Original Word: לָעַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: la`ab
Pronunciation: lah-ab
Phonetic Spelling: (law-ab')
Definition: To burn, to kindle
Meaning: to deride

mock

A primitive root; to deride -- mock.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to jest
NASB Translation
mocked (1).

[לָעַב] verb jest (Late Hebrew Hiph`il id.; ᵑ7 לְעַב Ethpa`al id.; Syriac Ethpa`al mock, delight oneself, be greedy; Arabic play, sport, jest); — only

Hiph`il Participle ׳וַיִּהְיוּ מַלְעִבִים בְּ2Chronicles 36:16 and they were (continually) making jest at the messengers of God.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry in Strong's Concordance is G3456 (μυκτηρίζω, mukterizo), which also means to mock or deride. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe similar actions of scorn and ridicule, emphasizing the continuity of this concept across both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

Usage: The verb לָעַב (la'ab) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the act of mocking or deriding someone. It conveys a sense of scornful laughter or ridicule directed at another person.

Context: The Hebrew verb לָעַב (la'ab) appears in the context of derision and mockery, often reflecting a contemptuous attitude. This term is used to describe actions where individuals or groups express disdain or ridicule towards others, often in a public or humiliating manner. The act of derision is not merely a light-hearted jest but carries a deeper sense of scorn and belittlement. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, such actions were considered serious offenses, as they undermined the dignity and honor of individuals. The usage of לָעַב (la'ab) in the Scriptures highlights the moral and ethical teachings against mockery and the importance of respecting others.

מַלְעִבִים֙ מלעבים mal‘iḇîm mal·‘i·ḇîm maliVimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts