שִׁמְצָה (shim.tsah)
shim.tsah
derision
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shimtsah denotes a specific kind of mocking noise, best described as derisive whispering or hissing ridicule. It captures the sound of people sneering at someone behind their back, turning private mockery into a public atmosphere of contempt. The word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Exodus 32:25.
In that passage, Moses observes Aaron’s people and sees them engaged in shimtsah. This is not open shouting but a conspiratorial, sneering murmur that signals deep disrespect for their leader and their covenant. The term highlights how ridicule often begins as quiet, shared whispers before it becomes overt rebellion.
Its rarity makes this single occurrence particularly striking. The word paints a vivid picture of social breakdown, where community trust is replaced by secret scorn. It reminds readers that derision can be subtle, yet its corrosive effect on unity is just as destructive as louder forms of conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shimtsah describes a specific kind of mockery: derisive whispering or hissing ridicule. It captures the sound of people sneering at someone behind their back, turning private contempt into a public atmosphere of disrespect. This quiet form of scorn is often more corrosive than open shouting because it erodes trust from within.
In Exodus 32:25, Moses sees this derision among the Israelites after Aaron permitted them to lose control. The murmurs signal a deep breach in community unity and covenant loyalty. Such subtle ridicule can divide groups just as effectively as loud arguments, reminding us that respect matters even in private conversations.
When you encounter gossip or silent judgment today, consider how these whispers affect relationships. Choosing to speak with integrity and protect others’ dignity helps preserve the peace and trust that strengthen your faith community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for/ derision1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/שִׁמְצָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 32:25
When Moses saw that the people were out of control, (for Aaron had let them lose control, causing derision among their enemies),
This verse uniquely records shimtsah as the derisive whispering that accompanied Israel's rebellion, showing how quiet mockery signals a breakdown in covenant loyalty.