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.
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.
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.
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.
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