צְחֹק (tse.choq)
tse.choq
laughter
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun tsechoq signifies laughter, but its meaning in Scripture often carries a heavier weight than simple amusement. In the single verse where it appears as a distinct concept, Genesis 21:6, Sarah uses the word to describe her reaction to the birth of Isaac. She declares that God has brought her laughter, and everyone who hears will laugh with her. Here, the term captures a profound sense of joy mixed with astonishment at a divine intervention that defied natural expectations.
Lexical sources also note that tsechoq can refer to being a "laughingstock" or an object of ridicule. This dual nuance highlights how laughter in the biblical narrative is rarely neutral; it is either a response to God’s miraculous provision or a marker of human vulnerability. The word underscores that what seems impossible to people can become a source of shared delight and testimony when God acts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face situations that seem impossible, our initial reaction is often disbelief or even despair. Yet Scripture shows us that God can turn what feels like a joke into a moment of profound joy. This word for laughter appears in Genesis when Sarah realizes that the birth she thought was impossible has finally happened. It reminds us that divine intervention often surprises us with grace we did not expect.
In your own life, you may encounter seasons where hope seems distant or circumstances feel beyond repair. The story of Isaac teaches that God’s timing is perfect, even when it defies human logic. What appears as a mockery to the world can become a testimony of faith and shared delight for those who witness His work.
Let this truth encourage you today. If you are waiting for a breakthrough, remember that God is able to bring joy out of sorrow. Your story is not yet finished, and there may be moments ahead where laughter replaces tears, pointing others to the faithfulness of the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laughter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְחֹ֕ק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 21:6
Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me.”
This verse captures the moment Sarah’s deep skepticism turns into joyful testimony as she recognizes God’s miraculous provision.