The term "sneered" refers to a facial expression or verbal expression of scorn, contempt, or derision. In the context of the Bible, sneering is often associated with disbelief, mockery, or a lack of faith in God or His messengers. This behavior is typically portrayed negatively, as it reflects a heart that is hardened or resistant to the truth.

Biblical Instances of Sneering:

1. Luke 16:14 · In the New Testament, the Pharisees are described as sneering at Jesus. The Berean Standard Bible states, "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were sneering at Him." This passage highlights the Pharisees' disdain for Jesus' teachings on wealth and their inability to accept His message due to their materialistic values.

2. Luke 23:35 · During the crucifixion of Jesus, the rulers and people stood by, sneering at Him. The BSB records, "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 moment underscores the mockery and disbelief of the religious leaders and the crowd, even as Jesus was fulfilling His redemptive mission.

Theological Implications:

Sneering in the Bible is often linked to a rejection of divine truth and authority. It is an outward manifestation of an inward unbelief or rebellion against God. Those who sneer are typically depicted as lacking spiritual insight or humility, often blinded by pride, self-righteousness, or worldly concerns.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

1. Humility and Openness to Truth · The act of sneering serves as a cautionary example for believers to maintain humility and openness to God's truth. It warns against the dangers of pride and the refusal to accept divine wisdom.

2. Faith and Reverence · The Bible encourages a posture of faith and reverence towards God and His Word. Sneering is contrasted with the attitude of those who approach God with sincerity and a desire to understand His will.

3. Judgment and Accountability · Those who sneer at God or His messengers are often depicted as facing judgment or missing out on the blessings of faith. The Bible teaches that God holds individuals accountable for their responses to His revelation.

In summary, sneering in the biblical context is a serious matter, reflecting a heart that is resistant to God's truth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with humility, faith, and a willingness to be transformed by His Word.(imp. & p. p.) of Sneer.

Psalm LXXX.
... "And our enemies have sneered at us." And where are they that sneered? ... For a long
while so it was said. Where is the nose of them that sneered? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxx.htm

Aftermath
... He wore himself out in prayer and labor and fasting. Men marveled at him, and
many sneered at him, as he had once sneered at Stanislaus. ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter xv aftermath.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... And, when the Pharisees sneered at this teaching, He would turn it against them,
and show that, beneath the self-justification, [4521] which made them forget ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

Are You Mocked?
... considers. This counsel, however, is generally sneered at, as though there were
no reasonableness in it; therefore, let me just state it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
... I am not astonished that the Pharisee, when he looked upon the congregation, sneered
and said, "He collects around him the pariahs of our community, the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/the parable of the lost.htm

Its Instrument
... the sinner to make toward his own salvation"the last mite which was necessary to
make up the price of his redemption; but others (who sneered at theologians ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/8 its instrument.htm

The Test of Courage
... persistence. And that made them the more vexed with him. They nicknamed him
"The Jesuit," they mimicked him, they sneered at him. He ...
/.../chapter vii the test of.htm

1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
... He is a member of a despised people, sneered at alike by Greeks and Romans, isolated
and cut off from other nations, in their own little corner of the earth ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter iv 1 cor 15 3-4.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... by Robert Ormistoun. The idolatress merely sneered, and said "it was but
a common thing." Such a woman was incorrigible. Mary of ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

Religious Zeal.
... Then Michal his wife, Saul's daughter, looked out of a window, and sneered at him,
"and despised him in her heart." She was one of your cold-blooded people ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxv religious zeal.htm

Sneered (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Sneer. Multi-Version Concordance
Sneered (2 Occurrences). Luke 23:35 And the people stood ...
/s/sneered.htm - 7k

Sneer (3 Occurrences)

/s/sneer.htm - 7k

Sneering (2 Occurrences)

/s/sneering.htm - 7k

Job (60 Occurrences)
... Satan unknown to him has sneered because Yahweh had hedged him round with protection
and favor (Job 1:10); but his complaint is that all this is removed ...
/j/job.htm - 62k

Backslide
... Satan unknown to him has sneered because Yahweh had hedged him round with protection
and favor (Job 1:10); but his complaint is that all this is removed ...
/b/backslide.htm - 88k

How do we honor an abusive parent? | GotQuestions.org

What were the different missionary journeys of Paul? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the unknown god in Acts 17:23? | GotQuestions.org

Sneered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus