English · KJV
H3931

לָעַב

lâʻab /law-ab'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto deride
KJV usagemock.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of lâʻab — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word lâʻab, represented by H3931, is a primitive root that means to deride; mock. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole usage powerfully illustrates an act of contempt directed at divine representatives.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single instance of H3931 is found in 2 Chronicles 36:16, which describes the reasons for Judah's fall. The verse states, "But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets." In this context, the mockery is not a standalone act but part of a pattern of rebellion against God H430. This derision was aimed at God's messengers H4397 and ultimately led to severe consequences, as the passage concludes, "until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy" 2 Chronicles 36:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the meaning of H3931:

  • H959 bâzâh (despise, disdain): This action is listed immediately after mocking in the same verse, highlighting that the derision was an expression of deep contempt for God's words H1697 2 Chronicles 36:16.
  • H8591 tâʻaʻ (cheat, misuse): This term describes the maltreatment of God's prophets H5030 and is used in conjunction with lâʻab, painting a full picture of the people's active rebellion against those sent by God 2 Chronicles 36:16.
  • H4397 mălʼâk (messenger): These are the individuals who were the direct target of the mockery. The term can refer to a prophet, priest, or angel sent as a deputy of God 2 Chronicles 36:16.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3931 is significant despite its single use, as it illustrates a key aspect of rebellion against God.

  • Contempt for God's Messengers: The act of mocking H3931 is directed specifically at the messengers H4397 of God H430. This shows that to deride God's appointed spokesperson is to deride God Himself 2 Chronicles 36:16.
  • Rejection of the Divine Word: Mockery is coupled with despising H959 God's words H1697. This clarifies that the contempt was not only for the person but for the divine message they carried 2 Chronicles 36:16.
  • The Final Provocation: The passage presents this behavior as the final straw. The combined actions of mocking, despising, and misusing God's prophets are what caused God's wrath to arise with "no remedy" 2 Chronicles 36:16.

Summary

In summary, H3931 lâʻab encapsulates a severe form of rebellion. While appearing only once, it marks a pivotal moment of defiance. The act of mocking God's messengers, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 36:16, represents a profound rejection of divine authority and communication. This specific form of derision, when combined with contempt for God's words and the mistreatment of His prophets, is shown to be an offense that precipitates irreversible judgment.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מַלְעִבִים

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H430 אֱלֹהִים plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) H4397 מֲלְאָךְ from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, p H959 בָּזָה a primitive root; to disesteem; despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. H1697 דָּבָר from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, H8591 תָּעַע a primitive root; to cheat; by analogy, to maltreat; deceive, misuse. H5030 נָבִיא from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 2 Chronicles — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.