γελάω (gelaō)
gelaō
to laugh
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gelao means to laugh or smile, appearing only twice in the New Testament, both times in Luke’s Gospel. In Luke 6:25, Jesus uses it to describe the hollow joy of those who are currently laughing but will soon mourn, contrasting their present amusement with future sorrow. The word carries a straightforward sense of audible laughter rather than a quiet smile.
Its root is of uncertain origin, and it serves as the New Testament equivalent for the Hebrew words tsuach and saq in the Septuagint, which often describe the laughter of patriarchs like Abraham and Sarah. Translators consistently render it simply as "laugh," capturing a natural human reaction that can range from joy to mockery depending on context.
The sources note its connection to the compound kata-gelao, meaning to mock or sneer at. While gelao itself is neutral, its placement in Jesus’ warnings highlights how laughter can sometimes mask spiritual emptiness. The word reminds readers that human emotions are fleeting and subject to divine perspective.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gelao appears in just two verses within the New Testament, both found in Luke’s Gospel. It describes the natural human act of laughing, a reaction that can stem from pure joy or perhaps even mockery. In these passages, Jesus uses this simple verb to highlight a profound spiritual reality: our current emotional state is not our final destination.
When we find ourselves in seasons of deep sorrow, the promise that we will laugh offers genuine comfort. It reminds us that grief is temporary and that God sees our tears. Conversely, when life feels easy and comfortable, this word serves as a gentle warning against becoming self-satisfied. True joy is not found in fleeting amusement but in the lasting peace that comes from trusting in God’s kingdom.
This simple act of laughter points us toward a future hope. Whether we are mourning or rejoicing, our hearts are held by a Father who understands every emotion. We can trust that He will bring balance and healing, turning our deepest sorrows into enduring joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will laugh.1×
- laughing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γελῶντες1×
- γελάσετε.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Jesus promises that those who weep now will laugh, offering hope that current grief is temporary and will be replaced by divine joy.
-
Luke 6:25
Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Jesus warns those who laugh now, indicating that self-satisfied amusement can mask a spiritual emptiness that leads to future mourning.