Lexical Summary latson: Scorn, Mockery Original Word: לָצוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scornfulning From luwts; derision -- scornful(-ning). see HEBREW luwts NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lits Definition a scorning NASB Translation scoffers* (1), scoffing (1), scorners* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs לָצוֺן noun [masculine] scorning, Proverbs 1:22; אַנְשֵׁי לָצוֺן men of scorning, scorners = לֵצִים Proverbs 29:8; Isaiah 28:14. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance The term לָצוֹן evokes the idea of active scorn, derisive ridicule, and a dismissive attitude toward God’s wisdom and ways. It is not a casual jest but an intentional belittling that hardens the heart and foments rebellion. Old Testament Usage 1. Proverbs 1:22 places “scoffers” alongside the “naive” and “fools,” revealing a progression of folly in which scoffing is the most entrenched stage of resistance: “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?”. Historical and Cultural Context In Ancient Near Eastern courts, witty ridicule could be celebrated, yet Israel’s wisdom tradition condemns it. The scoffer embodies the antithesis of covenant fidelity, elevating self above divine instruction. His presence in the city gate—a public sphere for justice—undermines communal order (compare Psalm 1:1). Theological Significance Scoffing is not merely verbal; it signals spiritual obstinacy. It rejects revelation, disdains correction, and encourages collective rebellion. Thus, when the prophets accuse leaders of לָצוֹן, they are exposing a heart posture that invites divine judgment (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:16). Connections in Wisdom Literature Proverbs frequently pairs the scoffer with the fool yet distinguishes him by his contagious influence (Proverbs 13:1; 15:12). Removal of a scoffer restores peace (Proverbs 22:10), illustrating the purifying necessity of discipline within the covenant community. Prophetic Usage Isaiah addresses scoffing rulers who trust foreign alliances rather than Yahweh. Their mockery of prophetic warnings fulfills the very word they despise, leading to the “covenant with death” being annulled (Isaiah 28:18). Scoffing thus accelerates the outworking of covenant curses. New Testament Echoes Though the Hebrew term does not reappear, its spirit surfaces in Greek as ἐμπαίκτης (“scoffer”). Peter cites scoffers in the last days who question the promise of Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:3–4), showing continuity in redemptive history: scorn remains the hallmark of unbelief. Practical Ministry Implications • Discernment: Leaders must identify scoffing attitudes early, as they spread discontent. Application for Contemporary Believers Modern culture prizes satire and irony, yet believers are called to converse with grace (Colossians 4:6). The line between wholesome humor and destructive scorn is crossed when ridicule dismisses God’s truth or devalues His image‐bearers. Guarding speech and heart posture protects both personal holiness and congregational unity. In Scripture’s economy, לָצוֹן typifies the apex of foolishness—a warning sign that the fear of the Lord has been forfeited. The wise, therefore, heed the call to repent of scorn, embrace instruction, and “accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls” (James 1:21). Forms and Transliterations לָ֭צוֹן לָצ֑וֹן לצון lā·ṣō·wn lāṣōwn LatzonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 1:22 HEB: פֶ֥תִי וְלֵצִ֗ים לָ֭צוֹן חָמְד֣וּ לָהֶ֑ם NAS: delight themselves in scoffing And fools KJV: delight in their scorning, and fools INT: ones ambassador scoffing delight like Proverbs 29:8 Isaiah 28:14 3 Occurrences |
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