a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly; have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
Transliteration:lâʻag
Pronunciation:law-ag'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3932 (לָעַג, *lâʻag*) fundamentally signifies the act of "to deride," "to mock," or "to scorn." It implies an open, vocal expression of contempt, often accompanied by laughter that is not joyful but rather steeped in ridicule. The semantic range extends beyond mere laughter to encompass a full spectrum of actions intended to belittle, insult, or show disdain. A significant secondary meaning, derived "by implication (as if imitating a foreigner)," is "to speak unintelligibly" or "to stammer." This latter sense connects to the primary meaning in that unintelligible speech can be used to mock or imitate someone in a derogatory way, or it can be a sign of divine judgment, rendering communication incomprehensible to those who scorn divine truth. Thus, *lâʻag* carries a strong negative connotation, pointing to an attitude of superiority, contempt, and often, active hostility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3932 appears in various biblical contexts, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Divine Derision:** In several Psalms, God is depicted as laughing or mocking (H3932) at the futile plots of the wicked or those who oppose Him. For instance, in [[Psalm 2:4]], it states, "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision." Similarly, [[Psalm 37:13]] and [[Psalm 59:8]] portray God's derision as a manifestation of His sovereign power and the ultimate futility of human rebellion against His will. This divine "mockery" is not born of malice but of absolute control and righteous judgment.
* **Human Mockery of God/Righteous:** A common usage of H3932 describes human beings mocking God, His prophets, or His people. In [[Isaiah 37:22]], the prophet Isaiah declares to King Hezekiah concerning Sennacherib, "The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the daughter of Jerusalem wags her head behind you." This highlights the insolence and blasphemy of those who challenge the Almighty. The suffering servant in [[Psalm 22:7]] laments, "All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads." This poignant use foreshadows the derision faced by the Messiah.
* **Mockery in Wisdom Literature:** Proverbs frequently warns against the "scoffer" (`{{H3887}}`, often related to H3932). [[Proverbs 17:5]] states, "Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished." Here, *lâʻag* underscores a profound disrespect for God's creation and His image in humanity. Wisdom itself is personified as mocking those who reject her counsel in [[Proverbs 1:26]]: "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you."
* **Unintelligible Speech as Judgment:** The secondary meaning of "stammering" or "unintelligible speech" is particularly evident in prophetic judgment. In [[Isaiah 28:11]], God declares, "For by stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people." This refers to the Assyrians, whose foreign language would be a sign of judgment upon a people who mocked God's clear word. This passage is further elaborated in [[Isaiah 28:22]], where the prophet warns against being "scoffers," lest their bonds be made stronger by the impending judgment.
* **Historical Contexts:** In [[Nehemiah 2:19]] and [[Nehemiah 4:1]], Sanballat and Tobiah are depicted mocking (H3932) Nehemiah and the Jews as they rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, demonstrating contempt and an attempt to discourage their efforts.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Lâʻag* (`{{H3932}}`) is often found in semantic proximity to other Hebrew terms that convey notions of scorn, contempt, or foolishness:
* ***Latzon* (לָצוֹן, `{{H3887}}`):** This noun, derived from the root *lutz* (to scorn, mock), refers to a "scoffer" or "mockery" itself. It is frequently paired with *lâʻag* in wisdom literature, denoting a character trait of one who habitually mocks and despises instruction. While *lâʻag* is the action, *latzon* describes the person or the nature of their scorn.
* ***Buz* (בּוּז, `{{H937}}`):** Meaning "contempt" or "disdain," this word often describes an internal attitude of looking down upon someone or something. While *lâʻag* is more about the outward, vocal expression of scorn, *buz* can be more internal or manifested in subtle ways.
* ***Qalal* (קָלַל, `{{H7043}}`):** While primarily meaning "to be light" or "to curse," it can also imply treating someone lightly or with contempt, thus having a semantic overlap with derision.
* ***Tsachaq* (צָחַק, `{{H6709}}`):** This word means "to laugh," and while often positive, it can also be used in a negative sense, such as "to sport" or "to mock," as seen in Ishmael's "mocking" of Isaac in [[Genesis 21:9]]. *Lâʻag* specifically denotes the *purpose* of the laughter as derisive, whereas *tsachaq* is the general act of laughing, which can then be qualified by context.
*Lâʻag* stands out for its emphasis on active, often vocal, and sometimes mimetic derision, carrying the specific nuance of an open display of contempt that can extend to unintelligible speech as a form of scorn or judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *lâʻag* is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** God's "mockery" is a profound theological statement. It is not an emotional human reaction but a declaration of His absolute sovereignty over all creation and all human endeavors. When God laughs or holds in derision, it signifies the utter futility of human rebellion and the certainty of His ultimate triumph and righteous judgment. It underscores that no plan or power can thwart His divine will.
* **Human Sin and Pride:** When humans engage in *lâʻag*, it is consistently portrayed as a serious sin. Mockery of God, His word, or His messengers reveals a hardened heart, spiritual blindness, and profound pride. It is a rejection of divine authority and wisdom. Mocking the poor or afflicted is an affront to the Creator Himself, as it devalues those made in His image and reflects a lack of compassion and justice. Such actions invite divine judgment.
* **The Path of the Ungodly:** The scoffer, characterized by *lâʻag*, is a prominent figure in wisdom literature, representing those who reject instruction, despise knowledge, and prefer their own foolish ways. This path leads to destruction, as wisdom herself will mock those who scorn her counsel when calamity strikes.
* **Suffering of the Righteous and the Messiah:** The experience of being mocked is a common theme for the righteous in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms. This foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who was subjected to intense derision by His enemies, fulfilling prophetic utterances (e.g., [[Matthew 27:29-31]], [[Mark 15:29-32]]). His endurance of mockery highlights His humility, faithfulness, and the depth of human sin.
* **Judgment through Incomprehension:** The use of *lâʻag* to describe "stammering lips" or "unintelligible speech" as a sign of judgment emphasizes that those who scorn God's clear word will eventually be unable to comprehend His dealings or will be judged by means they cannot understand or resist.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *lâʻag* (`{{H3932}}`) is a potent term primarily signifying "to deride," "to mock," or "to scorn." It encompasses vocal expressions of contempt, often accompanied by derisive laughter, and can extend to unintelligible speech used for mockery or as a sign of divine judgment. Biblically, it highlights God's sovereign derision of human rebellion, underscoring the futility of opposing His will. Conversely, human *lâʻag*—whether directed at God, His people, or the vulnerable—is consistently depicted as a grave sin stemming from pride and unbelief, leading to severe consequences. The concept of mockery also poignantly foreshadows the suffering of the Messiah. Thus, *lâʻag* is a key term for understanding the nature of human rebellion, divine justice, and the suffering of the righteous in biblical theology.
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