### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H4167 (מוּק, mûwq) is a primitive root, indicating a foundational and direct semantic core. Its primary meaning encompasses "to jeer" or "to scoff," denoting speech or action intended to mock, ridicule, or show contempt. This derision is not merely lighthearted but carries an undertone of malice or disdain. The definition further intensifies this meaning to "blaspheme," suggesting that the jeering can escalate to a profound level of irreverence, particularly when directed towards God or sacred things. This highlights a deliberate and defiant act of disrespect. The additional semantic component, "to be corrupt," points to an internal moral or ethical decay. This suggests that the outward acts of jeering and blaspheming are either symptoms of an inward state of depravity or contribute to such a state, linking the verbal expression directly to the condition of the heart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H4167 (מוּק) is exceptionally rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing definitively in only one instance within the Hiphil stem. This rarity suggests a specific and potent nuance when it is employed.
In [[Psalm 73:8]], the Hiphil form *hâmîq* (הֵמִ֫יק) is used to describe the wicked: "They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression." Here, the term clearly denotes contemptuous, derisive speech, aligning precisely with the "to jeer" aspect of the definition. The broader context of Psalm 73 details the psalmist's profound struggle with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and their blatant disregard for God and righteousness. Their "scoffing" (מוּק) is presented as a manifestation of their pride, insolence, and a direct challenge to divine order. The subsequent verse, [[Psalm 73:9]], further clarifies their blasphemous posture: "Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues straddle the earth." This confirms the intensified meaning of "blaspheme," as their derisive words are directed even towards God Himself. The usage in Psalm 73 thus powerfully illustrates the arrogant, defiant nature of the wicked, whose speech is not only injurious to humanity but also a direct affront to the divine. The "be corrupt" aspect of the definition, while not directly attested by a separate verbal usage of H4167 in the Hebrew Bible, is strongly implied by the moral depravity evident in the wicked's actions and words as described in Psalm 73.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4167 (מוּק) intersects with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Words for Mockery and Scorn:**
* `{{H3932}}` (לָעַג, la'ag): "to mock, deride." This term often describes scornful laughter or ridicule, as seen in [[Psalm 2:4]] or [[Psalm 59:8]].
* `{{H6704}}` (צָחַק, tsachaq): "to laugh," which can also carry the connotation of mocking or derisive laughter, as in [[Genesis 21:9]] where Ishmael is described as "mocking" Isaac.
* **Words for Blasphemy and Contempt:**
* `{{H5006}}` (נָאַץ, na'ats): "to spurn, contemn, blaspheme." This word is frequently used in contexts of despising or showing contempt for God, as in [[Numbers 14:23]] or [[Psalm 10:3]]. It shares a significant semantic overlap with the "blaspheme" aspect of H4167.
* `{{H1442}}` (גָּדַף, gadaph): "to blaspheme, revile." This term is directly associated with speaking irreverently or contemptuously against God, as in [[2 Kings 19:6]].
* **Concepts:**
* **Pride and Arrogance:** The context of H4167 in [[Psalm 73:8]] explicitly links it to the pride and arrogance of the wicked. Mockery and blasphemy often stem from an inflated sense of self and a rejection of divine authority.
* **Insolence:** A brazen and offensive disregard for authority, propriety, or the feelings of others, which perfectly encapsulates the attitude conveyed by H4167.
* **Wickedness and Corruption:** The "be corrupt" aspect of the definition underscores that such speech is not merely external but emanates from a morally decayed state of being, reflecting a heart alienated from God.
### Theological Significance
The rare yet potent usage of H4167 (מוּק) in [[Psalm 73:8]] highlights a specific and severe form of human rebellion against God. The "jeering" or "scoffing" described is far from trivial; it is a profound expression of contempt and defiance, a direct assault on divine authority and character.
1. **The Nature of Blasphemy:** This word underscores that blasphemy is not merely an accidental utterance but a deliberate, arrogant act rooted in a corrupted heart. It represents a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and righteousness, a verbal manifestation of deep-seated opposition to the divine.
2. **The Danger of Wicked Speech:** The psalmist's struggle in Psalm 73 vividly illustrates the spiritual distress and temptation posed by the wicked, whose words (including those described by H4167) aim to undermine faith and promote godlessness. Such speech can shake the convictions of the righteous, causing them to question divine justice.
3. **Divine Justice and Consequence:** While the wicked may prosper and speak defiantly for a time, the theological trajectory of Psalm 73 ultimately points to God's unwavering justice and their inevitable downfall. The very speech that H4167 describes is part of the evidence of their guilt before God, marking them for future judgment.
4. **The Heart's Condition:** The inclusion of "be corrupt" in the base definition, even if not directly attested as a separate verbal form, profoundly signifies that such verbal expressions are symptomatic of a deeper moral and spiritual decay. Blasphemous speech is not merely external; it reveals the inner state of a heart alienated from God, demonstrating the profound connection between one's words and the condition of one's soul.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H4167 (מוּק, mûwq) is a primitive root signifying "to jeer" or "to scoff," intensifying to "blaspheme," and carrying the implication of "being corrupt." While exceptionally rare in the Hebrew Bible, its singular definitive occurrence in [[Psalm 73:8]] is highly significant. There, it powerfully describes the arrogant, malicious, and blasphemous speech of the wicked, who openly defy God and mock His ways. This "jeering" is not a trivial act but a profound expression of contempt and rebellion, stemming from a morally corrupted heart. Theologically, H4167 illuminates the severe nature of defiant, irreverent speech, revealing a soul opposed to God's truth and justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual danger posed by those who openly scorn the divine, ultimately pointing to God's unwavering judgment against such insolence and highlighting the deep connection between one's words and the condition of one's soul.
TRV