Topical Encyclopedia
The term "laugheth" is an archaic form of the verb "laugh," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of laughing, which can convey a range of emotions from joy and delight to scorn and derision. In the context of the Bible, laughter is a multifaceted expression that appears in various narratives and teachings, reflecting both human and divine perspectives.
Biblical Instances of Laughter1.
Sarah's Laughter: One of the most notable instances of laughter in the Bible is found in the account of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. When God promised Abraham that Sarah would bear a son in her old age, Sarah laughed. This laughter was initially one of disbelief and skepticism due to her advanced age.
Genesis 18:12 states, "So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?'" However, her laughter turned into joy when the promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "he laughs."
2.
God's Laughter: The Bible also attributes laughter to God, often in the context of divine sovereignty and judgment. In
Psalm 2:4 , it is written, "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them." This passage illustrates God's supreme authority and the futility of human rebellion against His will. God's laughter here is not one of amusement but a demonstration of His power over the nations.
3.
Laughter as Joy: Laughter is also depicted as a symbol of joy and celebration. In the book of Ecclesiastes, laughter is acknowledged as a part of the human experience, though it is also tempered with the understanding of life's fleeting nature.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 states, "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." This verse highlights the balance of emotions in life, recognizing laughter as a gift from God that brings joy and relief.
4.
Mockery and Scorn: Laughter can also be an expression of mockery or scorn. In the New Testament, during the crucifixion of Jesus, the soldiers and onlookers mocked Him, which can be seen as a form of derisive laughter. This type of laughter is often associated with unbelief and rejection of God's truth.
Theological ImplicationsLaughter in the Bible serves as a powerful tool for conveying a range of theological truths. It underscores the human condition, reflecting both the limitations and the joys of earthly life. Laughter can be a response to the miraculous, as seen in Sarah's account, or a reaction to the absurdity of opposing God's will, as depicted in the Psalms.
From a theological perspective, laughter is a reminder of God's ultimate control over the universe. It serves as a testament to His ability to bring about His purposes, often in unexpected ways. The laughter of God, as portrayed in the Scriptures, reassures believers of His unassailable authority and the certainty of His promises.
In summary, "laugheth" in the biblical context is a rich and varied expression that captures the complexity of human emotions and the divine nature. Whether it is a response to joy, disbelief, or derision, laughter in the Bible invites readers to reflect on their relationship with God and the world around them.
Library
Psalm CXLII.
... foreheads of kings. What helaugheth at, therein am I saved. Nought is prouder
than a sick man, wholaugheth at his own medicine. If he...
Psalm II.
... them to scorn," is afterwards put, "shall have them in derision." Nothing of this
however must be taken in a carnal sort, as if God eitherlaugheth with cheek...
Degrees of Sin
... The pleasure of sin delights him more than the threatenings affright him. Like the
leviathan, helaugheth at the shaking of a spear.' Job 41:29....
Justification by Faith.
... The devillaugheth here, for he knows he has not lost his vassal by such a faith
as this, but that rather he hath made use of the gospel, that glorious word of...
Portrait of a Matron
... 'Shelaugheth at the time to come'; that is, she is able to look forward without
dread of poverty, because she has realised a competent sum....
The victory of Faith
... She tries to ruin him in business; or, if he standeth forth as the champion of
the truth why then shelaugheth, arid mocketh, and scorneth....
Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... She thought it impossible. Then said our Lord to Abraham: Whylaugheth
Sarah thy wife, saying in scorn, Shall I bear a child? but...
Mercy's Master Motive
... "The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the
habergeon; the arrow cannot make him see; helaugheth at the shaking of a spear...
A New Year's Benediction
... He smelleth the battle afar off, and he cries in the midst of the tumult,
"Aha! aha! aha!" Helaugheth at all the hosts of his enemies....
A Message from God for Thee
... he dareth to look in the face of the sun, and helaugheth at the spear of the hunter;
who shall bring him down?" Thus saith the lord, "O daughter of Edom, I...
Thesaurus
Laugheth (14 Occurrences)...Laugheth (14 Occurrences). Genesis 17:17 And Abraham falleth upon his face, and
laugheth, and saith in his heart, 'To the son of an hundred years is one born?
...Laughs (9 Occurrences)
... old? (DBY). Job 39:18 At the time on high she lifteth herself up, Shelaugheth
at the horse and at his rider. (See NAS RSV NIV). Job...
Virgin-daughter (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Jehovah has spoken against him: The virgin-daughter
of Zion despiseth thee,laugheth thee to scorn; The daughter of...
Despiseth (23 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Jehovah has spoken against him: The
virgin-daughter of Zion despiseth thee,laugheth thee to scorn; The daughter of...
Shaketh (20 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Jehovah has spoken against him: The
virgin-daughter of Zion despiseth thee,laugheth thee to scorn; The daughter of...
Laughed (27 Occurrences)
Laughing (38 Occurrences)
Javelins (5 Occurrences)
... of the oak. (See NIV). Job 41:29 Clubs are accounted as stubble; helaugheth
at the rattling of the javelin. (See RSV). Jeremiah 46...
Laugh (23 Occurrences)
... (Root in KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT). Job 39:7 Helaugheth at the tumult of the city,
and heareth not the shouts of the driver; (Root in DBY YLT NIV)....
Laughter (14 Occurrences)
... mock"; for "mocked of his neighbor" and "laughed to scorn" (Job 12:4) "laughing-
stock"; for "shall rejoice in time to come" (Proverbs 31:25), "laugheth at the...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
