50 Bible Verses About Laughter

Laughter is a beautiful gift from God that brings joy, healing, and lightness to our hearts, even in the midst of life’s challenges. The Bible reminds us that laughter is more than just a moment of amusement—it can be a reflection of gratitude, a symbol of renewal, and a reminder of God’s blessings.

From the joy of Sarah’s laughter at God’s promise to the encouragement found in Proverbs about a cheerful heart, Scripture shows how laughter can uplift the spirit and strengthen faith. These 50 Bible verses about laughter highlight the importance of joy as part of a life rooted in God’s love and hope.

1. Joy and Celebration

Joy and celebration are deeply woven into the message of the Bible, reminding us that God desires His people to live with hearts full of gratitude and gladness. Moments of joy are often expressed through laughter, singing, and celebration, whether in response to God’s blessings, deliverance, or the fulfillment of His promises. 

Laughter in times of joy reflects the freedom and peace that come from trusting God, reminding us that true happiness is not found in fleeting pleasures but in His presence. Celebration becomes a way to honor God, share His goodness with others, and strengthen our faith through rejoicing.

1. Psalm 126:2

Verse: “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.’”
Description: This verse reflects a moment of overwhelming joy as God’s people celebrate His deliverance.
Interpretation: True laughter flows from recognizing God’s blessings. It shows that joy is not only personal but also a testimony to others of God’s goodness.

2. Proverbs 17:22

Verse: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Description: The proverb compares joy to medicine that brings healing, while discouragement brings harm.
Interpretation: Laughter and joy bring life, renewal, and even physical strength, reminding us that God designed us to thrive in gladness.

3. Ecclesiastes 3:4

Verse: “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Description: Life is made up of seasons, both sorrowful and joyful, each with its proper place.
Interpretation: Laughter is a God-given gift for its season, reminding us that joy balances grief and that God makes all times meaningful.

4. Luke 6:21

Verse: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Description: Jesus promises that sorrow will one day be replaced with joy and laughter.
Interpretation: This verse gives hope that God can transform suffering into rejoicing, assuring us of His comfort and eternal blessings.

5. Psalm 30:11

Verse: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
Description: The psalmist celebrates God’s power to change grief into gladness.
Interpretation: God is able to turn our deepest sorrows into joy, showing that laughter and celebration are gifts that come from His restoring love.

6. Proverbs 15:13

Verse: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Description: This proverb connects inner joy with outward expressions of gladness.
Interpretation: Laughter and a joyful spirit naturally brighten our lives, but bitterness weighs heavily. God calls us to nurture joy within.

7. Genesis 21:6

Verse: “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”
Description: Sarah laughs in joy when God fulfills His promise by giving her a son in old age.
Interpretation: Laughter here represents amazement at God’s faithfulness. It reminds us that God’s blessings often bring joy that others share in.

8. Job 8:21

Verse: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
Description: Job’s friend encourages him with the hope of restoration and future joy.
Interpretation: Even in suffering, God has the power to restore laughter and joy, showing that hard seasons are not the end of our story.

9. Psalm 2:4

Verse: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
Description: This verse describes God’s laughter in response to the arrogance of earthly rulers.
Interpretation: God’s laughter represents His power and authority. It shows that human pride cannot stand against His sovereign plan.

10. Proverbs 31:25

Verse: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Description: The virtuous woman is described as confident and joyful about the future.
Interpretation: Laughter here reflects trust in God’s provision. Instead of fearing tomorrow, the faithful can face the future with peace and joy.

2. Healing and Comfort

Healing and comfort often come through the gift of joy and laughter, which the Bible recognizes as a source of strength in times of hardship. Laughter can ease pain, lift burdens, and bring a sense of renewal to the heart, reminding us that God restores both body and spirit. 

Just as a cheerful heart is described as good medicine, moments of joy can soothe emotional wounds and provide relief during trials. In God’s presence, sorrow can be transformed into peace and gladness, showing that true comfort is not just physical but also deeply spiritual, rooted in His love and care.

