Topical Encyclopedia Mocking, in the biblical context, refers to the act of ridiculing, deriding, or making fun of someone, often with the intent to belittle or scorn. This behavior is frequently condemned in Scripture as it reflects a heart of pride, arrogance, and disrespect, particularly towards God and His commandments.Old Testament Instances Mocking is addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament. In the book of Proverbs, mockers are often associated with foolishness and wickedness. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking is his name, who acts with excessive pride." This verse highlights the connection between mocking and pride, suggesting that those who mock are often self-centered and dismissive of wisdom. The account of Elisha and the youths in 2 Kings 2:23-24 provides a vivid example of the consequences of mocking a prophet of God. As Elisha was traveling to Bethel, a group of youths came out and mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha cursed them in the name of the LORD, and two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. This incident underscores the seriousness with which God views mocking, especially when directed at His servants. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, mocking is seen in the context of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record that Jesus was mocked by soldiers, religious leaders, and even by those crucified alongside Him. Matthew 27:29-31 describes how the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, placed it on His head, and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" This mockery was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Psalm 22:7-8 , which foretold the Messiah being scorned and ridiculed. The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of mocking in his epistles. In Galatians 6:7 , he warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This verse serves as a reminder that mocking God or His principles is a serious offense with inevitable consequences. Spiritual Implications Mocking is not merely a social or cultural issue but has deep spiritual implications. It reflects a heart that is resistant to God's authority and truth. In Psalm 1:1 , the psalmist contrasts the blessed man with the mocker, stating, "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 suggests that associating with mockers can lead one away from the path of righteousness. Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers to respond to mockery with grace and patience. In 1 Peter 3:9 , Christians are exhorted, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This teaching aligns with the example of Christ, who, when mocked and reviled, did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God. Conclusion Mocking, as depicted in the Bible, is a behavior that is contrary to the character and teachings of God. It is often associated with pride, foolishness, and a rejection of divine authority. Believers are called to avoid the company of mockers and to respond to mockery with the love and grace exemplified by Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mock.2. (a.) Imitating, esp. in derision, or so as to cause derision; mimicking; derisive. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MOCK; MOCKER; MOCKINGmok, mok'er, mok'-ing (hathal, la`agh, empaizo): To mock is the translation of hathal, "to play upon," "mock," "deride" (Judges 16:10, 13, 15 1 Kings 18:27, "Elijah mocked them"; Job 13:9 twice, the Revised Version (British and American) "deceiveth," "deceive," margin "mocketh," "mock"); of la`agh, "to stammer" or "babble in mimicry," "to mock" or "scorn" (2 Chronicles 30:10 Nehemiah 4:1 Job 11:3; Job 21:3 Proverbs 1:26; Proverbs 17:5; Proverbs 30:17 Jeremiah 20:7). Other words are tsachaq, "to laugh," etc. (Genesis 19:14; Genesis 21:9; Genesis 39:14, 17); qalac, "to call out," or "cry after," "to scoff" or "mock at" (2 Kings 2:23 Ezekiel 22:5); sachaq, "to laugh," "mock" (Job 39:22 Lamentations 1:7); luts, "to scorn" (Proverbs 14:9); sechoq, "laughter," "derision" (Job 12:4); empaizo, "to treat as a child," "mock" (Matthew 2:16; Matthew 20:19; Matthew 27:29, 31, 41 Luke 14:29, etc.); diachleuazo, "to mock," "laugh," etc. (Acts 2:13; Acts 17:32); mukterizo, "to sneer at," "mock," literally, "to turn up the nose" (Galatians 6:7, "God is not mocked," "will not let himself be mocked"); epigelao, "laugh" (Job 2:8; 1Ma 7:34; compare 2Ma 7:39; 2Ma 8:17). Greek 1701b. empaigmos -- a mocking ... empaigmos. 1702 . a mocking. Transliteration: empaigmos Short Definition: mockings. Word Origin from empaizo Definition a mocking NASB Word Usage mockings (1) ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1701b.htm - 5k 1701. empaigmos -- mockery 1315b. diachleuazo -- to scoff, mock 1701a. empaigmone -- mockery 1702. empaizo -- to mock at 5512. chleuazo -- to jest, mock, jeer Strong's Hebrew 4485. manginah -- (mocking, derisive) song... 4484, 4485. manginah. 4486 . (mocking, derisive) song. Transliteration: manginah Phonetic Spelling: (man-ghee-naw') Short Definition: song. ... /hebrew/4485.htm - 6k 3934. laeg -- mocking 3933. laag -- a mocking, derision 4426. melitsah -- satire, a mocking poem 7048. qallasah -- derision 6711. tsachaq -- to laugh Library Listen, My Brethren, to Death, Mocking the Evil One: that Caused ... If, Then, You Really Intend to do an Act of Repentance for those ... Sufficient Grace of the Holy Spirit is Bestowed on those to whom ... Chapter xxi The Penitent Thief Sin the Mocker A Savage Duel. The Crucifixion. Introduction A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift Thesaurus Mocking (25 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Mock. 2. (a.) Imitating, esp. in derision, or so as to cause derision; mimicking; derisive. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MOCK; MOCKER; MOCKING... /m/mocking.htm - 18k Mocker (11 Occurrences) Mock (43 Occurrences) Ishmael (44 Occurrences) Jeering (2 Occurrences) Likewise (149 Occurrences) Mocked (40 Occurrences) Teachers (87 Occurrences) Along (500 Occurrences) Laughingstock (10 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to uncover nakedness in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org Mocking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mocking (25 Occurrences)Matthew 27:29 Matthew 27:41 Mark 15:31 Luke 22:63 Luke 23:11 Luke 23:36 John 19:3 Acts 2:13 Acts 17:32 Hebrews 11:36 2 Peter 3:3 Genesis 19:14 Genesis 21:9 Genesis 27:12 2 Chronicles 30:10 2 Chronicles 36:16 Proverbs 17:5 Isaiah 28:22 Isaiah 50:6 Jeremiah 20:7 Lamentations 1:7 Lamentations 3:14 Lamentations 3:63 Ezekiel 22:4 Zephaniah 2:10 Subtopics Mocking: Elijah Mocks the Priests of Baal Mocking: some Boys Mock Elisha Mocking: The Ammonites Mock God Mocking: The Hardened Wicked People Mock Mocking: The Persecutors of Jesus Mock Him Mocking: The Tormentors of Job Mock Mocking: Zedekiah Mocks Micaiah Related Terms Laughingstock (10 Occurrences) |
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