לָצוֹן (la.tson)
la.tson
scorning
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun latsôn denotes an attitude of scornful mockery or arrogant boasting. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within wisdom literature and prophetic texts where social behavior is under scrutiny. The term captures a specific kind of contempt that goes beyond simple disagreement; it involves a haughty dismissal of others, often rooted in pride.
Brown-Driver-Briggs identifies this word as masculine, linking it closely to the idea of scorning or mocking. In Proverbs 1:22 and 9:7, latsôn describes those who reject correction through ridicule. Isaiah 37:23 uses it to depict the Assyrian king’s arrogant taunts against the God of Israel. These instances show latsôn as an active, offensive posture that disrupts community and defies divine authority.
This word carries significant theological weight in its context. It is not merely about being rude; it represents a heart condition that opposes humility and wisdom. The sources highlight how this behavior is consistently condemned in Scripture, serving as a warning against the dangers of pride and contempt for others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word latsôn describes a heart posture of arrogant scorn and mocking ridicule. It is not just mild teasing or honest disagreement, but a haughty dismissal of others that stems from deep-seated pride. When we encounter this attitude in Scripture, it serves as a sobering reminder of how easily our own hearts can harden against correction and community.
In Proverbs 1:22, God calls out those who delight in mockery rather than seeking wisdom. This word highlights the danger of refusing to learn from others or from divine instruction. Instead of engaging with humility, the scorner uses ridicule to elevate themselves above those who might offer better guidance or truth.
Reflecting on latsôn invites us to examine our own responses when challenged. Do we listen with an open heart, or do we instinctively mock and dismiss? Choosing humility over scorn allows us to grow in wisdom and maintain healthier relationships with those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mockery3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ֭צוֹן2×
- לָצ֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:22
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?
This verse identifies the scorner as someone who actively delights in mockery, showing a deliberate rejection of wisdom rather than mere ignorance.
-
Proverbs 29:8
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
Here the word illustrates how scorners create social chaos and division, contrasting sharply with the peace brought by wise individuals.
-
Isaiah 28:14
Therefore hear Yahweh’s word, you scoffers, that rule this people in Jerusalem:
The term is applied to political leaders in Jerusalem who rule through arrogant scoffing, demonstrating how scorn can corrupt authority and governance.