### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3945 (לָצַץ, *lâtsats*) is presented as a primitive root, indicating its fundamental nature within the Hebrew lexicon. Its core semantic range is defined by the concepts of "to deride" and "to scorn." This implies an active posture of contempt, mockery, and disdain. Unlike a passive state of disapproval, lâtsats denotes the *act* of expressing such contempt, often verbally, with an intent to belittle or ridicule. The nuance suggests a strong, often malicious, form of negative regard rather than mere lighthearted jesting. It points to a deep-seated contempt that manifests in outward expressions of scorn.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H3945 (לָצַץ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Proverbs 1:22]]. In this solitary occurrence, it is found in its nominal form, לָצוֹן (*lātsôn*), translated as "scoffing" or "derision":
> "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?" [[Proverbs 1:22]]
This verse is situated within the opening exhortations of the book of Proverbs, which lay the foundation for the acquisition of wisdom. Here, "scoffing" (לָצוֹן) is presented as a characteristic activity of "scoffers" (לֵצִים, *lētsîm*), who are contrasted with "simple ones" (פְּתָאִים, *peta'im*) and "fools" (כְסִילִים, *kesîlîm*). The phrase "delight in their scoffing" (חָמְדוּ לָהֶם לָצוֹן) is particularly insightful, indicating not merely an occasional act but a chosen, even cherished, disposition. It suggests a willful embrace of a derisive attitude, a perverse pleasure derived from mocking wisdom, instruction, and righteous paths. This context immediately links lâtsats with a profound moral and spiritual failing: a conscious and active rejection of divine knowledge and the pursuit of truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most closely related word to H3945 (לָצַץ) is H3887 (לוּץ, *lûts*), from which the noun "scoffer" (לֵץ, *lēts*) is derived. While lâtsats emphasizes the *act* of scoffing or deriding, lûts encompasses a broader semantic range that includes "to scorn," "to mock," and even "to interpret" or "to be an ambassador." In the context of wisdom literature, the "scoffer" (לֵץ) is a prominent figure, characterized by their disdain for instruction and their resistance to correction, often embodying the very opposite of wisdom.
Other Hebrew terms that convey similar concepts of mockery, derision, or contempt include:
* H7046 (קָלַס, *qalas*): to scorn, mock, deride (e.g., [[Ezekiel 22:5]], [[Habakkuk 1:10]])
* H3932 (לָעַג, *la'ag*): to mock, deride, stammer (e.g., [[Psalm 2:4]], [[Isaiah 28:11]])
* H2734 (חָרַף, *charaph*): to reproach, taunt, defy (e.g., [[2 Kings 19:4]], [[Psalm 42:10]])
The concept of "scoffing" as expressed by lâtsats and its related terms is consistently presented in biblical literature as antithetical to wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord. It signifies a hardened heart and a rebellious spirit that actively resists divine truth and guidance.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H3945 (לָצַץ) in [[Proverbs 1:22]] imbues it with significant theological weight within the wisdom tradition. "Scoffing" (לָצוֹן) is depicted not merely as an intellectual disagreement but as a profound moral and spiritual posture. It represents a willful and perverse contempt for truth, instruction, and the very foundations of divine wisdom.
The scoffer's "delight in their scoffing" reveals a deep-seated arrogance and an active rebellion against God's established order. This attitude stands in direct opposition to the "fear of the Lord," which [[Proverbs 1:7]] declares to be the "beginning of knowledge." Those who engage in lâtsats reject the path of life and wisdom, choosing instead a course that ultimately leads to destruction, as warned in the subsequent verses of Proverbs 1. The term underscores the gravity of derision in biblical thought, particularly when directed at divine counsel or those who uphold it. It is a hallmark of spiritual blindness and a heart hardened against God.
### Summary
H3945 (לָצַץ, *lâtsats*) is a primitive Hebrew root meaning "to deride" or "to scorn." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Proverbs 1:22]], where it appears as the noun lātsôn (לָצוֹן), signifying "scoffing" or "derision." In this foundational passage of wisdom literature, it describes the perverse delight of "scoffers" (לֵצִים, related to `{{H3887}}`) in their own contemptuous and mocking attitude. This act of "scoffing" is portrayed as a deliberate and cherished rejection of wisdom, knowledge, and divine instruction. Theologically, lâtsats represents a grave moral and spiritual failing: a willful, arrogant, and active posture of contempt that stands in direct opposition to the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of truth, ultimately leading to spiritual ruin.
TRV