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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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