Laughter is a universal language that brings joy, lightens burdens, and connects us with others. It’s also a gift from God, woven throughout the Bible to remind us of the joy and goodness He intends for our lives. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore 80 Bible verses about laughter, highlighting the significance of joy, the healing power of laughter, and how it reflects God’s love.

Each verse is accompanied by a brief description and interpretation to help you understand its context and meaning.

1. Joy and Celebration

1. Psalm 126:2 “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.'”

Description: This Psalm celebrates the return of the Israelites from exile. Interpretation: Laughter and joy are expressions of gratitude for God’s miraculous works in our lives.

2. Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Description: The proverb highlights the healing power of joy. Interpretation: Laughter and a joyful heart contribute to our physical and emotional well-being.

3. Ecclesiastes 3:4 “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Description: The verse acknowledges the seasons of life. Interpretation: Laughter is an essential part of life’s rhythm, balancing times of sorrow with joy.

4. Luke 6:21 “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”

Description: Jesus promises future joy for those who are currently suffering. Interpretation: God’s promise of comfort assures us that laughter will follow times of hardship.

5. Psalm 30:11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”

Description: The Psalmist praises God for transforming sorrow into joy. Interpretation: God’s intervention in our lives brings about a profound shift from sadness to celebration.

6. Proverbs 15:13 “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”

Description: The proverb connects inner joy with outward expression. Interpretation: Genuine laughter and cheerfulness are reflections of a joyful heart.

7. Genesis 21:6 “And Sarah said, ‘God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.'”

Description: Sarah expresses joy at the birth of Isaac. Interpretation: Laughter often accompanies the fulfillment of God’s promises.

8. Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.”

Description: Bildad speaks of God’s restoration. Interpretation: God’s restoration brings joy and laughter even after periods of suffering.

9. Psalm 2:4 “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.”

Description: The Psalm describes God’s reaction to the schemes of nations. Interpretation: God’s laughter signifies His supreme power and the futility of opposing Him.

10. Proverbs 31:25 “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”

Description: The verse describes a virtuous woman’s confidence and joy about the future. Interpretation: Trusting in God’s plan allows us to face the future with joy and laughter.

11. Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”

Description: Continues the theme of gladness after God’s deliverance. Interpretation: Recognition of God’s works naturally leads to expressions of joy and laughter.

12. Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Description: Prophesies about the joyful return to Zion. Interpretation: God’s redemption brings permanent joy that replaces all sorrow.

13. Psalm 16:9 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”

Description: David expresses complete joy in God’s presence. Interpretation: True security in God leads to wholehearted gladness and laughter.

14. Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Description: God’s joyful response to His people. Interpretation: God Himself finds joy in us, inspiring our own laughter and celebration.

15. Psalm 68:3 “But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!”

Description: Describes the joy of the righteous. Interpretation: Righteousness leads to jubilant expressions of joy and laughter.

16. John 16:20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

Description: Jesus promises joy after sorrow. Interpretation: God transforms our deepest sorrows into the greatest joy and laughter.

2. Healing and Comfort

17. Psalm 126:2 “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.'”

Description: Celebrates the return from exile with laughter and joy. Interpretation: God’s deliverance brings healing and joy that can be shared with others.

18. Proverbs 15:15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”

Description: Contrasts the life of the afflicted with that of a cheerful heart. Interpretation: Maintaining a cheerful heart brings a sense of continual joy and abundance.

19. Isaiah 51:11 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Description: Speaks of the joy and laughter upon returning to Zion. Interpretation: God’s redemption brings about a permanent state of joy and laughter.

20. Job 5:22 “At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth.”

Description: Describes the confidence of those under God’s protection. Interpretation: God’s protection gives us the courage to laugh in the face of adversity.

21. Jeremiah 31:13 “Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Description: God’s promise of restoration and joy for Israel. Interpretation: God’s comfort replaces our sorrow with laughter and joy.

22. Psalm 30:5 “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Description: Contrasts temporary sorrow with lasting joy. Interpretation: God’s favor brings morning joy and laughter after nights of weeping.

23. Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

Description: Describes the joyful return of God’s people. Interpretation: God’s guidance brings a joyful and peaceful journey, accompanied by creation’s praise.

24. Psalm 51:8 “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.”

Description: David asks for restoration of joy after repentance. Interpretation: God’s forgiveness brings healing joy that penetrates even our brokenness.

