from ἐκ and μυκτηρίζω; to sneer outright at:--deride.
Transliteration:ekmyktērízō
Pronunciation:ek-mook-ter-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērízō, `{{G1592}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of," "from," or "thoroughly," and the verb μυκτηρίζω (myktērizō), which means "to turn up the nose," "to sneer," or "to mock." The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the action, suggesting an overt, emphatic, or complete act of sneering or derision. Thus, ἐκμυκτηρίζω conveys the idea of "to sneer outright," "to mock openly," "to deride contemptuously," or "to scoff vehemently." It implies a public and often scornful expression of contempt, typically accompanied by a physical gesture such as turning up the nose or a disdainful facial expression. The semantic range points to a profound level of scorn and ridicule, not merely a private thought but an outward, hostile display of rejection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērízō, `{{G1592}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, occurring twice. In both instances, it describes a hostile reaction directed towards Jesus, revealing deep-seated animosity and rejection.
1. **[[Luke 16:14]]**: "Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they derided Him."
* Context: This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the parable of the dishonest manager and His subsequent declaration that "You cannot serve God and money" ([[Luke 16:13]]). The Pharisees, characterized as "lovers of money," react to Jesus' words with open contempt. Their derision (ekmyktērizō) is not merely a disagreement but a scornful rejection of a truth that challenged their covetous hearts and self-righteousness. It highlights their spiritual blindness and their inability or unwillingness to accept a divine perspective that condemned their cherished values.
2. **[[Luke 23:35]]**: "And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers also derided Him, saying, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!'"
* Context: This occurrence is found during the crucifixion of Jesus. The "rulers" (archontes), likely referring to the Jewish leaders who orchestrated His death, openly mock Him while He hangs on the cross. Their derision is a direct challenge to His claims of Messiahship and divine sonship. They demand a sign – that He save Himself – demonstrating their unbelief and their desire to see His claims utterly discredited. This act of ekmyktērízō is the ultimate expression of human hostility and rejection towards the Son of God in His moment of greatest vulnerability, revealing the depth of their spiritual rebellion.
In both instances, ekmyktērízō signifies an intense, public, and contemptuous mockery, stemming from a fundamental rejection of Jesus' authority, teaching, or divine identity. It is an act of open hostility, revealing the spiritual state of those who engage in it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of mockery and derision is conveyed by several Greek terms in the New Testament, each with nuanced shades of meaning. While ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērízō, `{{G1592}}`) emphasizes an overt and intense sneering, other related words include:
* μυκτηρίζω (myktērizō, `{{G3456}}`): The base word, meaning "to turn up the nose," "to sneer," or "to mock." While similar, the absence of the ἐκ prefix might suggest a less intense or less overtly public act, though in practice, the distinction can be subtle. It appears in Galatians 6:7, "God is not mocked."
* χλευάζω (chleuazō, `{{G5512}}`): To mock, scoff, or jeer. This term often implies a verbal taunt or ridicule, as seen in Acts 2:13 where some mocked the Spirit-filled disciples, saying they were drunk.
* ἐμπαίζω (empaizō, `{{G1702}}`): To mock, ridicule, or make sport of someone. This word is frequently used in the Passion narratives to describe the various forms of mockery Jesus endured from soldiers and religious leaders (e.g., Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:20, Luke 22:63). It can imply playful or malicious sport.
* καταγελάω (katagelaō, `{{G2690}}`): To laugh down, to ridicule. This term specifically highlights the act of laughing at someone in a scornful manner (e.g., Matthew 9:24).
The broader concepts associated with ekmyktērízō include contempt, scorn, ridicule, hostility, unbelief, and a profound rejection of divine truth and authority. Its antonyms would include reverence, respect, humility, belief, and acceptance of God's word.
### Theological Significance
The act of ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērízō, `{{G1592}}`) carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark indicator of a hardened heart and spiritual rebellion against God's revelation. In both instances in Luke, the derision is directed at Jesus Christ Himself—first against His challenging teachings on stewardship and wealth, and then against His divine identity and redemptive mission on the cross.
This intense mockery underscores the profound opposition that God's truth often faces in a fallen world. It highlights the human propensity to reject divine wisdom when it conflicts with personal desires (as with the covetous Pharisees) or challenges established power structures and preconceived notions (as with the rulers at the cross). The derision of Jesus is not merely a social slight but an act of profound spiritual alienation, revealing a complete lack of reverence for the sacred and a refusal to acknowledge God's authority.
Furthermore, these occurrences foreshadow the persecution and ridicule that followers of Christ might also face. Just as Jesus was derided for His message and His person, so too may His disciples be scorned for their commitment to His teachings and their allegiance to Him. The ekmyktērízō of Jesus is a potent reminder of the world's hostility towards God's saving work and the cost of discipleship. It calls believers to stand firm in the face of scorn, knowing that their Lord endured the ultimate derision for their sake.
### Summary
Ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērízō, `{{G1592}}`) denotes an intense, open, and contemptuous act of sneering or derision. Formed from ἐκ (thoroughly) and μυκτηρίζω (to sneer), it conveys a public and scornful rejection. This powerful verb appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, twice describing the hostile reactions of religious leaders towards Jesus. In [[Luke 16:14]], the covetous Pharisees deride Jesus for His teachings on wealth, revealing their spiritual blindness. In [[Luke 23:35]], the rulers mock Jesus on the cross, challenging His Messiahship and divine authority. Both instances highlight a profound spiritual opposition and rejection of Christ's person and message. Theologically, ekmyktērízō signifies a hardened heart, spiritual rebellion, and the world's deep-seated hostility towards divine truth and the Son of God, offering a sobering reminder of the nature of unbelief and the cost of following Christ.
TRV