Scoff; Scoffer
Defining the Scoffer
In biblical usage, to scoff means to express contempt openly through insulting words or dismissive actions. While the related word "scorn" refers primarily to an inner feeling of superiority, scoffing is the outward manifestation of that attitude. The scoffer does not merely disagree — they actively mock and ridicule. In the Hebrew Bible, the key word is "luts," which carries the sense of derision and arrogant dismissal. The scoffer is someone who treats sacred things, wise counsel, and righteous living with open contempt.
The Scoffer in Wisdom Literature
The book of Proverbs has the most to say about scoffers. The very first psalm sets the tone by declaring blessed the person who does not "sit in the seat of scoffers" (Psalm 1:1). In Proverbs, the scoffer is presented as the opposite of the wise person. "Scoffers delight in their scoffing" (Proverbs 1:22), and they refuse correction: "A scoffer does not listen to rebuke" (Proverbs 13:1). The wise teacher warns that attempting to correct a scoffer brings only insult upon oneself (Proverbs 9:7-8). Ultimately, "condemnation is ready for scoffers" (Proverbs 19:29).
Scoffing in the Prophets
The prophets also addressed the problem of scoffing, particularly among Israel's leaders. Isaiah spoke of the "scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem" (Isaiah 28:14), leaders who had made a covenant with death and believed they were safe from judgment. Their scoffing attitude represented a fundamental rejection of God's authority and warnings. The prophets made clear that scoffing at God's messengers was one of the sins that ultimately led to the exile (2 Chronicles 36:16).
Scoffing in the New Testament
In the New Testament, scoffing appears in several significant contexts. Peter warned that "in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires" (2 Peter 3:3), particularly mocking the promise of Christ's return. Jesus himself was scoffed at during his trial and crucifixion (Luke 23:35). The religious leaders "scoffed at him" when he taught about the proper use of money (Luke 16:14). Paul encountered scoffing when he preached about the resurrection in Athens (Acts 17:32).
The Spiritual Danger of Scoffing
Scripture treats scoffing not as a minor character flaw but as a deeply dangerous spiritual condition. The scoffer has closed their heart to instruction, wisdom, and ultimately to God himself. Proverbs warns that "the Lord scoffs at the scoffers" (Proverbs 3:34), a passage quoted by James to emphasize that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). The progression described in Psalm 1 — from walking with the wicked, to standing with sinners, to sitting with scoffers — suggests that scoffing represents the final stage of spiritual deterioration.
The Antidote to Scoffing
The biblical antidote to scoffing is humility and the fear of the Lord. Where the scoffer dismisses correction, the wise person welcomes it (Proverbs 9:8-9). Where the scoffer mocks the things of God, the humble person treasures them. Scripture invites those who have fallen into patterns of mockery and contempt to turn instead toward reverence, teachability, and genuine engagement with God's truth.
Biblical Context
Scoffing and scoffers appear throughout Scripture, most prominently in Psalm 1:1, Proverbs (1:22; 3:34; 9:7-8; 13:1; 19:29), Isaiah 28:14, 2 Chronicles 36:16, Luke 16:14, Acts 17:32, and 2 Peter 3:3. The concept spans wisdom literature, prophetic writing, the Gospels, and the epistles.
Theological Significance
Scoffing represents a rejection of divine authority and wisdom. It is the attitude that places human judgment above God's revelation. Scripture consistently treats scoffing as spiritually dangerous because it hardens the heart against repentance and instruction. God's response to scoffers — opposing the proud while giving grace to the humble — reveals a fundamental principle of how He relates to humanity.
Historical Background
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public mockery was a powerful social tool used to shame opponents and undermine authority. The Hebrew wisdom tradition's emphasis on avoiding scoffers reflects a broader cultural understanding that association with mockers corrupted character. Greek philosophical traditions similarly recognized the distinction between constructive criticism and destructive ridicule.