Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

In the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 states, “For everything there is a season, and time for every purpose under heaven…,” including “a time to laugh.” This begs the question: Does God have a sense of humor?

Since humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), our qualities reflect God’s Own character. Thus, if we have a sense of humor, so does God, as He is the Creator of humor and laughter.

A sense of humor is described in the dictionary as the ability to perceive, enjoy, and express that which is comical or funny. All humans are imbued with this wondrous trait of God, and certainly the vast majority are able to exude this godly characteristic, yet some do not; just as people often fail to express many other divine characteristics, such as love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. 

The Old and New Testament are rife with humorous events and situations. The Book of Proverbs says, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (17:22). The Book of Psalms states, “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy!” (126:2). Thus, laughter and joy are seen as positive attributes in the Bible. If God had no sense of humor, this would not be the case. Think of the irony of  Christ taking fishermen and making them “fishers of men.”

We might also look at Creation itself, and the varied animals who, by their own looks and mannerisms make us laugh when we watch them at the zoo or on nature programs. So, yes…God does have a sense of humor.

Fr. John