Topical Encyclopedia
The term "scornfully" is used in the Bible to describe an attitude of contempt or disdain towards others, often manifesting in mocking or derisive behavior. This attitude is consistently portrayed in Scripture as contrary to the character and will of God, who calls His people to humility, love, and respect for one another.
Biblical Usage and ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "scorn" or "scornfully" is "לָצוֹן" (latson), which conveys the idea of mocking or deriding someone. This behavior is frequently associated with the wicked and the foolish. For example, in
Proverbs 1:22 , it is written, "How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?" Here, scorn is linked with a rejection of wisdom and a love for folly.
The Psalms also address the issue of scorn.
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." This verse highlights the progression of sin, where sitting in the seat of mockers represents a settled state of scornful behavior, which is to be avoided by the righteous.
In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἐμπαίζω" (empaizo) is used to describe mocking or ridiculing, particularly in the context of the suffering of Christ. In
Matthew 27:29 , during the crucifixion, it is recorded, "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!'" This scornful treatment of Jesus underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the rejection of God's anointed.
Theological ImplicationsScornfulness is antithetical to the Christian virtues of humility, love, and respect. It is a manifestation of pride and a lack of reverence for God and His creation. The Bible warns against adopting a scornful attitude, as it leads to further separation from God and His truth.
Proverbs 3:34 states, "He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This verse emphasizes that God opposes the proud and scornful but extends grace to those who are humble.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are called to avoid scornful behavior and instead cultivate a spirit of gentleness and respect.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." Christians are encouraged to speak words that edify and uplift, rather than words that tear down and mock.
In summary, scornfulness is a behavior that Scripture consistently condemns. It is associated with pride, folly, and a rejection of God's wisdom. Believers are called to reject scornful attitudes and to embrace humility, love, and respect in their interactions with others.
Greek
3456. mukterizo -- to turn up the nose or sneer at... disdain. 3456 (from , "nose") -- properly, to turn up the nose, turning away
to ; (figuratively) mock,
scornfully disdain ( reject).
...Library
The Third Commandment
... More particularly they profane God's word, and take his name in vain: (1) That speak
scornfully of his word. Where is the promise of his coming?...
Jesus is Arrested.
... full vent to their brutal inclination, and struck Jesus with such violence that
they threw him off the bridge into the water, andscornfully recommended him to...
Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
... idolatry in the affections, "every passion's wild excess, anger, lust, and
pride,""the existence of any such principle they absolutely andscornfully deny....
Preface
... The men who originated the movement, so far as anything historical can be said to
be "originated," were oftenscornfully called "Spirituals" by their opponents...
The Sixth Book
... [304] Rapsaces spokescornfully of God, and God smote a hundred and eighty-five
thousand men because the froward tongue of one profane man spoke evil of him....
The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... And they saidscornfully, "Do you suppose that the dream means that you will
some time rule over us, and that we shall bow down to you?"....
Sacrifice.
... stocks. The kingscornfully cut up the roll of his prophecies; and the people
following their formalist leaders rejected his word....
Argument. --He Proves Also that the Words Spoken to Philip Make...
... never yet existed, He said, "All day long have I stretched out my hands to an
unbelieving people." [5242] And although not yet had He beenscornfully given to...
Human Soot
... poor wounded Jew by the wayside; and for the mere sake of their common humanity,
simply because he was a man, though he would havescornfully disclaimed the...
The Great Commission
... Their Master had been rejected, condemned, and crucified. The priests and rulers
had declaredscornfully, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save....
Thesaurus
Scornfully (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Scornfully (3 Occurrences). Acts 2:13 But others,
scornfully jeering, said, "They are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY).
...Nehushtan (1 Occurrence)
... this be correct, the sense of the passage is that Hezekiah not only breaks the brazen
serpent in pieces but, suiting the word to the act,scornfully calls it...
Jeering (2 Occurrences)
... Him; for they were lovers of money. (WEY). Acts 2:13 But others,scornfully
jeering, said, "They are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY)....
Insolently (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Job 16:10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten
me upon the cheekscornfully; they gather themselves together against me....
Brim-full (1 Occurrence)
... Brim-full (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:13 But others,scornfully jeering, said, "They
are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY). Brimful, Brim-full. Brimstone ....
Sweet (147 Occurrences)
... Joseph's son?" (WEY). Acts 2:13 But others,scornfully jeering, said, "They
are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY YLT NAS). 2 Corinthians 2...
Scornful (5 Occurrences)
Scoff (18 Occurrences)
... at. 4. (vt) To treat or address with derision; to assailscornfully; to
mock at. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCOFF; SCOFFER....
Scorning (7 Occurrences)
Scorn (65 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Job 16:10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me
upon the cheekscornfully; they gather themselves together against me....
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