Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, ridicule is often depicted as a tool used by the ungodly to mock, scorn, or belittle the faithful and the divine. It is an expression of contempt or derision, frequently aimed at undermining the faith and confidence of believers. The act of ridiculing is portrayed as a characteristic of those who oppose God's will and His people.
Old Testament InstancesOne of the earliest examples of ridicule in the Bible is found in the account of Noah. As Noah built the ark in obedience to God's command, he was likely subjected to mockery by those who did not believe in the impending flood. Although the Bible does not explicitly describe the ridicule, the context suggests that Noah's faith and actions were not taken seriously by his contemporaries.
In
2 Kings 2:23-24, the prophet Elisha is ridiculed by a group of youths who mock him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" This incident highlights the disrespect and irreverence shown towards God's prophets. Elisha's response, calling down a curse in the name of the Lord, results in a severe consequence for the mockers, demonstrating that ridicule against God's anointed is not taken lightly.
Nehemiah faced ridicule when he led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In
Nehemiah 4:1-3, Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the Jews, questioning their ability to complete the task. Despite the ridicule, Nehemiah and the people persevered, relying on God's strength and protection to accomplish their mission.
New Testament InstancesIn the New Testament, Jesus Himself was subjected to ridicule, particularly during His crucifixion. The soldiers, religious leaders, and even one of the criminals crucified alongside Him mocked Jesus, challenging His identity and power. In
Luke 23:35-37, the rulers sneered, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." This ridicule was a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to the suffering Jesus endured for humanity's redemption.
The apostles also faced ridicule as they spread the Gospel. In
Acts 2:13, during the event of Pentecost, some bystanders mocked the disciples, accusing them of being drunk. Despite the ridicule, Peter boldly proclaimed the truth of the Gospel, leading to the conversion of many.
Theological ImplicationsRidicule in the Bible often serves to test the faith and resolve of God's people. It is a reminder of the opposition believers may face in a world that often rejects divine truth. The faithful are encouraged to respond to ridicule with perseverance and trust in God, as exemplified by biblical figures like Nehemiah and the apostles.
Proverbs 3:34 states, "He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble." This verse underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud and scornful but extends His favor to those who remain humble and faithful. Believers are called to endure ridicule with patience, knowing that God is their ultimate vindicator.
Practical ApplicationChristians today may encounter ridicule for their beliefs and values. The biblical response to such mockery is not retaliation but steadfastness in faith and reliance on God's strength. As Jesus taught in
Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."
In facing ridicule, believers are encouraged to follow the example of Christ, who, "when He was reviled, did not revile in return" (
1 Peter 2:23). Instead, they are to respond with love, grace, and the assurance that their faithfulness will be rewarded by God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Ridicule.
Library
The Emperor Valens isRidiculed by the People on Account of the...
... Chapter XXXVIII."The Emperor Valens isridiculed by the People on Account of the
Goths; undertakes an Expedition against them and is slain in an Engagement...
But Since He HasRidiculed at Great Length the Doctrine of the...
... Chapter XVIII. But since he hasridiculed at great length the doctrine
of the resurrection of the? But since he hasridiculed...
The Emperor Preparing an Expedition against the Persians, Arrives...
... Chapter XVII."The Emperor preparing an Expedition against the Persians, arrives
at Antioch, and beingridiculed by the Inhabitants, he retorts on them by a...
The Northern Iron and the Steel
... Many Christians, are placed in positions where they are subject to very great
temptations and persecutions; they are mocked, laughed at,ridiculed, called by...
Of those who Maintain that they Worship the Gods not for the Sake...
... they are doing, is deservedly laughed at in the theatre, but when it is done by
foolish persons, who do not know better, is more deservedlyridiculed in the...
The Converted Infidel
... Heridiculed in his good-natured way, the idea of prayer, looked upon conversion
as a solemn farce, and believed the most of professing Christians were well...
Fourth Division.
... This wasridiculed, at first, by whole nations of proud men, and is stillridiculed
by a remnant among the nations, but it was the object of faith at first to...
Endurance of the World's Censure.
... Christ's ministers are called names, untruths are told of them, they areridiculed;
and men encourage each other to oppose them, and to deceive them. And why?...
The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus
... Chapter XVII.--The Emperor preparing an Expedition against the Persians, arrives
at Antioch, and beingridiculed by the Inhabitants, he retorts on them by a...
"Come Thou and all Thy House into the Ark. "
... I have no doubt but that theyridiculed the idea that God was going to destroy the
world.... They scoffed andridiculed the idea of a deluge. Now it is too late....
Thesaurus
Ridiculed (12 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Ridicule. Multi-Version Concordance
Ridiculed (12 Occurrences). Mark 5:40 They
ridiculed him.
...Mocked (40 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: "The
virgin daughter of Zion has despised you andridiculed you....
Despised (96 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him:
"The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you andridiculed you....
Ridicule (14 Occurrences)
Shaken (62 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: "The
virgin daughter of Zion has despised you andridiculed you....
Geshem (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite,
and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, theyridiculed us, and despised us, and...
Wags (2 Occurrences)
... Wags (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning
him: "The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you andridiculed you....
Tosses (3 Occurrences)
... Tosses (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken
concerning him: "The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you andridiculed you....
Tobiah (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite,
and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, theyridiculed us, and despised us, and...
Ridiculing (2 Occurrences)
Resources
Is the Bible a fairy tale? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jezebel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgRidiculed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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