γέλως
gélōs
G1071 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Laughter; the act or expression of laughing, typically as an audible or visible sign of amusement, joy, or derision. In broader Greek usage, it may refer to mirth, amusement, or laughter in the context of festivity, but can also carry a nuance of ridicule, mockery, or scorn depending on context. The primary lexical meaning is a spontaneous or intentional expression of laughter, with possible connotations ranging from genuine amusement to scornful or derisive laughter.
Semantic Range
laughter, amusement, joyful laughter, scornful laughter, mirth, ridicule, mockery
Root / Etymology
From the verb γελάω (to laugh), which is of Indo-European origin, related to the root for laughter in other ancient languages (cf. Latin 'gelo').
Historical & Contextual Notes
γέλως appears primarily in classical and Hellenistic Greek literature, with fewer attestations in Koine sources and only rare or specific occurrence in the Septuagint or New Testament. In classical Greek, its meaning is flexible, referring both to heartfelt, joyful laughter and to laughter used in mockery or derision, depending on context (e.g., in comedies, banquets, or rhetorical descriptions). Unlike terms denoting mere amusement or fleeting smiles, γέλως implies a more pronounced reaction. English translations typically render γέλως as 'laughter,' but this may oversimplify its potential range, particularly where the underlying mood (joyful versus scornful) is significant. Other Greek terms—such as εὐφροσύνη ('mirth,' 'cheerfulness')—may overlap in contexts of celebration but lack the auditory or expressive focus of γέλως.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from γελάω; laughter (as a mark of gratification):--laughter.
Root Family
γελ- (geláō) — to laugh, to express mirth
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1070 | γελάω | you will laugh |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1071-01 |
γέλως | gelos | N NOM M SG |
laughter | laughter | laughter | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1071-01 |
James 4:9 | γέλως | gelos | N NOM M SG |
laughter | laughter | laughter |