לָעַג
To deride ; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does לָעַג (laag) mean in the Bible?
לָעַג (laag) is a Hebrew word meaning "to deride ; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly". to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly BDB: mock Usage: have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering. The term reveals that opposition targets morale and identity. Understanding this helps believers interpret ridicule as spiritual resistance rather than personal failure.
Meaning
Derision expressed through mimicry or unintelligible speech; mocking someone's utterance or foreignness.
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly BDB: mock Usage: have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
Why This Word Matters
The term reveals that opposition targets morale and identity. Understanding this helps believers interpret ridicule as spiritual resistance rather than personal failure. Nehemiah 4:1-14
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 11×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 1×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 2×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 18 occurrences in the biblical text.