Laughing-Stock
TextsWhat is the meaning of Laughing-Stock in the Bible?
The Hebrew term sechoq denotes a person or object made an object of ridicule, appearing in Job 12:4 and Jeremiah 20:7 to describe individuals subjected to public mockery.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this concept illuminates the severe social consequences of shame in ancient Israel, helping readers grasp the emotional depth of the prophets' suffering and the wisdom literature's reflections on human dignity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Laughing-Stock functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Laughing-Stock in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Laughing-Stock clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Job 12:4Jeremiah 20:7
Related Topics
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
"Laughing-Stock." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/laughingstock/