1. Psalm 126:2

Verse: “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.’”
Description: This verse portrays the joy and relief of God’s people after being restored from captivity.
Interpretation: Laughter becomes a sign of healing and renewal. It reminds us that God can turn seasons of sorrow into testimonies of joy, bringing comfort to His people.

2. Proverbs 15:15

Verse: “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
Description: A joyful heart is compared to a feast that sustains and refreshes life.
Interpretation: Even in difficulty, a heart filled with joy brings comfort and strength. True healing begins when we choose gladness rooted in God’s goodness.

3. Isaiah 51:11

Verse: “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.”
Description: This verse speaks of restoration and the joy of God’s redeemed people.
Interpretation: God’s healing removes sorrow and replaces it with lasting joy. His comfort assures us that pain is temporary, but His salvation brings eternal gladness.

4. Job 5:22

Verse: “You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the wild animals.”
Description: Job is encouraged with the promise of protection and hope in difficult times.
Interpretation: Laughter here symbolizes confidence in God’s care. Even in hardship, His comfort gives strength to face trials without fear.

5. Jeremiah 31:13

Verse: “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
Description: God promises to replace mourning with joy for His people.
Interpretation: This verse highlights God’s healing power to transform grief into celebration. His comfort brings restoration to every generation.

6. Proverbs 17:22

Verse: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Description: Joy is compared to medicine that brings healing to body and soul.
Interpretation: Laughter and gladness are part of God’s way of restoring us. A joyful spirit strengthens us, while despair weakens life.

7. Psalm 126:2-3

Verse: “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.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Description: The psalmist celebrates God’s great works of restoration.
Interpretation: Healing and comfort come when we reflect on God’s blessings. Laughter here is an expression of gratitude for His renewing power.

8. Isaiah 55:12

Verse: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Description: Creation itself is pictured as rejoicing with God’s people.
Interpretation: God’s comfort not only restores His people but also fills the world with joy. His healing presence brings peace that overflows into all creation.

9. Job 8:21

Verse: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
Description: Job is reminded of God’s power to restore joy after suffering.
Interpretation: Healing is promised after hardship. God’s comfort ensures that sorrow will not last forever but will give way to renewed laughter.

10. Luke 6:21

Verse: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Description: Jesus gives hope to those in sorrow, promising joy to come.
Interpretation: This verse assures us that God’s comfort transforms present pain into future joy. Healing comes through His promise that mourning will one day be replaced with laughter.

3. The Joy of the Lord

The Joy of the Lord is a source of strength, renewal, and deep comfort that goes beyond temporary happiness. Unlike joy that depends on circumstances, the joy God gives is rooted in His presence, promises, and faithfulness. 

It reminds believers that even in times of trial, they can find peace and gladness through trusting Him. This joy uplifts the weary, restores hope, and empowers us to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God is in control. Truly, the joy of the Lord is not just an emotion but a sustaining force that brings healing to the heart and soul.

1. Nehemiah 8:10

Verse: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Description: Nehemiah encourages God’s people not to dwell in sorrow but to find strength in the Lord’s joy.
Interpretation: The joy that comes from God sustains us in weakness. It is not based on circumstances but on His presence, giving us courage and resilience.

2. Psalm 16:11

Verse: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Description: David acknowledges that true joy is found in God’s presence.
Interpretation: The deepest joy flows from intimacy with God. His presence offers lasting fulfillment and peace beyond what the world can give.

3. John 15:11

Verse: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Description: Jesus assures His followers that His teachings bring complete joy.
Interpretation: The joy of Christ is perfect and enduring. By remaining in Him, believers experience joy that fills and sustains their hearts.

4. Romans 14:17

Verse: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Description: Paul defines God’s kingdom as spiritual, filled with peace and joy from the Spirit.
Interpretation: True joy is a spiritual gift, rooted in living rightly with God. It transcends physical needs and reflects the work of the Holy Spirit.

