In the context of the Bible, "jeers" refer to mocking, scornful, or derisive remarks directed at individuals, often with the intent to belittle or humiliate. The act of jeering is frequently associated with the wicked or those who oppose God's people and His purposes. Throughout Scripture, jeering is depicted as a behavior that is contrary to the character and commands of God, who calls His people to speak with kindness and love.

Old Testament Instances

Jeering is evident in several Old Testament narratives, often highlighting the tension between the righteous and the wicked. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, the prophet Elisha is jeered by a group of youths who mock him by saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" This incident underscores the disrespect shown towards God's prophet and results in a severe consequence, as two bears come out of the forest and maul forty-two of the youths. This passage illustrates the seriousness with which God regards the treatment of His messengers.

The Psalms also reflect the experience of being jeered by enemies. In Psalm 22:7, a messianic psalm, the psalmist laments, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." This verse prophetically points to the suffering of Christ, who endured mockery during His crucifixion. The psalmist's experience of jeering is a common theme, as seen in Psalm 35:16, where he describes being surrounded by "godless mockers at feasts."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, jeering is most prominently seen in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record that Jesus was mocked by soldiers, religious leaders, and passersby. In Matthew 27:29-31, the soldiers place a crown of thorns on His head, mockingly hail Him as "King of the Jews," and spit on Him. This act of jeering fulfills the prophetic words of the Old Testament and highlights the depth of Christ's humiliation and suffering for humanity's redemption.

The Apostle Paul also faced jeering during his ministry. In Acts 17:32, when Paul speaks of the resurrection of the dead in Athens, some of his listeners "sneered" at him, dismissing his message. This reaction is indicative of the broader rejection and ridicule that early Christians often faced as they proclaimed the Gospel.

Theological Implications

Jeering, as depicted in the Bible, is not merely a social or cultural issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a heart attitude that is opposed to God's truth and His representatives. The Scriptures consistently portray jeering as an expression of unbelief and rebellion against God. Believers are called to respond to jeering not with retaliation but with grace and truth, following the example of Christ, who "when He was reviled, did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2:23).

The Bible warns against participating in jeering and encourages believers to use their words to build up rather than tear down. Ephesians 4:29 admonishes, "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 call to edifying speech stands in stark contrast to the destructive nature of jeering.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the biblical teaching on jeering serves as a reminder to guard one's speech and to treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their beliefs or actions. It challenges believers to reflect Christ's love in their interactions and to be mindful of the power of words to harm or heal. In a world where mockery and scorn are prevalent, the call to speak with grace and truth remains a vital witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.(n. pl.) See Jeer.5512. chleuazo -- to jest, mock, jeer
... 5512 (from , "a joke") -- properly, to joke (jest), ie to scoff (ridicule)
using barbed humor and mocking jeers (used only in Ac 17:32). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5512.htm - 6k

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book V.
... For they who are rebuked, being galled by what has been told them, and unable to
avenge themselves on him otherwise, taunt him, with jeers at this ignorance of ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 5.htm

Following Christ
... There will be, with some of you, the jeers and sneers of those you work with. They
will call you ill names. Perhaps they have began it already. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/following christ.htm

Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... to that sight, returned beating their breasts." [3123] So great was the power of
the crucified, that after so many mockings, and scoffs, and jeers, both the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxviii matt xxvii 45-48.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... and sentiments of those rioters, and, especially, hatred to the blacks drafted and
about camp, and exhibit this in foul and profane jeers heaped upon these ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

The Revolt of Babylon.
... Reproaches of Charilaus."Character of Maeandrius."Attack of Charilaus."Slaughter
of the Samians."Revolt of Babylon."Insults and jeers of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter vii the revolt of.htm

The Cripple at Lystra
... passions of the mob. Such an assembly must rage, whether it he with redundant
applause or with derisive jeers. Accordingly, Paul finds ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the cripple at lystra.htm

Dread of Ridicule.
... What jokes! What jeers shouted from the walls! So on to the Friday. On the
Sabbath the people got rather tired of this same scene. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxi dread of ridicule.htm

The Penitent Thief. Ch. 23:39-43
... He did, in fact, boldly confess his faith in the presence of a hostile crowd and
amid the taunts and jeers of rulers and soldiers, yet he was saved without any ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the penitent thief ch.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... These youth had heard of Elijah's ascension, and they made this solemn event the
subject of their jeers, saying to Elisha, "Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

The Presbyter
... Everyone thought that they were a marriage gift to the daughter of Rufinus,
and indulged in jeers against that hated official. But no! ...
/.../chapter xii the presbyter.htm

Jeers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jeers (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 11:36 Others were tried
by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment. (See NIV). ...
/j/jeers.htm - 6k

Jeering (2 Occurrences)

/j/jeering.htm - 7k

Jeezer (1 Occurrence)

/j/jeezer.htm - 7k

Jeer (2 Occurrences)
... at a speaker. 4. (vt) To treat with scoffs or derision; to address with
jeers; to taunt; to flout; to mock at. 5. (n.) A railing ...
/j/jeer.htm - 7k

Epistle (13 Occurrences)
... as is commonly done, is, as AL Williams has shown, to miss the real significance
of the attitude of the Jews to angels and to magnify the bitter jeers of Celsus ...
/e/epistle.htm - 101k

Colossians (1 Occurrence)
... as is commonly done, is, as AL Williams has shown, to miss the real significance
of the attitude of the Jews to angels and to magnify the bitter jeers of Celsus ...
/c/colossians.htm - 23k

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