הֲתֻלִֿים (ha.tol)
ha.tol
mockery
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun hatulim refers to mockery or a mocker, appearing only once in the Old Testament at Job 17:2. In this context, Job uses the word to describe the scornful attitude of his friends, who treat his suffering as a joke rather than offering genuine comfort.
This rare term captures the essence of derisive ridicule. It is not merely playful teasing but a harsh, contemptuous laughter that diminishes the dignity of the person being mocked. The singular form hatul suggests an active agent or a specific instance of such behavior, highlighting the personal nature of the insult Job endures.
Its solitary occurrence underscores the intensity of Job’s isolation. By naming this specific type of cruelty, the text gives voice to the pain of being misunderstood and ridiculed by those who should be supportive. The word serves as a stark reminder of the emotional weight carried by those facing unjust criticism.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life brings heavy burdens, it is deeply painful to feel misunderstood by those closest to us. The word for mockery appears in Job’s lament, describing how his friends turned his suffering into a joke rather than offering comfort. This rare Hebrew term captures the sharp sting of contemptuous ridicule that isolates the sufferer.
Job’s experience reminds us that our pain is real and valid, even when others fail to see it. God sees the weight of such unjust criticism and does not dismiss our tears. In moments of isolation, we can trust that He understands the depth of our hurt without needing us to defend ourselves against scorn.
This passage invites us to bring our honest struggles to God, knowing He values our sincerity over empty comfort. We are never truly alone in our sorrow, for He walks with us through the fire of misunderstanding and brings hope where there is only darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mockeries1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲ֭תֻלִים1×
Key Verses
-
Job 17:2
Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.
This verse highlights Job's isolation as he identifies the active presence of mockers who treat his suffering with contempt rather than compassion.