His identity as the Messiah. Their ridicule revealed hardened hearts, yet through the very act they mocked, Christ accomplished salvation. This verse shows how God turns scorn into victory and laughter into eternal joy.
Conclusion
Finally, biblical passages about laughter serve as a reminder that God’s plan for our life requires joy. Laughter is more than just a momentary display of joy; it is a manifestation of God’s goodness, a declaration of His favor, and a means by which He heals the soul. Scripture demonstrates that laughter has a sacred and healing role in our spiritual journeys, whether it is via Sarah’s laughter of fulfillment, the joy that arises from God’s promises, or the joyful heart that Proverbs refers to as “good medicine.”
In the end, biblical laughter leads us back to God, the origin of genuine joy. It is our duty as Christians to find joy even during terrible times, believing that God can transform sadness into happiness. We can feel the Lord’s peace and spread that delight to others by developing a heart that rejoices in Him. A life filled with laughter that is infused with faith becomes a testament to God’s grace, a beacon of hope for future generations, and a light in the dark.
