Topical Encyclopedia
Mockers, also referred to as scoffers, are individuals who express scorn or ridicule, often showing contempt for wisdom, righteousness, and divine truth. The Bible frequently addresses the behavior and consequences of mockery, highlighting its opposition to godly living and wisdom.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of mockery is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the wisdom literature. The Book of Proverbs provides numerous insights into the nature and fate of mockers.
Proverbs 1:22 asks, "How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?" This verse underscores the mocker's disdain for wisdom and their persistent rejection of knowledge.
Proverbs 9:7-8 warns against engaging with mockers: "He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This passage suggests that mockers are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility, contrasting them with the wise who accept and appreciate reproof.
The Psalms also address the behavior of mockers.
Psalm 1:1 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." Here, mockers are associated with the wicked and sinners, and the righteous are advised to avoid their company.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, mockery is often directed towards Jesus Christ and His followers. During the crucifixion, Jesus was subjected to mockery by the soldiers and onlookers.
Matthew 27:29 describes how 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!'"
The apostle Peter warns of mockers in the last days, emphasizing their skepticism and denial of divine promises.
2 Peter 3:3-4 states, "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.'"
Characteristics and ConsequencesMockers are characterized by their pride, arrogance, and rejection of wisdom.
Proverbs 21:24 describes them as "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." Their behavior is often rooted in a deep-seated disdain for authority and truth.
The Bible warns of the consequences of mockery.
Proverbs 19:29 declares, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This indicates that mockers will ultimately face divine judgment and retribution for their actions.
Practical Implications for BelieversBelievers are encouraged to avoid the company of mockers and to seek wisdom and understanding instead. Engaging with mockers can lead to strife and conflict, as
Proverbs 22:10 advises, "Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease."
In summary, the Bible portrays mockers as individuals who reject wisdom and truth, often leading others astray with their scornful attitudes. Their behavior is condemned, and they are warned of impending judgment, while the righteous are encouraged to pursue wisdom and avoid their influence.
Greek
1703. empaiktes -- a mocker, ie by impl. a false teacher... See 1702 (). Word Origin from empaizo Definition a mocker, ie by impl. a
false teacher NASB Word Usage
mockers (2). mocker, scoffer.
...Strong's Hebrew
2049. hathulim -- mockery... 2048, 2049. hathulim. 2050 . mockery. Transliteration: hathulim Phonetic
Spelling: (haw-thole') Short Definition:
mockers. Word
...Library
The Judgment of Drunkards andMockers
... THE JUDGMENT OF DRUNKARDS ANDMOCKERS.... In verse 11 and onwards the prophet
speaks. He catches up themockers' words, and retorts them....
Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in which He, Being Deceived...
... Book IV. Chapter I."Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in Which He, Being Deceived,
Deceived Others; And Concerning theMockers of His Confession....
The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
... words"But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles
of our Lord Jesus Christ; how they told you there should bemockers in the...
Are You Mocked?
... Now I shall at this time first of all speak of those who are mocked; secondly, of
themockers; and thirdly, of how those who are mocked might to behave towards...
The Death which Gives Life
... The mockery harps on the old themes, and witnesses at once the malicious cruelty
of themockers and the innocence of the Victim, at whom even such malice could...
The Source of Power
... fox could jump. They did very little, but they were building the city of
God, which has outlasted all themockers. Men might look...
Acts ii. 14
... Here he directs his discourse to those others, themockers, [123] and
while he seems to reason with those, he sets these right....
Creation and the Fall
... seems His utter poverty and weakness on the cross He overturns the pomp and parade
of idols, and quietly and hiddenly wins over themockers and unbelievers to...
Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... I know that there aremockers who scoff at the very mention of unction; but I pray
that to myself and my brethren the promise may be fulfilled, "He shall dip...
Nothing but Leaves
... he called fire from heaven upon the captains of fifties; nor was he upon whom his
mantle descended less terrible when the she-bears avenged him upon themockers...
Thesaurus
Mockers (14 Occurrences)...Mockers (14 Occurrences). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days
mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, (WEB ASV DBY NAS).
...Mock (43 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16...
Mocking (25 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16...
Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16...
Mockery (12 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last daysmockers shall
come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, (ASV)....
Mockeries (2 Occurrences)
... And in their provocations mine eye lodgeth. (YLT). Psalms 35:16 Like the profane
mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth. (See JPS)....
Lusts (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last daysmockers will come,
walking after their own lusts, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)....
Jude (4 Occurrences)
... It was characteristic of the false teachers andmockers who had invaded the Christian
church that they drew lines of demarcation between themselves and others...
Walking (189 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last daysmockers will
come, walking after their own lusts, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS)....
Ungodlinesses (1 Occurrence)
... Jude 1:18 that they said to you, that at the end of the time there should be
mockers, walking after their own lusts of ungodlinesses. (DBY)....
Resources
How should poetry in the Bible be interpreted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a scorner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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