לָעֵג (la.eg)
la.eg
mocking
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew term la‘eg describes the act of mocking or ridicule. It appears in only two verses, both found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. In these contexts, it captures a sharp, derisive attitude directed toward God’s people or His messengers.
As an adjective, it modifies those who engage in this scornful behavior, labeling them as mockers. The word conveys more than simple teasing; it implies a contemptuous dismissal of divine authority or truth. Translators typically render it as "mocking" to preserve the intensity of the ridicule.
This rare usage highlights the seriousness with which Scripture views derision. By limiting the term to Isaiah, the text emphasizes that such mockery is not a casual social interaction but a significant spiritual rebellion against God’s message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for mocking here carries a heavy weight of contempt. It is not playful teasing but a sharp rejection of divine truth. When people ridicule God’s messengers or His people, they are pushing away the very source of their guidance.
Isaiah shows us that this attitude leads to confusion and distance from God. Yet even in judgment, there is a path back. Turning away from scorn and toward humility opens the door for restoration. We are invited to examine our own hearts for any trace of such pride.
This rare word reminds us that how we treat God’s message matters deeply. Choosing respect over ridicule aligns us with wisdom rather than folly. May we find grace in listening rather than laughing at what is sacred.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mockers of1×
- by/ stammerings of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַעֲגֵ֣י1×
- בְּ/לַעֲגֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 28:11
But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language,
This verse uses the term to describe God's response to a nation that has rejected His clear guidance through mockery.
-
Psalms 35:16
Like the profane mockers in feasts, they gnashed their teeth at me.
Here the psalmist feels the pain of being gnashed at by profane mockers, highlighting the personal suffering caused by such contempt.