a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly; have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâʻag**, represented by `{{H3932}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to deride**. It appears **18 times** in **18 unique verses** and carries connotations of mockery, speaking unintelligibly like a foreigner, laughing to scorn, and stammering. This term describes a contemptuous act, often directed against God's people, the poor, or God himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3932}}` is frequently used to depict the scorn faced by the righteous. The prophet Jeremiah cries out that he is mocked by everyone [[Jeremiah 20:7]], and the suffering psalmist is laughed to scorn by his enemies, who shake their heads at him [[Psalms 22:7]]. Similarly, those attempting to rebuild Jerusalem's wall are laughed to scorn and despised by their adversaries ([[Nehemiah 2:19]], [[Nehemiah 4:1]]). Conversely, the term is also used to describe God's response to the wicked; He who sits in the heavens holds earthly rulers in derision ([[Psalms 2:4]], [[Psalms 59:8]]). In a unique context, the word describes the unintelligible speech of a foreign people, referring to a "stammering tongue" [[Isaiah 33:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of mockery and contempt:
* `{{H959}}` **bâzâh** (despise, disdain): This term is often used alongside `{{H3932}}` to emphasize deep contempt. The enemies of Jerusalem both "laughed us to scorn" and "despised us" [[Nehemiah 2:19]], and Zion is described as having "despised" and "laughed to scorn" her Assyrian aggressor [[2 Kings 19:21]].
* `{{H2778}}` **châraph** (reproach, defame): This word highlights the offensive nature of mockery. Mocking the poor is not just an act of derision `{{H3932}}` but also an act that "reproacheth his Maker" [[Proverbs 17:5]].
* `{{H5128}}` **nûwaʻ** (to waver, shake, wag): This describes the physical gesture that often accompanies verbal scorn. The enemies of the psalmist "laugh me to scorn" and "shake the head" [[Psalms 22:7]], and the daughter of Jerusalem "shaken her head" at her enemy in a gesture of derisive triumph [[Isaiah 37:22]].
* `{{H7832}}` **sâchaq** (to laugh, deride, scorn): Often used in parallel, this word for laughter can carry the same derisive meaning. God "shall laugh" at the wicked and "have them in derision" `{{H3932}}` [[Psalms 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3932}}` is significant, often serving as a warning against arrogance and a statement of divine justice.
* **An Affront to God:** Mockery directed at the vulnerable is treated as an attack on God Himself. The one who "mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker" [[Proverbs 17:5]]. Similarly, an eye that "mocketh at his father" faces a grim curse [[Proverbs 30:17]].
* **Divine Retribution:** Mockery is turned back upon the mockers. Personified Wisdom declares that she will "laugh at your calamity" and "mock when your fear cometh" to those who rejected her counsel [[Proverbs 1:26]]. God's derision is His sovereign response to the rebellion of humanity [[Psalms 2:4]].
* **The Mark of the Wicked and the Test of the Righteous:** The wicked are identified by their tendency to mock [[Nehemiah 4:1]], while the righteous are often the target of such scorn ([[Psalms 22:7]], [[Jeremiah 20:7]]). However, there is a promised reversal, where the righteous and innocent will ultimately "laugh them to scorn" [[Job 22:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3932}}` is a potent term that defines an act of severe contempt. It is not simple laughter but a malicious derision that carries grave consequences. Whether it is the scorn of men against the righteous, the mockery of fools against their parents and the poor, or the ultimate derision of God against the proud, **lâʻag** illustrates the biblical principle that arrogance and contempt are odious to God and will ultimately be met with divine justice.
TRV