Derision
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Derision in the Bible?
Derision denotes the act of mocking, scorn, or ridicule, frequently appearing in the Psalms and Prophets to describe the contempt directed at individuals or groups.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the presence of derision in biblical texts illuminates the severe social stigma and communal pressures experienced by biblical figures, revealing how public ridicule served as a mechanism for enforcing social norms or articulating political dissent in ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Derision. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Derision in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Derision clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Derision." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/derision/