from לָעַג; a buffoon; also a foreigner; mocker, stammering.
Transliteration:lâʻêg
Pronunciation:law-ayg'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3934 (לָעֵג, lâʻêg) functions primarily as an adjective or substantive, meaning "mocker," "scoffer," or "one who derides." It is derived from the verbal root H3932 (לָעַג, lâʻag), which signifies "to mock," "to deride," or "to stammer." The semantic range of H3934 thus encompasses both the act of verbal derision and the characteristic of one who engages in such behavior. The nuance of "stammering" or "unintelligible speech" is also present, likely stemming from the idea of speech that is not clear or edifying, perhaps even foreign or nonsensical to the hearer. This can extend to the idea of a "buffoon" or "foreigner," implying someone whose speech or conduct is perceived as alien, foolish, or contemptible. In its biblical usage, the term almost exclusively carries a negative connotation, describing individuals who are hostile, irreverent, or instruments of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3934 appears in two significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its specific nuance:
1. **Psalm 35:16**: "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth." Here, H3934 is translated as "mockers." The psalmist, David, laments the cruel and unjust treatment he receives from his adversaries. These "mockers" are not merely playful jesters; they are described as "hypocritical" (חֲנֵפֵי, ḥănêp̄ê) and display aggressive malice by "gnashing upon me with their teeth." This context underscores the destructive and malevolent nature of the lâʻêg, who finds pleasure in the suffering and humiliation of the righteous. Their mockery is a form of active opposition and contempt, indicative of a hardened heart.
2. **Isaiah 28:11**: "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people." In this prophetic oracle, H3934 is rendered "stammering" (לַעֲגֵי, laʻăgê, a plural form). The context is God's judgment upon the arrogant and rebellious leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. Because they have rejected God's clear and simple instruction (verse 10), God declares that He will speak to them through the "stammering lips and another tongue" of foreign invaders. This "stammering" refers to the unintelligible, alien language of the Assyrians, who would become the instrument of divine chastisement. Here, the nuance shifts from malicious derision to the foreignness and unintelligibility of speech, which paradoxically serves as a clear sign of God's judgment. The very language that is alien and incomprehensible to the Judahites will be God's means of communication, demonstrating their spiritual deafness and the severity of their impending doom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H3934 is its root verb, H3932 (לָעַג, lâʻag), "to mock, deride, stammer." This root is more frequently used and reinforces the core meaning of contemptuous speech or action. Other related concepts and words include:
* **Scoffing/Scorning:** Words like H3887 (לִיץ, lîts) and H3917 (לֵץ, lêts), often translated as "scoffer" or "scorner," share a similar semantic field of disdainful and often arrogant speech or attitude. Wisdom literature, in particular, frequently contrasts the wise with the "scoffer."
* **Folly/Foolishness:** The behavior of the lâʻêg often aligns with the biblical concept of folly (e.g., H191 אֱוִיל, ʼĕwîl; H3684 כְּסִיל, kĕsîl), as their mockery demonstrates a lack of wisdom and reverence for God and His ways.
* **Foreignness/Alienation:** The "stammering lips" aspect in Isaiah 28 connects to the idea of foreignness and unintelligibility, highlighting the alienation of a people from God's clear word.
* **Derision:** The concept of derision is central, encompassing both the act of mocking and the state of being an object of scorn.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3934 lies in its portrayal of attitudes and actions that are deeply antithetical to God's character and His covenant relationship with humanity.
1. **Opposition to Righteousness:** In Psalm 35, the lâʻêg represents those who maliciously oppose the righteous. Their mockery is not benign but a manifestation of enmity against God's chosen and, by extension, against God Himself. This highlights the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of His people.
2. **Consequence of Rebellion:** Isaiah 28 reveals the lâʻêg as an instrument of divine judgment. When God's people refuse to listen to His clear and simple commands, He will speak to them through means that are foreign and distressing. The "stammering lips" symbolize the breakdown of communication between God and His rebellious people, leading to invasion and exile. This demonstrates God's sovereignty in judgment and the inevitable consequences of spiritual deafness.
3. **Contrast with Wisdom:** The lâʻêg stands in stark contrast to the wise person in biblical thought. Whereas wisdom involves humility, attentiveness to God's word, and righteous living, the lâʻêg is characterized by arrogance, derision, and a rejection of divine truth. Such an attitude inevitably leads to spiritual and physical ruin.
4. **The Nature of Speech:** The word also underscores the power and theological weight of human speech. Mockery is not merely idle talk; it is a form of verbal violence that can inflict harm, demonstrate spiritual rebellion, and even serve as a sign of divine wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H3934 (לָעֵג, lâʻêg) denotes a "mocker" or "one with stammering lips," derived from the root H3932 meaning "to mock" or "to stammer." Its biblical occurrences reveal two primary facets: in [[Psalm 35:16]], it describes malicious adversaries who cruelly deride the righteous; in [[Isaiah 28:11]], it refers to the "stammering lips" of foreign invaders, serving as an unintelligible yet potent sign of God's judgment upon a rebellious people. Theologically, lâʻêg represents an attitude of contempt and opposition to God and His people, demonstrating a profound lack of wisdom and reverence. It highlights the serious consequences of spiritual rebellion and the destructive nature of derisive speech, often serving as a harbinger or instrument of divine retribution.
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