Proverbs 1:26
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּאֵידְכֶ֣ם
at your calamity
H343
בְּאֵידְכֶ֣ם
at your calamity
Strong's:
H343
Word #:
3 of 7
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
אֶשְׂחָ֑ק
I also will laugh
H7832
אֶשְׂחָ֑ק
I also will laugh
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
4 of 7
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
אֶ֝לְעַ֗ג
I will mock
H3932
אֶ֝לְעַ֗ג
I will mock
Strong's:
H3932
Word #:
5 of 7
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
Cross References
Psalms 2:4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.Psalms 37:13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.Proverbs 10:24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.Proverbs 6:15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.Luke 14:24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.Judges 10:14Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern juridical language included mockery of condemned criminals. This reflects justice's public vindication—wrong is exposed and righteousness validated. The concept appears in Psalm 2:4 where God laughs at rebellious kings. This isn't petty revenge but sovereign contempt for human rebellion. Historical judgments demonstrate this principle—empires that mocked God (Assyria, Babylon, Rome) fell, validating divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's laughter at calamity challenge sentimentalized views of divine love that ignore His justice?
- What does this teach us about the serious consequences of mocking God's ways?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom's response to rejection: 'I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.' This shocking language describes divine response to persistent rebellion. God's 'laughter' represents judicial contempt for those who scorned His warnings. The 'mock' parallels their mockery of wisdom. This reflects lex talionis: as they treated wisdom, so wisdom treats them. This isn't capricious cruelty but just recompense. Those who laugh at God's ways will find God laughing at their consequent ruin.