Mocking(scoffing, mockery, irony, jesting)
Summary
Ridicule or derision directed at persons or their beliefs, a sin repeatedly condemned in Scripture yet suffered by Christ Himself during His passion.
☩Hebrew and Greek Terms
Several terms express mocking in Scripture. The Hebrew hathal means 'to play upon' or 'deride,' used when Delilah accused Samson of mocking her and when Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal. The term la'agh means 'to stammer or babble in mimicry,' conveying scornful imitation. The word tsachaq means 'to laugh at,' used of Ishmael mocking Isaac and of mockery in Potiphar's household. The Hebrew qalac means 'to call out' or 'cry after,' used of the youths who mocked Elisha. In Greek, empaizo means 'to treat as a child' and is used extensively of the mockery of Christ. The term mukterizo literally means 'to turn up the nose' and appears in Paul's solemn warning that 'God is not mocked.'
☩Old Testament Examples
Ishmael mocked Isaac at the feast celebrating his weaning, leading to his expulsion with Hagar. When children mocked Elisha crying 'Go up, thou bald head!' they were judged by bears. Elijah's bold mocking of Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel demonstrated righteous irony in exposing false religion. Zedekiah struck and mocked the prophet Micaiah for his unwelcome prophecy. Job's tormentors mocked him in his suffering, adding insult to his affliction. Michal mocked David for dancing before the ark, despising him in her heart.
☩Mocking of Christ
Jesus suffered intense mockery fulfilling prophecy. The soldiers clothed Him in a scarlet robe, placed a crown of thorns on His head and a reed in His hand, bowing and saying 'Hail, King of the Jews!' while spitting and striking Him. At the cross, passersby wagged their heads in derision; chief priests mocked saying 'He saved others; himself he cannot save.' Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and arrayed Him in gorgeous apparel. Even the thieves crucified with Him reviled Him. Yet 'when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.'
☩Irony in Scripture
Scripture records instances of righteous irony distinct from sinful mockery. Job sarcastically told his accusers 'No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.' Ezekiel employed irony against the proud prince of Tyre. Amos used irony against the complacent Samaritans. Jesus used irony when He said 'They that are whole need not a physician.' Even Pilate's inscription 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews' carried ironic force, unwittingly proclaiming the truth.
☩Warnings Against Mockers
Scripture solemnly warns against mockery. Wisdom personified declares 'I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.' Those who mock the poor reproach their Maker. Peter prophesied that in the last days scoffers would come, walking after their own lusts and questioning Christ's return. Most gravely, Paul warns 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Foolish jesting is forbidden, and all will give account for idle words.
Related Verses76 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Mock; Mocker; Mocking," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).