שָׂחַק (sa.chaq)
sa.chaq
to laugh
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sa.chaq carries a wide range of meanings centered on laughter, but its tone shifts dramatically depending on context. In its basic form, it can describe a friendly laugh or even playful sport, as seen when children are depicted playing in the streets (Zechariah 8:5) or when David dances before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:21). However, it is frequently used to depict mockery or derision, such as when Job’s friends scorn his suffering (Job 30:1) or when nations laugh at God’s anointed king (Psalm 2:4).
This duality reflects the word’s flexibility in ancient Hebrew thought. The same root that describes innocent play can also convey contemptuous ridicule. Translators often choose between "laugh," "play," and "mock" based on whether the subject is engaging in joy or scorn. For instance, Proverbs 31:25 uses it for a woman’s joyful confidence, while Psalm 59:8 applies it to enemies who sneer at the psalmist’s plight.
The verb’s richness lies in its ability to capture both human connection and division through sound. Whether depicting the lighthearted games of youth or the bitter scorn of adversaries, sa.chaq illustrates how laughter functions as a social signal in Scripture, marking moments of either shared joy or sharp conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sa.chaq captures a surprising range of human experience, moving from innocent play to sharp mockery. In its gentlest form, it describes children playing or animals frolicking, reflecting a world where joy is natural and unburdened. When David danced before the Lord, this same root expressed wholehearted celebration, showing that laughter can be an act of worship when directed toward God.
Yet the word also carries weight in moments of conflict. Scripture records God laughing at the plans of those who oppose His purposes, not out of cruelty, but to highlight the futility of human pride against divine sovereignty. This duality reminds us that our reactions to life’s events matter. We can choose to laugh with joy in community or join in scornful ridicule.
For your faith, this word invites reflection on how you respond to uncertainty. Proverbs 31:25 describes a woman who laughs at the future because she is clothed in strength and dignity. This confidence does not come from ignoring hardship, but from trusting in God’s character. May you find that same peace, letting joy anchor your heart rather than fear dictating your steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it laughs4×
- playing3×
- merry makers3×
- he laughs2×
- you will laugh1×
- who/ were playing1×
- when/ sported1×
- to/ play1×
- to/ laugh1×
- they play1×
- they laughed1×
- they have laughed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְשַׂחֲקִ֖ים2×
- תִּשְׂחָ֑ק1×
- תִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק1×
- שָׂחֲק֖וּ1×
- שָֽׂחֲק֣וּ1×
- מַשְׂחִיקִ֣ים1×
- מְשַׂחֶ֖קֶת1×
- מְשַׂחֵ֥ק1×
- מְשַׂחֲקִֽים\׃1×
- מְשַׂחֲקִ֛ים1×
- מְשַׂחֲקִ֑ים1×
- מְשַֽׂחֲקִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 2:4
He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
This verse shows God’s sovereign perspective, where His laughter signifies the futility of human rebellion rather than mere amusement.
-
II Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals.
Here the word describes musical celebration and dance, illustrating how sa.chaq can express joyful worship before the Lord.
-
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
The woman’s laughter at the future reflects confident trust in God’s provision rather than anxiety about what lies ahead.
-
Job 30:1
“But now those who are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I considered unworthy to put with my sheep dogs.
This occurrence highlights the word’s darker side, where younger men use derision to mock Job’s suffering and lost status.