Have you ever laughed while reading the Bible?
If not—you might be missing some of its best surprises.
In this episode, you’ll hear a few of the Bible’s most unexpected and laugh-out-loud moments—from talking donkeys to prophets negotiating with God about cow dung.
Rose is joined by her husband Brandon (who sees the funny in just about everything) to help you read Scripture with fresh eyes, a lighter heart, and full permission to be surprised.
Because laughter doesn’t distract from your Bible study—it might actually draw you deeper.
- The Bible is full of unexpected, human, and hilarious moments.
- Humor in Scripture isn’t random—it often points to deeper truth.
- Reading the Bible with curiosity (and a sense of humor!) opens up joy and insight.
- Laughter helps us slow down and pay closer attention to the text.
- You don’t have to be “serious” all the time to take the Bible seriously.
Hey there friend, and welcome to Beneath The Fig Tree. I’m so glad you’re here. Like, really a lot.
This season we’ve been making our way through the 119 Bible Bootcamp. We’ve talked about structure, study tools, and methods for digging deep into Scripture.
But today’s episode is a little different—less structured, more surprising.
Because sometimes, the Bible surprises us.Not just with deep truth—but with humor, irony, and details that make you say, “Wait, did that really just happen?”
This isn’t your typical Bible study episode… but it might be one of the most memorable.
And since today’s episode is all about those “Wait, what?!” moments in Scripture, it’s only fitting that I have Brandon join me.
Quick intro:
Figs, Brandon.
Brandon…the Figs.
I asked him to pop in for this episode because he’s the reason I started noticing the funny side of the Bible in the first place.
Come to think of it, he’s the reason I started seeing the funning things in life…period.
His natural sense of humor shows up when he’s reading Scripture too—not in a way that takes it lightly, but in a way that helps you see what’s really there.
The unexpected. The ironic. The downright ridiculous.
And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
We’ll get to the dung fire and the talking donkey in just a bit—and let’s just say… Brandon has thoughts.
Before we talk about the funny stories, let’s pause for a moment—because I know this might bring up some questions.
IS THIS REALLY OKAY?
Now—if you’re listening to all this and wondering, ‘Is this really okay? Like… am I allowed to laugh at the Bible?’ friend—you’re not alone.
Yes, reverence matters.
But reverence and laughter aren’t enemies.
Laughter and reverence can coexist.
In fact, humor often helps us pay closer attention.
Let’s be real: God created joy.
He wired us to laugh.
So why wouldn’t He tuck a few belly-laugh moments into His Word?
Even Jesus used absurd imagery and biting sarcasm to make a point:
- Matthew 23:24(Jesus speaking)
“You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
- Matthew 7:3-5(Jesus speaking)
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
And that’s just the beginning.
Verses That Invite Us To Laugh
Laughter as a Gift from God
- Ecclesiastes 3:4 “A time to weep and a time to laugh”
- Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine”
- Psalm 126:2 “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy…”
Biblical Irony, Sarcasm & Absurdity
- 1 Kings 18:27—Elijah taunts the prophets of Baal:
“Shout louder! Maybe your god is deep in thought… or traveling!”
Laughter isn’t disrespectful.
Sometimes it’s deeply theological.
Bible Stories That Make Us Laugh
Okay, now to the good stuff.
For the next few minutes, I’ll read each story straight from the NIV,
and Brandon—well, he’s going to do what he does best.
Add the commentary. Point out the awkward bits. Help us not take ourselves too seriously.
- Balaam’s Talking Donkey (Numbers 22)
- Elijah and the Prophets (1 Kings 18)
- Ezekiel’s Dung Debate (Ezekiel 4)
- Peter’s Jailbreak Nap (Acts 12)
- Eutychus Falling Asleep (Acts 20)
Why This Actually Matters for Bible Study
So why are we talking about the funny parts of the Bible in a Bible study Bootcamp?
Because sometimes—humor is the door to deeper study.
It slows us down. It makes us curious. It draws us in.
The Bible is full of humanity and personality… and sometimes even comedy.
But we miss it when we read too quickly or too formally.
You start off chuckling at a donkey—and next thing you know, you’re wrestling with spiritual questions you didn’t even plan to ask.
A Treasure Hunt for the Curious Heart
This week, let your Bible reading feel a little more like a treasure hunt.
Not for the big “aha” moments or deep theological insights (though those are good too).
But for the moments that make you tilt your head, smirk a little, or stop mid-sentence and say,
“Wait… did that really just happen?”
The Companion Toolkit for this episode includes the funny stories Brandon and I shared today. Go back and read them for yourself— just you, the Word, and a little curiosity.
Look for the unexpected.
The oddly specific.
The details that don’t quite fit—until they do.
Because sometimes, the Spirit speaks through the surprises.
And joy might be the very trail that leads you deeper.
Thanks for hanging out with us for this fun and slightly odd episode of the Bootcamp.
The Bible is a treasure trove—and some of the gold is found in the laughter.
Let’s cultivate a devotional life you love. Like, really love.
Because it is possible—and it’s easier than you think.
