Mockers, also referred to as scoffers, are individuals who express scorn or ridicule, often showing contempt for wisdom, righteousness, and divine truth. The Bible frequently addresses the behavior and consequences of mockery, highlighting its opposition to godly living and wisdom.

Old Testament References

The concept of mockery is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the wisdom literature. The Book of Proverbs provides numerous insights into the nature and fate of mockers. Proverbs 1:22 asks, "How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?" This verse underscores the mocker's disdain for wisdom and their persistent rejection of knowledge.

Proverbs 9:7-8 warns against engaging with mockers: "He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This passage suggests that mockers are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility, contrasting them with the wise who accept and appreciate reproof.

The Psalms also address the behavior of mockers. Psalm 1:1 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." Here, mockers are associated with the wicked and sinners, and the righteous are advised to avoid their company.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, mockery is often directed towards Jesus Christ and His followers. During the crucifixion, Jesus was subjected to mockery by the soldiers and onlookers. Matthew 27:29 describes how 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!'"

The apostle Peter warns of mockers in the last days, emphasizing their skepticism and denial of divine promises. 2 Peter 3:3-4 states, "Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 'Where is the promise of His coming?' they will ask. 'Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.'"

Characteristics and Consequences

Mockers are characterized by their pride, arrogance, and rejection of wisdom. Proverbs 21:24 describes them as "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocking are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." Their behavior is often rooted in a deep-seated disdain for authority and truth.

The Bible warns of the consequences of mockery. Proverbs 19:29 declares, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This indicates that mockers will ultimately face divine judgment and retribution for their actions.

Practical Implications for Believers

Believers are encouraged to avoid the company of mockers and to seek wisdom and understanding instead. Engaging with mockers can lead to strife and conflict, as Proverbs 22:10 advises, "Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease."

In summary, the Bible portrays mockers as individuals who reject wisdom and truth, often leading others astray with their scornful attitudes. Their behavior is condemned, and they are warned of impending judgment, while the righteous are encouraged to pursue wisdom and avoid their influence.1703. empaiktes -- a mocker, ie by impl. a false teacher
... See 1702 (). Word Origin from empaizo Definition a mocker, ie by impl. a
false teacher NASB Word Usage mockers (2). mocker, scoffer. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1703.htm - 6k2049. hathulim -- mockery
... 2048, 2049. hathulim. 2050 . mockery. Transliteration: hathulim Phonetic
Spelling: (haw-thole') Short Definition: mockers. Word ...
/hebrew/2049.htm - 6k

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... THE JUDGMENT OF DRUNKARDS AND MOCKERS. ... In verse 11 and onwards the prophet
speaks. He catches up the mockers' words, and retorts them. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the judgment of drunkards and.htm

Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in which He, Being Deceived ...
... Book IV. Chapter I."Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in Which He, Being Deceived,
Deceived Others; And Concerning the Mockers of His Confession. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter i concerning that most unhappy.htm

The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
... words"But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles
of our Lord Jesus Christ; how they told you there should be mockers in the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon iv the declensions of.htm

Are You Mocked?
... Now I shall at this time first of all speak of those who are mocked; secondly, of
the mockers; and thirdly, of how those who are mocked might to behave towards ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... The mockery harps on the old themes, and witnesses at once the malicious cruelty
of the mockers and the innocence of the Victim, at whom even such malice could ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

The Source of Power
... fox could jump. They did very little, but they were building the city of
God, which has outlasted all the mockers. Men might look ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the source of power.htm

Acts ii. 14
... Here he directs his discourse to those others, the mockers, [123] and
while he seems to reason with those, he sets these right. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v acts ii 14.htm

Creation and the Fall
... seems His utter poverty and weakness on the cross He overturns the pomp and parade
of idols, and quietly and hiddenly wins over the mockers and unbelievers to ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 1 creation and the.htm

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... I know that there are mockers who scoff at the very mention of unction; but I pray
that to myself and my brethren the promise may be fulfilled, "He shall dip ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... he called fire from heaven upon the captains of fifties; nor was he upon whom his
mantle descended less terrible when the she-bears avenged him upon the mockers ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

Mockers (14 Occurrences)
...Mockers (14 Occurrences). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days
mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, (WEB ASV DBY NAS). ...
/m/mockers.htm - 9k

Mock (43 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16 ...
/m/mock.htm - 23k

Mocking (25 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16 ...
/m/mocking.htm - 18k

Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... Mocker, hathulim, "deceivers," "mockers" (Job 17:2); luts (Proverbs 20:1 Isaiah
28:22 the King James Version); la`egh, "stammering," "mocking" (Psalm 35:16 ...
/m/mocker.htm - 14k

Mockery (12 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall
come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, (ASV). ...
/m/mockery.htm - 9k

Mockeries (2 Occurrences)
... And in their provocations mine eye lodgeth. (YLT). Psalms 35:16 Like the profane
mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth. (See JPS). ...
/m/mockeries.htm - 6k

Lusts (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come,
walking after their own lusts, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS). ...
/l/lusts.htm - 14k

Jude (4 Occurrences)
... It was characteristic of the false teachers and mockers who had invaded the Christian
church that they drew lines of demarcation between themselves and others ...
/j/jude.htm - 40k

Walking (189 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will
come, walking after their own lusts, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/w/walking.htm - 37k

Ungodlinesses (1 Occurrence)
... Jude 1:18 that they said to you, that at the end of the time there should be
mockers, walking after their own lusts of ungodlinesses. (DBY). ...
/u/ungodlinesses.htm - 6k

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