The Greek word empaízō, represented by G1702, is a term meaning to jeer at, i.e. deride:--mock. Derived from ἐν and παίζω, it conveys an act of contemptuous ridicule. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses, with its most significant usage found in the descriptions of the suffering of Christ.
In the biblical narrative, G1702 is used to describe the intense scorn directed at Jesus during His passion. Jesus himself prophesied that He would be delivered to the Gentiles and mocked (Luke 18:32; Matthew 20:19). This prophecy was fulfilled by multiple groups: the men who held Jesus mocked him Luke 22:63, Herod and his soldiers mocked Him Luke 23:11, and the Roman soldiers mocked Him before the crucifixion (Matthew 27:31; Mark 15:20). The word is also used to describe King Herod's rage when he realized he had been mocked by the wise men Matthew 2:16, and in a parable about a builder who is mocked for not being able to finish his work Luke 14:29.
Several related words appear alongside G1702, detailing the full scope of the abuse Christ endured:
- G3146 mastigóō (to flog...scourge): This act of physical violence is directly linked to mocking in Jesus's predictions of his suffering Matthew 20:19.
- G1716 emptýō (to spit at or on): Another act of profound disrespect, this is mentioned with mocking as part of the humiliation Jesus would face Mark 10:34.
- G1848 exouthenéō (contemptible, despise...set at nought): This term is paired with mocking to show the complete contempt Herod and his soldiers had for Jesus Luke 23:11.
- G1120 gonypetéō (to fall on the knee...bow the knee, kneel down): This gesture of worship was used sarcastically by the soldiers who, after platting a crown of thorns, bowed the knee and mocked Jesus as king Matthew 27:29.
The use of G1702 carries significant theological weight, particularly in the passion accounts.
- Fulfilled Prophecy: The repeated use of the word highlights that the mocking of Jesus was not a random act of cruelty, but the fulfillment of His own specific predictions, demonstrating His foreknowledge and sovereignty over His suffering (Matthew 20:19; Mark 10:34).
- The Humiliation of a King: The mocking is frequently centered on Jesus's kingship. The soldiers mocked him by giving him a crown of thorns and a reed, bowing in false worship Matthew 27:29. Herod also mocked him by arraying him in a gorgeous robe Luke 23:11, ironically affirming his royal status through derision.
- Widespread Rejection: The act of mocking is attributed to various groups, including the Gentiles Luke 18:32, the soldiers Luke 23:36, Herod Luke 23:11, and the chief priests and scribes Mark 15:31, illustrating the comprehensive rejection of Jesus by both political and religious powers.
In summary, G1702 is not a word for simple teasing but for severe, scornful derision. Its primary application in scripture is to detail the humiliation of Christ during His passion. The term is crucial for understanding the depth of suffering He endured, the fulfillment of His own prophecies, and the profound irony of a King being mocked with the very symbols of His authority by those who refused to recognize Him.
TRV