Topical Encyclopedia
Mockery, in the biblical context, refers to the act of ridiculing, deriding, or making fun of someone or something, often with the intent to belittle or scorn. It is a behavior that is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the virtues of humility, love, and respect that are central to Christian teaching.
Old Testament InstancesMockery is evident throughout the Old Testament, often directed towards God's prophets and His chosen people. In
2 Kings 2:23-24, we see an instance where the prophet Elisha is mocked by a group of youths: "From there, Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him, saying, 'Go on up, you baldhead! Go on up, you baldhead!' He turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." This passage illustrates the seriousness with which God views mockery, especially when directed at His servants.
The Psalms also address the theme of mockery, often in the context of the righteous being scorned by the wicked.
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, mockery is associated with a lifestyle that is contrary to the ways of God, and the psalmist warns against associating with those who engage in such behavior.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, mockery is most poignantly seen in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record how Jesus was mocked by soldiers, religious leaders, and even those crucified alongside Him.
Matthew 27:29-31 describes how the soldiers mocked Jesus: "And they twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. They knelt down before Him and mocked 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 Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of mockery in his epistles. In
Galatians 6:7, he warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This verse underscores the principle that mockery, especially towards God, is not without consequence.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsMockery is often rooted in pride and a lack of empathy, and it can be a tool used by the enemy to sow discord and division.
Proverbs 21:24 describes the mocker as "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are his names, one who acts with excessive pride." This highlights the connection between mockery and a heart that is not submitted to God.
Christians are called to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the love and humility of Christ.
Ephesians 4:29 advises, "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." This instruction serves as a reminder to avoid mockery and instead use words to edify and encourage others.
ConclusionWhile mockery is a behavior that is prevalent in human interactions, Scripture consistently portrays it as contrary to the character of God and the teachings of Christ. Believers are encouraged to guard their hearts and tongues, choosing instead to speak words that reflect the love and grace of the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Ridicule, deriding, exposure to contempt, by mimicry or insincere imitation, or by a false show of earnestness; a counterfeit appearance.
2. (n.) Insulting or contemptuous action or speech; contemptuous merriment; derision; ridicule.
3. (n.) Subject of laughter, derision, or sport.
Greek
1701. empaigmos --mockery...mockery. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: empaigmos Phonetic Spelling:
(emp-aheeg-mos') Short Definition:
mockery Definition:
mockery, scoffing
...1701a. empaigmone --mockery
... empaigmone. 1701b .mockery. Transliteration: empaigmone Short Definition: mocking.
Word Origin from empaizo Definitionmockery NASB Word Usage mocking (1)....
420. anexikakos -- enduring evil
... injury. [420 () shows "the quality of patiently affirming a belief in face
ofmockery (Wis 2:19)" (Nigel Turner, , 321).]. Word Origin...
Strong's Hebrew
8595. tatuim --mockery...mockery. Transliteration: tatuim Phonetic Spelling: (tah-too'-ah) Short Definition:
mockery. Word Origin from taa Definition
mockery NASB Word Usage
mockery (2)
...5607. sepheq -- handclapping,mockery
... 5606, 5607. sepheq or sepheq. 5608 . handclapping,mockery. Transliteration:
sepheq or sepheq Phonetic Spelling: (say'-fek) Short Definition: scoffing....
2049. hathulim --mockery
... 2048, 2049. hathulim. 2050 .mockery. Transliteration: hathulim Phonetic
Spelling: (haw-thole') Short Definition: mockers. Word...
7335. razam -- to wink, flash
... root Definition to wink, flash NASB Word Usage flash (1). to twinkle the eye in
mockery: wink. A primitive root; to twinkle the eye (inmockery): wink....
5953a. alal -- to act severely
... root Definition to act severely NASB Word Usage abuse (2), abused (1), bring pain
(1), deal (1), dealt (2), made amockery (2), make sport (1), practice deeds...
3917b. lits -- to scorn
... root Definition to scorn NASB Word Usage carry on as scoffers (1), deride (1), envoys
(1), interpreter (1), makes amockery (1), mediator (1), mock (1), mocker...