5. Galatians 5:22

Verse: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
Description: Joy is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.
Interpretation: Genuine joy is evidence of God’s Spirit within us. It is cultivated as we walk in step with Him, bringing comfort and strength.

6. 1 Peter 1:8

Verse: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
Description: Peter celebrates the faith and joy of believers in Christ, even without seeing Him.
Interpretation: Faith in Christ produces a deep, indescribable joy. It is a joy rooted not in sight but in trust and hope in Him.

7. Philippians 4:4

Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Description: Paul repeatedly urges believers to find their joy in the Lord.
Interpretation: Joy is a choice and a command, not dependent on circumstances. Believers are called to rejoice continually because God’s goodness never changes.

8. Psalm 100:2

Verse: “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”
Description: The psalmist invites God’s people to serve and worship with joy.
Interpretation: Joy is central to true worship. When we serve God with gladness, our lives become an expression of gratitude and praise.

9. Isaiah 12:3

Verse: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Description: Isaiah depicts salvation as a wellspring of joy and refreshment.
Interpretation: Salvation in God brings endless joy, like life-giving water. His saving grace refreshes the soul and gives lasting comfort.

10. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Verse: “Rejoice always.”
Description: Paul gives a simple yet powerful command for constant joy.
Interpretation: Joy is not occasional but continual for believers. Rooted in God’s faithfulness, it becomes a way of life, no matter the situation.

4. Laughter in Community

Laughter in community reflects the beauty of shared joy and the strength of unity among God’s people. When believers come together in fellowship, laughter becomes a sign of love, peace, and mutual encouragement. It lightens burdens, breaks down barriers, and strengthens relationships, reminding us that God designed us to live in harmony and support one another. 

In moments of shared laughter, communities experience healing, deeper connection, and a glimpse of the joy that comes from walking together in faith.

1. Acts 2:46

Verse: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
Description: The early church is pictured as a joyful community sharing life and meals together.
Interpretation: Fellowship filled with joy and sincerity creates unity. Shared laughter and gladness are signs of God’s Spirit at work in His people.

2. Psalm 133:1
Verse: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Description: This psalm celebrates the blessing of unity among believers.
Interpretation: True community thrives on harmony. Laughter naturally flows where there is peace and love, making fellowship both joyful and strong.

3. Romans 12:15
Verse: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Description: Paul encourages believers to share in one another’s emotions and experiences.
Interpretation: Community means entering into both joy and sorrow. Shared laughter strengthens bonds, reflecting Christlike compassion and unity.

4. Proverbs 27:9
Verse: “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Description: Friendship is described as a source of joy and encouragement.
Interpretation: Just as fragrance lifts the spirit, true friends bring gladness. Laughter and wise counsel in friendship are gifts that bring healing and strength.

5. 1 Thessalonians 3:9
Verse: “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
Description: Paul expresses joy and gratitude for the believers in Thessalonica.
Interpretation: Community in Christ produces deep joy and thanksgiving. The presence of fellow believers is a source of laughter, encouragement, and gratitude to God.

6. 2 Corinthians 7:13
Verse: “By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.”
Description: Paul celebrates the joy and refreshment Titus found in fellowship with other believers.
Interpretation: Community brings renewal and gladness. Laughter shared among believers reflects God’s comfort and encouragement in relationships.

7. Philemon 1:7
Verse: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
Description: Paul praises Philemon for bringing joy to others through love and kindness.
Interpretation: Laughter and joy in community are born from love. When we care for others, we create spaces of refreshment and gladness.

8. Philippians 1:4
Verse: “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
Description: Paul’s joy comes from his deep connection with the Philippian believers.
Interpretation: Community rooted in faith fosters joy even across distance. Shared laughter and gladness grow from genuine love and prayer for one another.

