Laughter
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 18:13; 21:6)—an expression that can signify joy, disbelief, mockery, surprise, or confident triumph. Sarah laughed inwardly at the promise of a son and later declared that God had made laughter for her when Isaac was born. When Scripture says that God laughs at the wicked or at approaching calamity (Ps. 2:4; Prov. 1:26), it uses human imagery for divine judgment and the futility of rebellion, not frivolity or cruel amusement.