1070. gelaó

Lexicon

gelaó: To laugh

Original Word: γελάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gelaó
Pronunciation: gheh-LAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (ghel-ah'-o)
Definition: To laugh
Meaning: I laugh, smile.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

laugh.

Of uncertain affinity; to laugh (as a sign of joy or satisfaction) -- laugh.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
to laugh
NASB Translation
laugh (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1070: γελάω

γελάω, γελῶ; future γελάσω (in Greek writings more common γελάσομαι (Buttmann, 53 (46); Winers Grammar, 84 (80))); (from Homer down); to laugh: Luke 6:21 (opposed to κλαίω), 25. (Compare: καταγελάω.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7832 שָׂחַק (sachaq): To laugh, play, mock
• H6711 צָחַק (tsachaq): To laugh, mock, play

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the act of laughing, often used in contexts of joy, playfulness, or derision, paralleling the Greek usage in expressing a range of human emotions and reactions.

Usage: The verb γελάω is used in the New Testament to denote the act of laughing, often in contexts that highlight human emotions or reactions to certain situations.

Context: The Greek verb γελάω appears in the New Testament to describe the act of laughing, which can convey a range of emotions from joy to scorn. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, laughter can be seen as an expression of disbelief or mockery, as well as genuine joy and celebration.

In the New Testament, γελάω is notably used in the context of Jesus' teachings and interactions. For example, in the account of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter, the people laughed at Him when He said the girl was not dead but sleeping (Mark 5:40, BSB: "And they laughed at Him."). This laughter was one of disbelief and scorn, highlighting the lack of faith among the onlookers.

The use of γελάω in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the varied human responses to divine intervention and truth. It underscores the contrast between human skepticism and the miraculous power of God. Laughter, in this sense, becomes a narrative tool that reveals the hearts of individuals and their openness or resistance to the message of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

γελάσαι γελασετε γελάσετε γελάσομαι γελάσονται γελάσω γελοιάζειν γελοιασμόν γελοιαστών γελώ γελωντες γελώντες γελῶντες εγέλασα εγέλασαν εγέλασας εγέλασε gelasete gelásete gelontes gelôntes gelōntes gelō̂ntes

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 6:21 V-FIA-2P
GRK: νῦν ὅτι γελάσετε
NAS: now, for you shall laugh.
KJV: now: for ye shall laugh.
INT: now for you will laugh

Luke 6:25 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: οὐαί οἱ γελῶντες νῦν ὅτι
NAS: Woe [to you] who laugh now,
KJV: Woe unto you that laugh now! for
INT: Woe to you who laugh now for

Strong's Greek 1070
2 Occurrences

γελάσετε — 1 Occ.
γελῶντες — 1 Occ.