Definition and Meaning:
Deriding refers to the act of mocking, ridiculing, or expressing contempt for someone or something. In the biblical context, derision often involves scornful laughter or speech directed at individuals, groups, or even God. It is an expression of disdain and is generally portrayed negatively in Scripture.

Biblical Instances and Contexts:

1. Derision of God and His Prophets:
The Bible frequently records instances where God and His messengers are derided by those who oppose His will. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, the prophet Elisha is mocked by young boys who jeer at him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" This act of derision is met with divine retribution, highlighting the seriousness of mocking God's appointed servants.

2. Derision of Jesus Christ:
Jesus Himself was subjected to derision, particularly during His trial and crucifixion. In Luke 23:35, it is recorded, "The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'" This mockery underscores the rejection and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and identity by the religious leaders and the crowd.

3. Derision of Believers:
Believers are also warned that they may face derision for their faith. In 1 Peter 4:4, it is noted, "Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you." This passage encourages Christians to remain steadfast despite being mocked for their commitment to a godly lifestyle.

Theological Implications:

· Pride and Rebellion:
Derision is often rooted in pride and rebellion against God. It reflects a heart that is hardened and unwilling to submit to divine authority. Proverbs 21:24 describes the proud and arrogant as "scoffer" who acts with insolent pride.

· Judgment and Consequences:
The Bible warns of the consequences of deriding God and His ways. In Psalm 2:4, it is stated, "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them." This divine derision is not born of malice but is a response to the futility of human rebellion against God's sovereign plan.

· Call to Humility and Repentance:
Scripture calls individuals to humility and repentance, turning away from derision and toward reverence for God. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

Practical Application:

· Guarding Speech and Attitude:
Christians are encouraged to guard their speech and attitudes, avoiding the temptation to mock or belittle others. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

· Responding to Derision:
When faced with derision, believers are called to respond with grace and patience, following the example of Christ. 1 Peter 2:23 states, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."

Conclusion:
While derision is a common human response to what is not understood or accepted, the Bible consistently portrays it as contrary to the character and will of God. Believers are called to rise above mockery, embracing humility and grace in their interactions with others.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Deride.2635. katalaleo -- to speak evil of
... 2635 (from 2596 , ", according to," intensifying 2980 , "to prattle on") -- properly,
speak to in a hostile, deriding way; to mock (revile), from someone's ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2635.htm - 7k

The Holiness of God
... Glorious in holiness.' The despising holiness is seen in deriding it; and is
it not sad that men should deride that which should save them? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 the holiness of god.htm

Engravings.
... PHAEDYMA FEELING FOR SMERDIS'S EARS 69. THE INDIAN GOLD HUNTERS 121. THE
BABYLONIANS DERIDING DARIUS FROM THE WALL 156. MAP OF GREECE 232. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/engravings.htm

Recommendation.
... into the pit, out of which there is no redemption; and others dreaming themselves
into endless perdition: and all of them unite in a deriding at, or despising ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/recommendation.htm

A Rock Higher than I.
... As wild torrents when swollen with rain,. And hide from my spirit thy light,.
Deriding my bitterest pain; I call on the Father of love,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/ix a rock higher than.htm

First Word of Jesus on the Cross.
... Let Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the Cross, that we may see and
believe.' The soldiers, likewise, made use of deriding language. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlii first word of.htm

Christos Ho Logos Me Theoi Sarkoumenos.
... V. Shame be on your heads abiding,. Disobedient people now,. Who to death,
and vile deriding,. Caused the Word of God to bow! Shame! ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the morningland/christos ho logos me theoi.htm

Christos O Logos Me Theoi Sarkoumenos
... Raise me up, Thou glorious Head! Shame be on your heads abiding,. Disobedient people
now,. Who to death, and vile deriding,. Caused the Word of God to bow! Shame ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/christos o logos me theoi.htm

Once the Lord, for Our Salvation,
... Dwelling with the poor in meekness,. Bidding fainting souls be strong; Bearing
scorn and rude deriding,. From the proud who passed Him by; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/once the lord for our.htm

The Dying Thief
... that these three groups round the Cross, the third of which we have to speak of
now"that of the 'daughters of Jerusalem,' that of the deriding scribes and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the dying thief.htm

Ep. xii. (About AD 365).
... If you look at the things in this way you will leave off joking and deriding her
as little, and you will congratulate yourself on your marriage. Footnotes: ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xii about a d 365.htm

Deriding (4 Occurrences)
...Deriding (4 Occurrences). Matthew 9:24 he saith to them, 'Withdraw, for the damsel
did not die, but doth sleep,' and they were deriding him; (YLT). ...
/d/deriding.htm - 7k

Derision (24 Occurrences)

/d/derision.htm - 14k

Loved (249 Occurrences)
... NIV). Luke 16:14 And also the Pharisees, being lovers of money, were hearing
all these things, and were deriding him, (See NIV). Luke ...
/l/loved.htm - 35k

Died (348 Occurrences)
... Matthew 9:24 he saith to them, 'Withdraw, for the damsel did not die, but
doth sleep,' and they were deriding him; (See NAS). Matthew ...
/d/died.htm - 34k

Derideth (1 Occurrence)

/d/derideth.htm - 6k

Mockery (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Ridicule, deriding, exposure to contempt, by mimicry or insincere imitation,
or by a false show of earnestness; a counterfeit appearance. ...
/m/mockery.htm - 9k

Die (401 Occurrences)
... Die (401 Occurrences). Matthew 9:24 he saith to them, 'Withdraw, for the damsel
did not die, but doth sleep,' and they were deriding him; (YLT NAS). ...
/d/die.htm - 42k

Ebionites
... the sex. Mysteriously Epiphanius represents, the Ebionites as not only
rejecting the prophets in a body but deriding them. He also ...
/e/ebionites.htm - 34k

Ebionism
... the sex. Mysteriously Epiphanius represents, the Ebionites as not only
rejecting the prophets in a body but deriding them. He also ...
/e/ebionism.htm - 34k

Broad (113 Occurrences)
... 16:31 In thy building thine arch at the head of every way, Thy high place thou hast
made in every broad place, And -- hast not been as a whore deriding a gift. ...
/b/broad.htm - 40k

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