Jeering, a form of mocking or taunting, is a behavior that is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. It is often associated with scorn, ridicule, and contempt, and is generally portrayed as an ungodly and sinful action. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the negative nature of jeering and its consequences.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, jeering is frequently depicted as an expression of disdain and hostility. One notable instance is found in the account of Elisha, where young boys jeer at the prophet, calling him "baldhead." This incident is recorded in 2 Kings 2:23-24: "From there, Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him, saying, 'Go on up, you baldhead! Go on up, you baldhead!' Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. So two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys." This passage illustrates the seriousness with which God views disrespect and mockery, especially towards His prophets.

The Psalms also address the theme of jeering, often in the context of the righteous being mocked by the wicked. Psalm 22:7-8 describes the suffering of the psalmist, a foreshadowing of Christ's own experience: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" This passage highlights the pain and isolation that can accompany being the target of jeering, yet it also underscores the psalmist's trust in God's ultimate deliverance.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, jeering is most prominently seen in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record how Jesus was mocked by soldiers, religious leaders, and passersby. Matthew 27:29-31 describes the soldiers' actions: "And they twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him." This account demonstrates the depth of human cruelty and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of jeering in his epistles. In Galatians 6:7 , he warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that those who mock God or His ways will ultimately face consequences.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, jeering is seen as contrary to the character and teachings of Christ. Believers are called to exhibit love, kindness, and respect towards others, reflecting the nature of God. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive encourages Christians to use their words to edify and uplift rather than to tear down or mock.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that those who engage in jeering are often acting out of pride, insecurity, or a lack of understanding. Proverbs 21:24 states, "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." This proverb highlights the connection between jeering and a haughty spirit, warning against the dangers of such attitudes.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays jeering as a negative behavior that is incompatible with a life of faith and obedience to God. Through various examples and teachings, Scripture calls believers to reject mockery and instead pursue a path of humility, love, and respect for all individuals.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Jeer.

2. (a.) Mocking; scoffing.

3. (n.) A mocking utterance.

Very Lately it Happened Thus: While the Bounty of Our Most ...
... was nobly conspicuous. Accordingly, all began to mark him out, jeering him
at a distance, gnashing on him near at hand. The murmur ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter i very lately it.htm

A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ...
... stand in need of his assistance; insomuch that some, by these visitations that he
made, which was two or three every year (some, though in a jeering manner no ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a continuation of mr bunyans.htm

Of Men's Shrinking from this Second Repentance and Exomologesis ...
... I perish through [8514] you, ie than you through me." At all events, the time when
(if ever) its danger is serious, is when it is a butt for jeering speech in ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter x of mens shrinking from.htm

It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ...
... the king. Then they put on him the skin of a wild ass and carried him up and
down, jeering as the long ears flapped. Vergilius, returning ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 22 it was a.htm

The Carthage Student
... They amused themselves also by "ragging" the freshmen, jeering at their simplicity,
and playing them a thousand tricks. Things haven't much changed since then. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the carthage student.htm

God's People Delivered
... With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about
to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered.
... With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about
to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ...
... stand in need of his assistance, insomuch that some of these visitations that he
made, which was two or three every year, some, though in jeering manner, no ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a continuation of mr bunyans.htm

A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... They had before. They failed!"dismally"amid the sneering and jeering of the crowd
and the increasing distress of the poor father. Then Jesus came. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a stubborn foe routed.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... We are shown the executioners, the jeering rabble, the triumphant priests, the
fellow-sufferers reviling; but the only glimpses we get of Him are His refusal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

Jeering (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jeering (2 Occurrences). Luke 16:14 To all this the Pharisees
listened, bitterly jeering at Him; for they were lovers of money. (WEY). ...
/j/jeering.htm - 7k

Jeered (2 Occurrences)

/j/jeered.htm - 7k

Jeers (1 Occurrence)

/j/jeers.htm - 6k

Listened (120 Occurrences)
... teaching. (WEY RSV). Luke 16:14 To all this the Pharisees listened, bitterly
jeering at Him; for they were lovers of money. (WEY). ...
/l/listened.htm - 36k

Mock (43 Occurrences)
... as, to mock expectation. 4. (vi) To make sport contempt or in jest; to
speak in a scornful or jeering manner. 5. (n.) An act of ...
/m/mock.htm - 23k

Brim-full (1 Occurrence)
... Brim-full (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:13 But others, scornfully jeering, said, "They
are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY). Brimful, Brim-full. Brimstone . ...
/b/brim-full.htm - 6k

Bitterly (36 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 16:14 To all this the Pharisees
listened, bitterly jeering at Him; for they were lovers of money. (WEY). ...
/b/bitterly.htm - 17k

Sweet (147 Occurrences)
... Joseph's son?" (WEY). Acts 2:13 But others, scornfully jeering, said, "They
are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY YLT NAS). 2 Corinthians 2 ...
/s/sweet.htm - 40k

Scornfully (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scornfully (3 Occurrences). Acts 2:13 But others, scornfully
jeering, said, "They are brim-full of sweet wine." (WEY). ...
/s/scornfully.htm - 7k

Ishmael (44 Occurrences)
... Lightfoot (in his notes to the Epistle to the Galatians) says: "At all events the
word seems to mean mocking, jeering." At any rate, the fact remains that ...
/i/ishmael.htm - 38k

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