4426. melitsah -- satire, a mocking poem
... figure. Word Origin from lits Definition satire, a mocking poem NASB Word
Usage figure (1),mockery (1). interpretation, taunting....
Library
Of Derision [*OrMockery] (Two Articles)
... OF DERISION [*Ormockery] (TWO ARTICLES). We must now speak of derision, under
which head there are two points of inquiry: (1) Whether...
But as it is inMockery that Celsus Says we Speak of "God Coming...
... Chapter XIII. But as it is inmockery that Celsus says we speak of "God
coming down? But as it is inmockery that Celsus says...
Of theMockery which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort...
... Chapter IX."Of theMockery Which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort, and
of the Harmony Subsisting Among the Three Evangelists Who Report that Scene...
But this Low Jester Celsus, Omitting no Species ofMockery and...
... Chapter XXII. But this low jester Celsus, omitting no species ofmockery
and ridicule which can be? But this low jester [3493] Celsus...
The Gospel Further Relates that the Soldiers Parted the Garments...
... my vesture they did cast lots." Nor were the Prophets silent even as to the robe,
the scarlet robe, which the soldiers are said to have put upon Him inmockery...
Whether Reviling or Railing is a Mortal Sin?
... Reply to Objection 1: It belongs to wittiness to utter some slightmockery, not
with intent to dishonor or pain the person who is the object of themockery...
Christ Crucified.
... Sentence of crucifixion (Mark 15:15; Luke 23:24, 25).15. Scourging andmockery
(Matt.27:26-30; Mark 15:16-19; John 19:1-3).16. Further...
Galatians v. 16, 17
... let us speak the same language to the sick man: tell him, "Follow thy healthy nature,
and them shalt not be sick," what would the words be but a bittermockery...
Sin the Mocker
... Or if these consequences are in any measure silenced and stifled, a still more
melancholymockery betrays him, in the continuance of the illusion that he is...
Pilate
... Mark dismisses in a single verse. It was indeed a disgracefulmockery.... It may have
been thismockery which suggested to Pilate the inscription for the cross....
Thesaurus
Mockery (12 Occurrences)...Mockery (12 Occurrences).
... Hebrews 11:36 Others again were tested by cruel
mockery and by scourging; yes, and by chains and imprisonment. (WEY).
...Scoff (18 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Derision; ridicule;mockery; derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt,
or reproach. 2. (n.) An object of scorn,mockery, or derision....
Mockers (14 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 1:22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will
mockers delight themselves inmockery, and fools hate knowledge? (WEB NIV)....
Jeer (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (v.) To utter sarcastic or scoffing reflections; to speak withmockery or derision;
to use taunting language; to scoff; as, to jeer at a speaker....
Thorns (56 Occurrences)
... speak of the akanthine (Acanthus) crown, but there is no certainty about the peculiar
plant, from the branches of which this crown of cruelmockery was plaited...
Michal (18 Occurrences)
... after David's enthusiastic joy and ecstatic dancing before the newly restored Ark
of the Covenant, she received him with bitter and scornfulmockery (2 Samuel 6...
Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... of qallacah "mocking," "derision" (Ezekiel 22:4); of empaigmos the Septuagint for
qallacah) (Hebrews 11:36; Wis 12:25; Ecclesiasticus 27:28, "mockery"; 2Ma 7:7...
Mocking (25 Occurrences)
... of qallacah "mocking," "derision" (Ezekiel 22:4); of empaigmos the Septuagint for
qallacah) (Hebrews 11:36; Wis 12:25; Ecclesiasticus 27:28, "mockery"; 2Ma 7:7...
Mock (43 Occurrences)
... of qallacah "mocking," "derision" (Ezekiel 22:4); of empaigmos the Septuagint for
qallacah) (Hebrews 11:36; Wis 12:25; Ecclesiasticus 27:28, "mockery"; 2Ma 7:7...
Sport (99 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) That which diverts, and makes mirth; pastime;
amusement. 2. (n.) Mock;mockery; contemptuous mirth; derision....
Resources
What does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and significance of the crown of thorns? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I tap into the wisdom of God? | GotQuestions.orgMockery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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