Bible Dictionary
By-word
A by-word is a saying, proverb, taunt, or object of public derision. Scripture uses the term for words or expressions by which a person or nation becomes a subject of contempt.
Definition
A by-word is a saying, proverb, speech, taunt, or object of public discussion and derision. The meaning depends on the underlying Hebrew word and the context.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses by-word for a word or speech, a proverb or parable, and a sharp saying of derision. In Jeremiah, the term is rendered “taunt.”
Historical Background
Several Hebrew terms lie behind the translation, including words meaning speech, proverb, and a sharp word of mockery.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hebrew millah (Job 30:9), a word or speech, and hence object of talk; Hebrew mashal (Ps. 44:14), a proverb or parable. When it denotes a sharp word of derision, as in Deut. 28:37, 1 Kings 9:7, 2 Chr. 7:20, the Hebrew sheninah is used. In Jer. 24:9 it is rendered “taunt.”