The term "scoffeth" is an archaic form of the verb "scoff," which means to mock, deride, or treat with contempt. In the context of the Bible, scoffing is often associated with a rejection of divine wisdom and a disdain for the teachings and commandments of God. The act of scoffing is portrayed as a characteristic of the wicked and the foolish, contrasting sharply with the attitude of the righteous, who seek understanding and wisdom.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 1:22 : "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 highlights the disdain that scoffers have for wisdom and knowledge. It underscores the idea that scoffing is not merely an intellectual stance but a moral failing, as it involves a willful rejection of truth and understanding.

2. Proverbs 9:7-8 : "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." These verses illustrate the futility and danger of attempting to correct a scoffer. The scoffer's heart is hardened against reproof, and their response is often one of hatred rather than repentance.

3. Psalm 1:1 : "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, the psalmist contrasts the blessedness of the righteous with the company of scoffers. The "seat of mockers" symbolizes a settled position of scorn and rebellion against God, which the righteous avoid.

4. 2 Peter 3:3-4 : "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.'" This passage warns of the eschatological role of scoffers, who will deny the promises of God and the return of Christ, driven by their own sinful desires.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical narrative, scoffing is more than mere disbelief; it is an active opposition to God's truth. Scoffers are depicted as those who not only reject wisdom but also seek to undermine the faith of others through ridicule and doubt. This behavior is seen as a manifestation of pride and rebellion, which are antithetical to the humility and submission required of believers.

The presence of scoffers serves as a test of faith for the righteous, who are called to remain steadfast in their beliefs despite mockery and derision. The Bible encourages believers to respond to scoffing not with anger or retaliation, but with patience and a firm commitment to truth.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the presence of scoffers in the world is a reminder of the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, to seek wisdom, and to avoid the influence of those who mock and scorn the things of God. Engaging with scoffers requires discernment, as the Bible advises against casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6), suggesting that some hearts are not ready to receive the truth.

Ultimately, the biblical portrayal of scoffing serves as a call to humility and a reminder of the importance of seeking and adhering to divine wisdom.

Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans
... Yea, he scoffeth at kings, and princes are a derision unto him: he derideth
every strong hold; for he heapeth up dust, and taketh it. ...
/.../habakkuks rhapsody of the chaldeans.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Scoffeth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scoffeth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scoffeth
at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly. (ASV). ...
/s/scoffeth.htm - 6k

Scoffing (11 Occurrences)

/s/scoffing.htm - 9k

Derideth (1 Occurrence)
... Habakkuk 1:10 Yea, he scoffeth at kings, and princes are a derision unto him; he
derideth every stronghold; for he heapeth up dust, and taketh it. (ASV DBY). ...
/d/derideth.htm - 6k

Concerneth (7 Occurrences)
... hands. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers;
But he giveth grace unto the lowly. (See JPS). Ezekiel ...
/c/concerneth.htm - 8k

Scoffers (12 Occurrences)
... knowledge? (ASV NAS RSV). Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers;
But he giveth grace unto the lowly. (ASV NAS). Proverbs ...
/s/scoffers.htm - 9k

Scorn (65 Occurrences)
... 19:21 parallel Isaiah 37:22 Job 22:19 Nehemiah 2:19 Psalm 22:7, "all laugh to scorn");
qalas = "to scoff" (Ezekiel 16:31, margin "Greek: scoffeth," but text ...
/s/scorn.htm - 31k

Scoffest (1 Occurrence)

/s/scoffest.htm - 6k

Heapeth (3 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 1:10 Yea, he scoffeth at kings, and princes are a derision unto him; he
derideth every stronghold; for he heapeth up dust, and taketh it. ...
/h/heapeth.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus