קֶ֫לֶס (qe.les)
qe.les
derision
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qelez denotes mockery or ridicule, specifically referring to the act of making someone a target for scorn. It describes the social pain of being laughed at or treated as an object of derision rather than a person worthy of respect. In Scripture, this word captures the humiliation felt by those who are despised by their community or enemies.
With only two occurrences in the Bible, qelez appears in moments of intense personal distress. It is used in Psalm 69:7 and Jeremiah 20:8 to describe the psalmist’s and prophet’s experience of being mocked. These verses highlight how public ridicule can feel like a heavy burden, isolating the individual from their peers.
The term emphasizes the relational damage caused by contempt. It is not merely criticism but a degrading treatment that strips away dignity. By focusing on the object of mockery, the word underscores the vulnerability of those who suffer under such scorn, reflecting a deep human longing for honor and acceptance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Being laughed at or treated with scorn is one of the most painful human experiences. It strikes at our dignity and leaves us feeling isolated. The Hebrew word qelez captures this specific kind of social pain, describing the heavy burden of being made a target for ridicule. When others mock us, it is not just criticism; it is a degrading treatment that strips away respect.
Scripture does not hide from this reality. In Psalm 79:4 and Jeremiah 20:8, faithful people describe their own suffering under this weight. They did not pretend the pain was small or unimportant. Instead, they brought their raw honesty before God, acknowledging how deeply such treatment hurts.
If you are facing mockery today, know that your feelings are valid. You are not alone in this struggle. Many before you have carried this same burden and found comfort in bringing their pain to the Lord. May you find peace in knowing that your worth is not defined by the scorn of others, but by the One who sees you clearly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ derision1×
- and/ <into>/ derision1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/לְ/קֶ֖לֶס1×
- וָ֝/קֶ֗לֶס1×
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 shows how derision can become a communal experience, isolating God's people from their neighbors and amplifying the shame of exile.
-
Jeremiah 20:8
For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, “Violence and destruction!” because Yahweh’s word has been made a reproach to me, and a derision, all day.
Here the prophet describes how his faithful proclamation of truth turned into daily derision, highlighting the personal cost of standing for justice.