Topical Encyclopedia
Sneering, a form of contemptuous or mocking expression, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. It is often associated with scorn, derision, and a lack of respect for others, particularly towards those who are righteous or hold to godly principles. The act of sneering is indicative of a proud and haughty spirit, which is consistently condemned in Scripture.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 22:7 · "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." This verse is a prophetic reference to the suffering of the Messiah, highlighting how sneering is used by those who reject and ridicule the righteous. It underscores the deep disdain and lack of understanding that the ungodly have towards God's anointed.
2.
Proverbs 21:24 · "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." Here, the act of sneering is linked with pride and arrogance. The mocker, or one who sneers, is characterized by an inflated sense of self and a dismissive attitude towards others, especially those who follow God's ways.
3.
Luke 16:14 · "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus." In this passage, the Pharisees sneer at Jesus' teachings about money and righteousness. Their sneering reveals their hardened hearts and unwillingness to accept the truth, demonstrating how sneering can be a barrier to spiritual understanding and growth.
4.
2 Kings 19:21 · "This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: 'The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.'" This passage illustrates how sneering can also be a response to those who oppose God. It shows that while sneering is often a negative trait, it can also be used to express the futility of opposing God's will.
Theological Implications:Sneering is often a manifestation of deeper spiritual issues such as pride, unbelief, and rebellion against God. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's values and is resistant to His truth. The Bible warns against such attitudes, emphasizing the importance of humility, respect, and a teachable spirit.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, sneering is discouraged as it undermines the dignity of others and fosters division and strife. Christians are called to exhibit love, kindness, and respect in their interactions, avoiding behaviors that belittle or demean others. The act of sneering contradicts the biblical call to love one's neighbor and to build up the body of Christ.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts and attitudes, ensuring that they do not fall into the trap of sneering at others, especially those who are different or hold opposing views. Instead, Christians are to engage with others in a spirit of gentleness and respect, reflecting the character of Christ in all their dealings.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sneer.
Greek
1592. ekmukterizo -- to hold up the nose in derision of... Word Origin from ek and mukterizo Definition to hold up the nose in derision
of NASB Word Usage scoffing (1),
sneering (1). deride.
...Library
The Law of the Lord.
... The scorners; thesneering, the frivolous, the unearnest, the unbelieving, the envious,
who laugh down what they call enthusiasm and romance; who delight in...
Shall we Go?
... And there are still larger crowds looking on andsneering,sneering at those
whose following hasn't got much beyond the singing stage....
Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... Asneering half-rationalism cries out against devotion, that it does nothing
but pray. But to pray well is to do all things well....
The Words of Our Lips.
... followers of Him who went about doing good, and spake as never man spake, if we
go about with lies, with cruel speeches, with thesneering sarcasm which maddens...
Firm to the End.
... And when we find shallow young men and women, who have just mastered enough subjects
to be able to pass an examination,sneering at the Bible, and calling...
A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... They had before. They failed!"dismally"amid thesneering and jeering of the crowd
and the increasing distress of the poor father. Then Jesus came....
Use what You Have.
... He combined all he had, sling, stones, skill, and faith, and the laughing,sneering
giant is soon under his feet, and feeling the edge of his own sword....
Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
... is my beloved Son: hear Him,' He had to come down from the mountain to meet the
devil-possessed boy, the useless agony of the father, thesneering faces of the...
The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes...
... use of what had been committed to his administration by his Master; in the second
Parable, which is addressed to the self-justifying,sneering Pharisees, it is...
Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... The influence of the Pharisees was that of formalism, hypocritical ostentation,
and traditionalism; that of the Sadducees wassneering rationalistic unbelief...
Thesaurus
Sneering (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sneering (2 Occurrences). Luke 16:14 The Pharisees, who
were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him.
...Choice (113 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:35 And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also weresneering
with them, saying, 'Others he saved, let him save himself, if this be...
Sneer (3 Occurrences)
... fulsome lies at a person. 5. (vt) To treat with sneers; to affect or move by
sneers. 6. (n.) The act ofsneering. 7. (n.) A smile, grin...
Sneers (1 Occurrence)
Sneered (2 Occurrences)
Standing (334 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:35 And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also weresneering
with them, saying, 'Others he saved, let him save himself, if this be...
Resources
What does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is mammon? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nabal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSneering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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