25. John 16:22 “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Description: Jesus promises lasting joy to His disciples. Interpretation: The joy that comes from Jesus is permanent and cannot be stolen by circumstances.

26. Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Description: God’s healing ministry. Interpretation: Divine healing includes the restoration of joy and laughter to wounded hearts.

27. Isaiah 61:3 “To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.”

Description: God exchanges mourning for gladness. Interpretation: God specializes in transforming our deepest grief into radiant joy and laughter.

28. Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Description: The result of looking to God. Interpretation: God’s presence brings a radiant joy that shows in our faces through laughter.

3. The Joy of the Lord

29. Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”

Description: Nehemiah encourages the people to celebrate and find strength in God’s joy. Interpretation: The joy of the Lord provides us with strength and resilience.

30. Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Description: Speaks of the joy found in God’s presence. Interpretation: True and lasting joy, including laughter, is found in God’s presence.

31. John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Description: Jesus speaks about the fullness of joy He provides. Interpretation: Jesus’ teachings lead us to complete joy and the delight of laughter.

32. Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Description: Describes the essence of God’s kingdom. Interpretation: The Holy Spirit brings joy and laughter as part of God’s kingdom.

33. Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Description: Lists the fruits of the Spirit. Interpretation: Joy and laughter are natural outcomes of living by the Spirit.

34. 1 Peter 1:8 “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

Description: Speaks of the joy believers have in Jesus. Interpretation: Faith in Jesus brings an inexpressible joy that often manifests in laughter.

35. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Description: Paul encourages constant rejoicing in the Lord. Interpretation: Constant joy in the Lord includes moments of spontaneous laughter.

36. Psalm 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”

Description: Calls for joyful service to the Lord. Interpretation: Serving God joyfully includes laughter and glad expressions.

37. Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

Description: Describes the joy of salvation. Interpretation: The joy of salvation brings deep, refreshing laughter.

38. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice always.”

Description: A simple command to rejoice. Interpretation: Continuous joy and laughter are marks of a faithful believer.

39. Psalm 35:9 “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.”

Description: Personal joy in God’s salvation. Interpretation: Salvation naturally produces exultant joy and heartfelt laughter.

40. Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

Description: Joy despite difficult circumstances. Interpretation: True joy in God transcends circumstances and expresses itself in laughter.

4. Laughter in Community

41. Acts 2:46 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.”

Description: Describes the early Christian community’s joy. Interpretation: Shared meals and fellowship naturally lead to laughter and joy.

42. Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Description: Celebrates unity among believers. Interpretation: Unity and community foster an environment where laughter and joy flourish.

43. Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

Description: Encourages empathy and shared joy. Interpretation: Sharing in each other’s joy amplifies our collective laughter.

44. Proverbs 27:9 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

Description: Highlights the joy of friendship. Interpretation: True friendships bring sweetness and laughter to our lives.

45. 1 Thessalonians 3:9 “For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God.”

Description: Paul expresses joy for the Thessalonians. Interpretation: Community and fellowship in faith bring immense joy and shared laughter.

46. 2 Corinthians 7:13 “Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.”

Description: Paul speaks of the joy brought by Titus’ refreshed spirit. Interpretation: Seeing others uplifted and joyful brings us shared laughter and comfort.

47. Philemon 1:7 “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

Description: Paul finds joy in the love shown by Philemon. Interpretation: Acts of love within the community bring joy and laughter to all.

48. Philippians 1:4 “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.”

Description: Paul prays joyfully for the Philippians. Interpretation: Praying for others with joy fosters a spirit of laughter and unity.

49. 1 Corinthians 12:26 “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

Description: Emphasizes shared experiences in the body of Christ. Interpretation: Shared rejoicing leads to collective laughter and celebration.

50. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Description: Calls for rejoicing in each day. Interpretation: Daily rejoicing and laughter are responses to God’s creation and blessings.

51. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Description: The strength found in community. Interpretation: Strong relationships provide security that enables carefree laughter.

52. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Description: The benefit of close relationships. Interpretation: Good friendships create growth and joy that naturally leads to shared laughter.

5. God’s Laughter

53. Psalm 37:13 “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.”

Description: Describes God’s laughter at the wicked. Interpretation: God’s laughter signifies His ultimate authority and the futility of wickedness.

54. Psalm 59:8 “But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision.”

Description: Speaks of God’s response to His enemies. Interpretation: God’s laughter demonstrates His control and the ultimate futility of opposing Him.

55. Job 39:22 “He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword.”

Description: Describes the fearless warhorse created by God. Interpretation: This reflects the confidence and joy that come from trusting in God’s creation and power.

