לָצַץ
𐤋𐤑𐤑
lâtsats
H3945 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To mock, scorn, deride—i.e., to express open contempt or ridicule toward someone or something, often through mocking speech, gestures, or behavior. The verb emphasizes the performative, public aspect of ridicule: the expression of disdain by belittling, sneering, or sarcastic means. In some cases, it denotes the active creation or incitement of derisive laughter at another's expense. The semantic range includes both verbal and non-verbal forms of mockery, as well as behavior that provokes others to ridicule.
Semantic Range
to mock, to express derision, to scorn, to gesturally or verbally ridicule, to incite public contempt, to treat with dismissive arrogance, to show disdain
Root / Etymology
Root: לָצַץ (L-Ṣ-Ṣ). Likely derived from the root לוץ (to mock, scoff), representing the idea of mockery or open derision. The root itself is used mainly in denominative forms (i.e., derived verbs from a noun, such as לֵץ "mocker, scoffer"). In the piel stem, it typically denotes intensive mockery or derisive action. It is attested only in poetic and wisdom literature forms.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, לָצַץ is a rare verb; more commonly, the related noun לֵץ (lēṣ, "mocker, scoffer") and verb forms from the related roots (e.g., לוץ) appear. The act of mocking or scorning was viewed as a socially disruptive, negative behavior, especially condemned in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs), where the לֵץ is the archetype of the incorrigible scoffer who resists reproof. In narrative and prophetic contexts, forms of לָצַץ may describe hostile, contemptuous attitudes toward Israelite prophets, leaders, or even toward the deity, sometimes illustrated with public displays of ridicule (e.g., gestures, taunting speeches). English translations tend to use a range of words—'mock,' 'scoff,' 'deride,' 'scorn'—but none fully capture the performative, social shaming aspect emphasized by the Hebrew. The word does not connote playful joking but rather a malice-laden, prideful contempt. Later, in Aramaic and post-biblical Hebrew, related words continue to denote serious forms of ridicule and public dishonor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to deride; scorn.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
לוץ (l-w-ṣ) — mocking, scorn, derision
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3887 | לוּץ | among interpreting spokesmen of |
| H3944 | לָצוֹן | mocker |
| H4426 | מְלִיצָה | and a sly saying |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3945-01 |
לֹצְצִֽים | lotsetsim | HVormpa |
mockers | mocking ones | mocking ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3945-01 |
Hosea 7:5 | לֹצְצִֽים | lotsetsim | HVormpa |
mockers | mocking ones | mocking ones |