9. 1 Corinthians 12:26
Verse: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
Description: Paul emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ in both pain and joy.
Interpretation: Laughter and celebration are not individual but shared in community. Unity means entering into each other’s experiences fully, building strong bonds.

10. Psalm 118:24

Verse: “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”
Description: This verse is a call to celebrate the goodness and works of God with joy and gladness.
Interpretation: Each day is a gift from the Lord, and laughter and rejoicing are fitting responses to His blessings. In community, this joy becomes even more powerful as believers join together in gratitude and celebration of God’s faithfulness.

5. God’s Laughter

God’s laughter, as described in Scripture, reflects His supreme authority and power over human pride and rebellion. Unlike human laughter that may arise from amusement, God’s laughter symbolizes His sovereignty, showing that no plan of man can stand against His will. When nations rage or people plot against Him, He laughs—not out of mockery, but as a declaration that their efforts are futile compared to His eternal rule. This divine laughter reminds believers that God is always in control, and it brings comfort to know that nothing can overthrow His purposes or diminish His reign.

1. Psalm 37:13

Verse: “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
Description: God laughs at the arrogance of the wicked who believe they can act without consequence.
Interpretation: This verse reminds us that evil will not last forever. God’s laughter shows His supreme authority and that justice is certain in His timing.

2. Psalm 2:4

Verse: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
Description: God responds to rebellious rulers and nations with laughter.
Interpretation: His laughter reveals the futility of resisting His will. It assures believers that no earthly power can overthrow God’s eternal plan.

3. Job 39:22

Verse: “It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; it does not shy away from the sword.”
Description: God describes the horse’s courage in battle, symbolizing fearlessness.
Interpretation: This imagery reflects God’s creation as strong and unshaken. It reminds us that confidence rooted in God stands firm even in the face of danger.

4. Psalm 59:8

Verse: “But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.”
Description: God’s laughter here is directed at nations that rise against Him.
Interpretation: This verse shows that human power is insignificant compared to God. His laughter reveals His sovereignty and His ability to defend His people.

5. Isaiah 40:31

Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Description: Though not directly about laughter, this verse highlights God’s strength given to His people.
Interpretation: God’s power contrasts with human weakness. His laughter at human pride reminds us to put our hope in Him for renewal and lasting strength.

6. Proverbs 1:26

Verse: “I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you.”
Description: Wisdom personified speaks of mocking those who reject God’s counsel.
Interpretation: This warning shows that ignoring God leads to ruin. His laughter here represents justice and the consequences of pride and disobedience.

7. Job 22:19

Verse: “The righteous see their ruin and rejoice; the innocent mock them, saying…”
Description: Job speaks of how the downfall of the wicked brings relief to the righteous.
Interpretation: This reflects God’s justice at work. Just as God laughs at the wicked, the righteous rejoice in His vindication and fair judgment.

8. Psalm 37:13

Verse: “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
Description: Repeated again, this verse emphasizes God’s certainty in dealing with evil.
Interpretation: It reassures believers that while wickedness may seem powerful for a time, God’s justice is sure, and His laughter confirms His control.

9. Psalm 2:4

Verse: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
Description: A repeated reminder of God’s response to rebellious nations.
Interpretation: This verse highlights God’s sovereignty. His laughter shows that human rebellion is powerless before His eternal authority.

10. Luke 6:21

Verse: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Description: Jesus promises comfort and future joy to those who now suffer.
Interpretation: While God laughs at rebellion, He also grants His people laughter as a blessing. This contrast shows that His justice brings judgment to the wicked and joy to the faithful.

Conclusion

Laughter is a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness, a gift that brings healing, unity, strength, and joy into our lives. The Bible shows us that laughter can flow from God’s blessings, provide comfort in trials, and serve as a testimony of His faithfulness. 

It strengthens communities, lifts weary hearts, and reflects the deep joy that comes from His presence. These 50 Bible verses about laughter remind us that true joy is not fleeting but rooted in God’s love and promises, encouraging us to live with gratitude, hope, and gladness each day.