לַ֫עַג (la.ag)
la.ag
derision
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun la‘ag describes the act of mocking or derision, capturing the sharp sound of scornful ridicule. It appears in only four verses across the Old Testament, primarily in poetic books like Psalms and Job where emotional intensity runs high. The word conveys more than simple teasing; it implies a hostile, contemptuous reaction to someone’s speech or condition.
Interestingly, some lexica link this term to "stammering" or babbling, suggesting that the mockery often involved mimicking another person’s speech impediment or confused words. This connection highlights how ancient audiences viewed distorted speech as a target for ridicule. In Job 17:6, for example, the suffering patriarch feels his friends’ words have become objects of derision, turning his own voice into a subject of scorn.
Translators typically render la‘ag as "mocking" or "derision," though the underlying sense of vocal contempt remains central. The word serves as a stark reminder of how language can be weaponized to humiliate rather than build up, reflecting the deep pain experienced by those targeted by such attacks.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter mockery, it often feels like a heavy weight pressing down on our spirit. The Hebrew word for derision captures that sharp sting of scornful ridicule. It is not just playful teasing but a hostile reaction intended to humiliate. In the ancient world, this could even involve mimicking someone’s speech, turning their voice into a subject of contempt.
Scripture acknowledges this pain honestly. The psalmist describes feeling filled with the scoffing of those at ease, while Job felt his own words had become objects of ridicule. These texts do not hide the reality of social rejection or verbal abuse. They show that even the most faithful people face harsh judgment from others.
Yet these passages also remind us that our worth is not defined by the scorn of others. God sees the pain behind the mockery and hears the cries of those who suffer in silence. We can find comfort in knowing that our identity rests in Him, not in the opinions of those who seek to tear us down.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mockery2×
- the/ mockery of1×
- [will be] mockery/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַּ֥עַג1×
- לַעְגָּ֖/ם1×
- לַ֥עַג1×
- הַ/לַּ֥עַג1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 79:4
We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us.
This verse uses the term to describe national shame, showing how derision can be a collective experience for God's people.
-
Job 34:7
What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water,
Here the imagery of drinking scorn like water illustrates how deeply and pervasively mockery can affect a person's daily life.
-
Psalms 123:4
Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.
The psalmist highlights the specific pain of being mocked by those who are comfortable, contrasting their ease with his suffering.