קֶלֶס

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qeleç, represented by H7047, means a laughing-stock; derision. It is derived from the word קָלַס and appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically denotes the state of being an object of mockery and contempt.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H7047 consistently describes a condition of profound humiliation. The prophet Jeremiah laments that for speaking the word of the Lord, he was made a reproach and a derision daily Jeremiah 20:8. This connects the experience of mockery directly to prophetic faithfulness. Similarly, the Psalms express this feeling on a national level, where the people of Israel cry out to God that they have been made a reproach and derision to their neighbours and those who are round about them (Psalms 44:13, Psalms 79:4).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to frame the context of being a laughing-stock:

• H2781 cherpâh (contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame): This word appears in all three verses alongside qeleç, underscoring the deep sense of shame and public disgrace associated with the mockery (Jeremiah 20:8, Psalms 44:13).
• H3933 laʻag (derision, scoffing; derision, scorn (-ing)): Used in both Psalms occurrences, this term amplifies the idea of derision by adding the dimension of active scorn from onlookers Psalms 79:4.
• H7934 shâkên (a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen; inhabitant, neighbour, nigh): This word identifies the source of the ridicule as neighbours, highlighting that the painful humiliation is inflicted by those in close proximity (Psalms 44:13, Psalms 79:4).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7047 is found in its portrayal of suffering for one's faith or national standing.

• The Cost of Prophetic Obedience: Jeremiah's cry reveals that being a faithful messenger for the Lord can result in becoming a derision. His proclamation of "violence and spoil" made him a laughing-stock to those who heard it Jeremiah 20:8.
• A Sign of National Humiliation: The psalmists use the term to articulate Israel's disgrace among the surrounding nations. Being made a derision is a tangible sign of their affliction and perceived abandonment (Psalms 44:13, Psalms 79:4).
• An Appeal for Divine Vindication: In context, describing oneself as a derision is part of a lament to God, a plea for him to see the shame his people are enduring and to act on their behalf.

Summary

In summary, H7047 qeleç is a specific and potent term for the experience of being a laughing-stock. Though used infrequently, it powerfully captures the pain of public mockery, whether endured by an individual prophet for his obedience to God or by the entire nation as a mark of its disgrace. It illustrates the profound social and emotional suffering that comes from being held in contempt.