This verse explicates the future status of the Jews among the peoples of the world, and sadly fulfilled prophecy. The terms "hiss and a byword" are used twice in the scriptures, here and in 3 Ne. 16:9. Separately "hiss" and "byword" appear in the King James version, but they are not always in such a clearly derogatory connection as in this verse, and do not appear coupled. This phraseology is unique to the Book of Mormon, with the combination clearly derogatory, where each word individually might not necessarily have a negative connotation in other texts.