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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Jesters</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/j/jesters.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/psalms/35-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/j/jesters.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Jesters</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/j/jested.htm" title="Jested">◄</a> Jesters <a href="/topical/j/jesting.htm" title="Jesting">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, jesters, or court jesters, are not explicitly mentioned as a distinct group or profession. However, the concept of jesting and humor can be inferred from various passages that discuss speech, behavior, and the role of entertainment in ancient times. The role of a jester, typically known for providing entertainment through humor, satire, and wit, can be examined through the lens of biblical teachings on speech and conduct.<br><br><b>Speech and Conduct</b><br><br>The Bible places significant emphasis on the power and impact of words. In <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Ephesians 5:4</a> , Paul advises, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." This verse suggests that while humor and jesting are not inherently wrong, they should be approached with caution and should not devolve into vulgarity or foolishness. The emphasis is on maintaining speech that is edifying and reflective of a godly character.<br><br><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18-19</a> provides insight into the potential harm of careless jesting: "Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" This proverb warns against using humor as a guise for deceit or harm, highlighting the responsibility that comes with the use of words.<br><br><b>Entertainment and Wisdom</b><br><br>While jesters are not directly mentioned, the Bible does address the broader concept of entertainment and its place in life. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a> acknowledges that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." This suggests that laughter and entertainment have their appropriate place within the human experience, provided they are balanced with wisdom and discernment.<br><br>The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, often highlighting the value of wisdom over folly. <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a> states, "Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path." This underscores the importance of pursuing wisdom and understanding, even in matters of entertainment and humor.<br><br><b>Cultural Context</b><br><br>In ancient Near Eastern cultures, jesters or entertainers might have been present in royal courts, serving to amuse and provide levity. While the Bible does not specifically describe such figures, it does depict various forms of entertainment and celebration, such as music and dance, which were integral to cultural and religious life. For example, King David is known for his musical talents and for dancing before the Lord with all his might (<a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14</a>).<br><br><b>Moral and Ethical Considerations</b><br><br>From a biblical perspective, the role of humor and jesting is subject to moral and ethical considerations. Believers are encouraged to reflect Christ-like character in all aspects of life, including speech and entertainment. <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a> advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This guidance suggests that humor, like all forms of communication, should be gracious and constructive.<br><br>In summary, while jesters as a specific role are not detailed in the Bible, the principles surrounding speech, conduct, and entertainment provide a framework for understanding the biblical perspective on humor and jesting. The emphasis remains on maintaining integrity, wisdom, and godliness in all forms of expression.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/3934.htm"><span class="l">3934. laeg -- mocking</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3933, 3934. laeg. 3935 . mocking. Transliteration: laeg Phonetic Spelling:<br> (law-ayg') Short Definition: <b>jesters</b>. Word Origin from <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/3934.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_2/title_page.htm"><span class="l">History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The royal city: the palace and its occupants -- The royal household and its officers:<br> Pharaoh's <b>jesters</b>, dwarfs, and magicians -- The royal domain and the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 2/title page.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chesterton/heretics/xvi_on_mr_mccabe_and.htm"><span class="l">On Mr. Mccabe and a Divine Frivolity</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It is not I; it is not even a particular class of journalists or <b>jesters</b> who make<br> jokes about the matters which are of most awful import; it is the whole human <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xvi on mr mccabe and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bertrand/saint_augustin/ii_the_city_of_god.htm"><span class="l">The City of God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> gods. The first"that of the theatre, as he calls it, or fabulous mythology,<br> adapted to poets, dramatists, sculptors, and <b>jesters</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_ix_acts_iii_12.htm"><span class="l">Acts iii. 12</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Not that he was afraid on the former occasion, but the persons whom he addressed<br> there, being <b>jesters</b> and scoffers, would not have borne it. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ix acts iii 12.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_there_is_a_sin.htm"><span class="l">Whether There is a Sin in Lack of Mirth?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But some persons are praised for having refrained from mirth; for it is written<br> (Jer.15:17): "I sat not in the assembly of <b>jesters</b>," and (Tobias 3:17): "Never <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a sin.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_city_of_delight/chapter_xiv_the_pride_of.htm"><span class="l">The Pride of Amaryllis</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "They fled with me from that city when Titus took it and together we came to this<br> place. They are hardened to disaster; they and death are fellow-<b>jesters</b>.". <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xiv the pride of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xxii_manifold_struggles.htm"><span class="l">Manifold Struggles</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If such an accident tended to cause too much emotion, the <b>jesters</b> called moriones,<br> or cordaces, were at hand, who acted the part of clowns, and soon set the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxii manifold struggles.htm</font><p><a href="/library/basil/basil_letters_and_select_works/letter_ii_basil_to_gregory.htm"><span class="l">Letter ii. Basil to Gregory.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> by fair colour or comely shape; the ear not relaxing the tone or mind by voluptuous<br> songs, nor by that especial mischief, the talk of light men and <b>jesters</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ii basil to gregory.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_20_1874/for_whom_did_christ_die.htm"><span class="l">For whom did Christ Die?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Condemned to a felon's gibbet, he was crucified amid a mob of <b>jesters</b>, with few<br> sympathising eyes to gaze upon him; he bore the gaze of malice and the glance <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/for whom did christ die.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tauler/the_inner_way/sermon_xviii_on_the_feast.htm"><span class="l">On the Feast of St Augustine</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Jeremias, the prophet, says of such an one: "I sat not in the assembly of <b>jesters</b>,<br> nor did I make a boast of the Presence of Thy Hand; I sat alone, because <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xviii on the feast.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/j/jesters.htm"><span class="l"><b>Jesters</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Jesters</b> (1 Occurrence). Psalms 35:16 With profane <b>jesters</b><br> for bread, they have gnashed their teeth against me. (DBY NAS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jesters.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jesting.htm"><span class="l">Jesting (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jesting.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jested.htm"><span class="l">Jested (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jested.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Jesters (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/35-16.htm">Psalms 35:16</a></span><br />With profane <span class="boldtext">jesters</span> for bread, they have gnashed their teeth against me.<br /><span class="source">(DBY NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/j/jesters.htm">Jesters</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/quit.htm">Quit (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joking.htm">Joking (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesters.htm">Jesters (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jesui.htm">Jesui (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/levity.htm">Levity (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/filthiness.htm">Filthiness (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fitting.htm">Fitting (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thanksgiving.htm">Thanksgiving (49 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dionysia.htm">Dionysia</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/discreditable.htm">Discreditable (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/befitting.htm">Befitting (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/convenient.htm">Convenient (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chaff.htm">Chaff (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/coarse.htm">Coarse (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/avoid.htm">Avoid (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/appropriate.htm">Appropriate (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/alike.htm">Alike (67 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shameful.htm">Shameful (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/silly.htm">Silly (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serious.htm">Serious (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/instead.htm">Instead (139 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fit.htm">Fit (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/low.htm">Low (216 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/talk.htm">Talk (164 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hagar.htm">Hagar (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/foolish.htm">Foolish (259 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thanks.htm">Thanks (151 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/talking.htm">Talking (208 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rather.htm">Rather (176 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/j/jested.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jested"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jested" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/j/jesting.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jesting"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jesting" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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