56. Proverbs 1:26 “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you.”

Description: God’s response to those who reject wisdom. Interpretation: God’s laughter here is a sober reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom.

57. Job 22:19 “The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them.”

Description: Describes the joy of the righteous. Interpretation: The righteous find joy and laughter in God’s justice and protection.

58. Psalm 52:6 “The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him.”

Description: The righteous laughing at the downfall of the wicked. Interpretation: God’s justice brings vindication that the righteous can celebrate with laughter.

59. Job 39:18 “When she rouses herself to flee, she laughs at the horse and its rider.”

Description: The ostrich’s confident behavior. Interpretation: God’s creatures display confidence and joy in their unique design.

60. Psalm 126:1 “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.”

Description: The dreamlike quality of God’s restoration. Interpretation: God’s restoration is so wonderful it seems too good to be true, inspiring amazed laughter.

6. Wisdom and Laughter

61. Proverbs 14:13 “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.”

Description: Acknowledges the complexity of human emotions. Interpretation: Wisdom recognizes that even laughter can mask deeper feelings.

62. Proverbs 26:19 “Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!'”

Description: Warns against harmful jest. Interpretation: Laughter should build up, not tear down relationships.

63. Ecclesiastes 2:2 “I said of laughter, ‘It is mad,’ and of pleasure, ‘What use is it?'”

Description: The Preacher questions empty laughter. Interpretation: Laughter without meaning or godly purpose is ultimately hollow.

64. Ecclesiastes 7:3 “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.”

Description: The value of sorrow in spiritual growth. Interpretation: Sometimes serious reflection is more beneficial than lighthearted laughter.

65. Proverbs 10:23 “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”

Description: Contrasts foolish and wise sources of pleasure. Interpretation: True joy and laughter come from wisdom, not from wrongdoing.

66. James 4:9 “Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.”

Description: A call to repentance. Interpretation: Sometimes repentance requires setting aside laughter for serious self-examination.

7. Future Joy and Laughter

67. Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Description: The promise of eternal joy. Interpretation: Ultimate joy and laughter await in God’s eternal kingdom.

68. Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”

Description: God’s ultimate victory over death and sorrow. Interpretation: God’s final victory will bring eternal laughter and the end of all weeping.

69. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Description: Jesus’ promise of comfort. Interpretation: Divine comfort transforms mourning into joy and laughter.

70. Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Description: Present suffering versus future glory. Interpretation: Future glory will bring such joy that present sorrows will seem insignificant.

71. 1 Peter 1:6 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.”

Description: Joy despite present trials. Interpretation: Current trials are temporary; lasting joy and laughter are coming.

72. 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Description: Temporary affliction versus eternal glory. Interpretation: Present difficulties are preparing us for incomparable future joy and celebration.

8. Expressions of Joy

73. Psalm 47:1 “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”

Description: Call for joyful worship. Interpretation: Physical expressions of joy, including clapping and shouting, accompany true worship.

74. Psalm 95:1 “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”

Description: Invitation to joyful worship. Interpretation: Worship should be exuberant and filled with joyful expressions.

75. Psalm 98:4 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”

Description: Universal call to joyful praise. Interpretation: All creation is invited to express joy through song and celebration.

76. Luke 10:21 “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'”

Description: Jesus rejoicing in the Spirit. Interpretation: Even Jesus expressed exuberant joy, showing us the place of celebration in spiritual life.

77. Acts 8:39 “And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”

Description: Joy following baptism. Interpretation: Spiritual encounters with God naturally produce overwhelming joy and celebration.

78. Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Description: Heavenly joy over repentance. Interpretation: Our salvation causes celebration in heaven, inspiring our own joyful laughter.

79. Psalm 149:3 “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!”

Description: Joyful worship with instruments and dancing. Interpretation: Physical expression of joy through dance and music pleases God.

80. 1 Chronicles 16:27 “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.”

Description: Joy as an attribute of God’s dwelling place. Interpretation: Joy and laughter are characteristics of God’s very presence.

Conclusion

Laughter is a divine gift that enriches our lives, strengthens our relationships, and reflects God’s joy and sovereignty. By embracing the laughter found in the Bible, we can experience deeper joy, healing, and community. 

Let these verses inspire you to find joy in every season of life, trusting that God’s plans include moments of laughter and celebration. Whether in times of triumph or trial, remember that joy comes from the Lord, and His joy is your strength.