Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "laughingstock" refers to a person or group that becomes an object of ridicule, scorn, or derision. This concept is often associated with the consequences of sin, disobedience, or divine judgment. The Bible provides several instances where individuals or nations become laughingstocks due to their actions or circumstances.
Old Testament ReferencesThe notion of becoming a laughingstock is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of Israel's relationship with God. When the Israelites turned away from God's commandments, they often faced the threat of becoming a laughingstock among the nations. This was seen as a form of divine retribution and a call to repentance.
In the book of Job, Job laments his situation, expressing how he has become a laughingstock to his friends despite his righteousness.
Job 12:4 states, "I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and He answered—a righteous and blameless man is a laughingstock." Here, Job's suffering and the misunderstanding of his friends highlight the theme of unjust ridicule.
The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of the nation of Judah becoming a laughingstock due to their unfaithfulness. In
Jeremiah 20:7 , the prophet laments, "O LORD, You have deceived me, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me." Jeremiah's personal anguish reflects the broader national shame experienced by Judah.
New Testament ContextWhile the specific term "laughingstock" is not as prevalent in the New Testament, the concept of mockery and scorn is evident, particularly in the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus was mocked by soldiers and onlookers as He was led to the cross, fulfilling the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant who would be despised and rejected by men (
Isaiah 53:3).
The Apostle Paul also experienced ridicule and scorn for his faith and missionary work. In
1 Corinthians 4:10 , Paul writes, "We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored." Here, Paul embraces the role of a "fool" or laughingstock for the sake of the Gospel, highlighting the paradox of Christian discipleship.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, becoming a laughingstock can serve as a humbling experience that leads to repentance and a renewed relationship with God. It underscores the biblical principle that pride and disobedience can result in shame and humiliation, while humility and faithfulness are ultimately honored by God.
The concept also serves as a reminder of the world's opposition to God's people and the Gospel message. Believers are called to endure mockery and scorn with patience and faith, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and justice.
ConclusionThe theme of becoming a laughingstock in the Bible is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the call to remain faithful to God. It challenges believers to endure ridicule for the sake of righteousness and to trust in God's redemptive plan.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) An object of ridicule; a butt of sport.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LAUGHING-STOCKlaf'-ing-stok: Something set up to be laughed at; thrice in the Revised Version (British and American) the translation of sechoq, "laughter," etc. (Job 12:4 twice;Jeremiah 20:7; compareJeremiah 48:26, 27, 39Lamentations 3:14).
SeeMOCK, MOCKING.
Strong's Hebrew
4493. manod -- a shaking, wagging... 4492, 4493. manod. 4494 . a shaking, wagging. Transliteration: manod Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-node') Short Definition:
laughingstock.
...7814. sechoq -- laughter, derision, sport
... Word Origin from sachaq Definition laughter, derision, sport NASB Word Usage enjoyment
(1), joke (2),laughingstock (5), laughter (6), sport (1)....
7218. rosh -- head
... 1), divisions (1), ends (2), every (1), faced* (1), favor* (1), finest (2), first
(12), full (2), hair (3), head (256), heads (129),laughingstock* (1), leader...
937. buz -- contempt
... Word Origin from buz Definition contempt NASB Word Usage contempt (9), despised
(1),laughingstock (1). contempt, despised, shamed....
Library
Wisdom Brevities
... appetites. If thou give fully to thy soul the delight of her desire, she
will make thee thelaughingstock of thine enemies. Make...
Psalm 79
... 4Unto our neighbours a reproach. most base become are we; A scorn andlaughingstock
to them. that round about us be. ^5How long, Lord, shall thine anger last?...
Having used these means to procure them
... are backward to the exercise, will have pretences to forbear and forsake it, and
to say, They will not come to be made a scorn and alaughingstock.' You must...
The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... to describe the excited imagination of the drunkard, whose senses are no longer
under his control, but play him tricks that make him alaughingstock to sober...
Divine Destruction and Protection
... tongues, and confounded their language, and scattered the imaginations of their
hearts: so he laughed them to scorn, and left them to be alaughingstock to all...
David's Weakness
... and the ugliest of mortals, to be the most diseased and abject of cripples, the
most silly, nervous incapable personage who ever was alaughingstock for the...
Matt. xvii. 10
... him, Wine was given, that we might be cheerful, not that we might behave ourselves
unseemly; that we might laugh, not that we might be alaughingstock; that we...
Hebrews xi. 7
... "We are undone, we are utterly consumed" ( Numbers 17:12 ), we are become the
laughingstock of our enemies, and a mockery for the heathen and the Demons....
Salvation of the Lord
... And this thing I hope I can say from my heart: if to be made as the mire of the
streets again, if to be thelaughingstock of fools and the song of the drunkard...
Thesaurus
Laughingstock (10 Occurrences)... See MOCK, MOCKING. Multi-Version Concordance
Laughingstock (10 Occurrences).
Genesis 38:23 Judah said, "Let her keep it, lest we be shamed.
...Laughing (38 Occurrences)
Jest (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) The object of laughter or sport; alaughingstock. 5. (vi) To take part
in a merrymaking; -- especially, to act in a mask or interlude....
Laughing-stock (3 Occurrences)
Laughing-stock.Laughingstock, Laughing-stock. Laughs . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia... (DBY).Laughingstock, Laughing-stock. Laughs . Reference Bible
Ridicule (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An object of sport or laughter; alaughingstock; a laughing matter.
3. (n.) Quality of being ridiculous; ridiculousness....
Song (207 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Poetical composition; poetry; verse. 5. (n.) An object of derision; a
laughingstock. 6. (n.) A trifle. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MOSES, SONG OF....
Resources
What does it mean that without vision the people perish? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.orgLaughingstock: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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