### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâʻêg**, represented by `{{H3934}}`, is a term for a **mocker** or **stammering**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, where it denotes both a person who scoffs and a form of speech that is foreign or difficult to understand. Its root meaning also includes the idea of a buffoon or a foreigner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H3934}}` in scripture illustrate its distinct applications. In [[Psalms 35:16]], it describes the enemies of the psalmist as "hypocritical **mockers** in feasts," who express their contempt by gnashing their teeth. This context links the word to active, derisive scorn. In contrast, [[Isaiah 28:11]] uses the term to describe God's communication to a disobedient people, stating that "with **stammering** lips and another tongue will he speak to this people." Here, it signifies a foreign or unintelligible language, serving as a sign of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H3934}}` in its contexts:
* `{{H2611}}` **chânêph** (hypocrite): This word is used alongside `{{H3934}}` in [[Psalms 35:16]] to characterize the mockers as impious and soiled with sin. An hypocrite is described as one who destroys his neighbor with his mouth [[Proverbs 11:9]] and against whom God sends judgment [[Isaiah 10:6]].
* `{{H8193}}` **sâphâh** (lip): This term for the physical lip is the instrument of the "stammering" speech in [[Isaiah 28:11]]. It is often associated with the nature of one's speech, whether it is unclean [[Isaiah 6:5]], sinful [[Job 2:10]], or honors God in a superficial way [[Isaiah 29:13]].
* `{{H3956}}` **lâshôwn** (tongue): Used in [[Isaiah 28:11]] as the "another **tongue**" that accompanies the stammering lips, this word emphasizes the foreignness of the language. The tongue is depicted as a powerful instrument, holding the power of death and life [[Proverbs 18:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3934}}` is demonstrated in its two distinct contexts:
* **Expression of Human Contempt:** In [[Psalms 35:16]], the word is part of a description of the wicked. Mockery is presented as the behavior of hypocrites who oppose the righteous and express their hatred in a visceral way, by "gnashing upon me with their teeth."
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** In [[Isaiah 28:11]], "stammering" speech is not a sign of weakness but a method of divine communication. God uses a language His people cannot easily understand as a consequence of their refusal to listen to His clear word, turning their own methods of communication back on them.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3934}}` is a specific term that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant meaning. It captures both the malicious scorn of a human **mocker** and the divine use of a **stammering**, or foreign, language as a form of judgment. In both cases, the word highlights the power and consequence of speech, whether it originates from the contempt of man or the sovereign will of God.
TRV