gelos denotes laughter in a call for it to be turned into mourning.

The attested use places laughter in contrast with mourning, as the clause calls for it to be turned into mourning.

1. Laughter turned into mourning · dominant

   In James 4:9, the nominative singular masculine form occurs in the clause calling for laughter to be turned into mourning; the APB renders the clause, “let your laughter be turned into mourning.”

   James 4:9

In the Anselm Project Bible: In James 4:9, the APB presents the term in the clause “let your laughter be turned into mourning.” The verse is read as a whole, but the clause confirms the contrast with mourning.