### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâtsats**, represented by `{{H3945}}`, is a primitive root that means to **deride; scorn**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular appearance offers a pointed illustration of contemptuous behavior within a specific context of moral failure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H3945}}` is found in the book of Hosea. The verse describes a scene of deep corruption within Israel's leadership, stating, "In the **day** of our **king** the **princes** have made him **sick** with **bottles** of **wine**; he stretched out his **hand** with **scorners**" [[Hosea 7:5]]. In this passage, the act of scorning is directly associated with political decay, drunkenness, and a king aligning himself with those who mock and hold things in contempt.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Hosea 7:5]] help to clarify the environment in which this scorning takes place:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person (of any rank or class); ... prince): This word identifies the high-ranking officials who participate in the corrupt behavior. Their presence shows that the mockery is not from outsiders, but from within the circles of power, as seen when the Messiah is called the "**Prince** of Peace" [[Isaiah 9:6]], a stark contrast to the princes in Hosea.
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication): This indicates that the scorning happens under the influence of alcohol. The connection is reinforced elsewhere, where scripture warns that "**wine** is a mocker" [[Proverbs 20:1]].
* `{{H2470}}` **châlâh** (to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick): This describes the state of the king, who is made sick by the indulgence. It connects the scornful environment to a state of spiritual and moral sickness, similar to how deferred hope "maketh the heart **sick**" [[Proverbs 13:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3945}}` is concentrated in its powerful depiction of ungodly leadership and its consequences.
* **Fellowship with Mockery:** The king's decision to stretch out his **hand** `{{H3027}}` with **scorners** `{{H3945}}` symbolizes an alliance with them. This single act demonstrates a profound failure of leadership and a partnership with wickedness [[Hosea 7:5]].
* **Spiritual Sickness:** The scene explicitly links the king's association with **scorners** to being made **sick** `{{H2470}}` by **wine** `{{H3196}}`. This portrays scorning not as a harmless act, but as a symptom of a deeper moral and spiritual ailment that afflicts a nation's leaders.
* **Corruption of Authority:** The verse places the act of scorning squarely in the court of the **king** `{{H4428}}` and **princes** `{{H8269}}`, showing how mockery and derision can poison authority from the very top [[Hosea 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3945}}` is far more than a simple term for derision. Though used only once, its placement in scripture offers a potent and focused warning. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding how leadership can be corrupted by indulgence and ungodly fellowship. The word illustrates that an alliance with **scorners** is a sign of spiritual sickness and a betrayal of divinely appointed authority.
TRV