Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the act of mocking is often associated with scorn, ridicule, and derision, typically directed towards individuals, prophets, or even God Himself. Mockery is depicted as a behavior that is contrary to the virtues of respect, humility, and reverence that are encouraged throughout Scripture.
Old Testament InstancesMockery is evident in several Old Testament narratives. One notable instance is found in the account of Elisha, where young boys mocked the prophet by calling him "baldhead." This act of disrespect resulted in a severe consequence, as described in
2 Kings 2:23-24 : "From there, Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and mocked him, saying, 'Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!' Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. So two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys."
The Psalms also frequently mention mockery, often in the context of the righteous being scorned by the wicked.
Psalm 22:7 poignantly captures this sentiment: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads."
Prophetic WarningsThe prophets often warned against mocking God and His messengers.
Isaiah 28:22 cautions, "So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become stronger; for I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land." This warning underscores the seriousness with which God views mockery, especially when it is directed towards His divine plans and purposes.
New Testament ExamplesIn the New Testament, mockery reaches its zenith in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record how Jesus was mocked by soldiers, religious leaders, and even by those crucified alongside Him.
Matthew 27:29-31 describes the soldiers' actions: "And they twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him."
The mockery of Jesus is significant not only for its cruelty but also for its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in
Isaiah 53, which foretold the suffering and humiliation of the Messiah.
Apostolic TeachingsThe apostolic writings continue to address the issue of mockery, particularly in the context of the end times.
2 Peter 3:3-4 warns believers: "Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 'Where is the promise of His coming?' they will ask. 'Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.'"
The apostles encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, despite the mockery and skepticism they may face from the world. Mockery is portrayed as a characteristic of those who reject divine truth and follow their own sinful inclinations.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsThroughout Scripture, mockery is depicted as a manifestation of pride and unbelief. It is often associated with those who are opposed to God's will and who reject His authority.
Proverbs 3:34 states, "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This verse highlights the divine response to mockery, contrasting it with the grace extended to those who are humble and reverent.
In summary, the biblical portrayal of mockery serves as a cautionary theme, warning against the dangers of pride and irreverence while encouraging believers to uphold the virtues of humility and respect for God and His anointed.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Mock.
Greek
3456. mukterizo -- to turn up the nose or sneer at... disdain ( reject). Word Origin from mukter (nostril) Definition to turn up
the nose or sneer at NASB Word Usage
mocked (1). mock. From
...1702. empaizo -- to mock at
... Word Origin from en and paizo Definition to mock at NASB Word Usage mock (2),
mocked (5), mocking (4), ridicule (1), tricked (1). mock....
2302. theatron -- a theater, a spectacle
... Cognate: 2302 (the root of the English term, "theatre") -- a theatre; a place
for public ; (figuratively) the of "" to bemocked at as a (cf....
Strong's Hebrew
3932. laag -- to mock, deride, stammer... 3931, 3932. laag. 3933 . to mock, deride, stammer. Transliteration: laag Phonetic
Spelling: (law-ag') Short Definition:
mocked. Word Origin a prim.
...7814. sechoq -- laughter, derision, sport
... laughingstock (5), laughter (6), sport (1). derision, laughter, to scorn,
mocked, sport. Or schoq {sekh-oke'}; from sachaq; laughter...
2048. hathal -- to deceive, mock
... to deceive, mock. Transliteration: hathal Phonetic Spelling: (haw-thal') Short
Definition:mocked.... root Definition to deceive, mock NASB Word Usagemocked (1)....
3931. laab -- to jest
... to jest. Transliteration: laab Phonetic Spelling: (law-ab') Short Definition:mocked.
Word Origin a prim. root Definition to jest NASB Word Usagemocked (1)....
7832. sachaq -- to laugh
... celebrate (2), celebrating (3), hold a contest (1), joking (1), laugh (6), laughed
them to scorn (1), laughs (6), merrymakers (2), mock (1),mocked (1), play (2...
7046. qalas -- to mock, scoff
... mock. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to mock, scoff NASB Word Usage
disdaining (1), mock (2),mocked (1). mock, scoff, scorn....
Library
Are YouMocked?
... Are YouMocked? A Sermon (No.3512).... First, then, let us take the subject"the
object"of the mockery of carnal minds. I. WHO AREMOCKED....
Be not Deceived; God is notMocked.
... CHAPTER II. BE NOT DECEIVED; GOD IS NOTMOCKED.... v: 6. "As one man mocketh another,
do ye so mock Him?""Job 13:9. Be Not Deceived: God Is NotMocked....
But Upon those who have Used Dissimulation Like David...
... down their denial of the faith, but being in much tribulation, as boys endowed with
sagacity and prudence amongst foolish children, havemocked the snares of...
A Prophet of Peace
... Elisha was a man of mild and kindly spirit; but that he could also be stern is shown
by his course when, on the way to Bethel, he wasmocked by ungodly youth...
Matt. Ii. 16
... "Then Herod, when he saw that he wasmocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth."....
For, wherefore art thou wroth, O Herod, at beingmocked of the wise men?...
Of the Mockery which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort...
... And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed
in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, andmocked Him, saying...
Synoptical Table
... And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed
in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, andmocked him, saying...
Matt. xxvii. 27-29.
... and when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed
in His right hand; and they bowed the knee before Him, andmocked Him, saying...
The Procession of Sorrow
... that time stationed in Judea, and I should not wonder if they were the lineal ancestors
of those German theologians of modern times who havemocked the Savior...
Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning...
... And that this hath been brought to pass-by One Man, by menmocked, seized, bound,
scourged, smitten with the palms of the hand, reviled, crucified, slain: His...
Thesaurus
Mocked (40 Occurrences)...Mocked (40 Occurrences).
... Matthew 27:31 When they had
mocked him, they took the robe
off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.
...Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... hathal, la`agh, empaizo): To mock is the translation of hathal, "to play upon,"
"mock," "deride" (Judges 16:10, 13, 15 1 Kings 18:27, "Elijahmocked them"; Job...
Mocking (25 Occurrences)
... hathal, la`agh, empaizo): To mock is the translation of hathal, "to play upon,"
"mock," "deride" (Judges 16:10, 13, 15 1 Kings 18:27, "Elijahmocked them"; Job...
Mock (43 Occurrences)
... hathal, la`agh, empaizo): To mock is the translation of hathal, "to play upon,"
"mock," "deride" (Judges 16:10, 13, 15 1 Kings 18:27, "Elijahmocked them"; Job...
Ridiculed (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Luke 23:11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him andmocked him. Dressing
him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. (See NIV)....
Laughed (27 Occurrences)
... 30:10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh
even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, andmocked them....
Footsteps (30 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE DBY JPS YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 89:51 With which your enemies havemocked,
Yahweh, with which they havemocked the footsteps of your anointed one....
Treated (69 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Luke 18:32 For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will bemocked,
treated shamefully, and spit on. (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV)....
Robe (142 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:31 When they hadmocked him, they took the robe off of him, and
put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him....
Enraged (23 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, seeing that he had beenmocked by the magi, was greatly
enraged; and sent and slew all the boys which were in Bethlehem, and in all...
Resources
What does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a scorner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between Christianity and Islam? | GotQuestions.orgMocked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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