### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐμπαίκτης (`{{G1703}}`) is an agent noun derived from the verb ἐμπαίζω (`{{G1702}}`), which signifies "to mock," "to deride," "to scoff at," or "to make sport of." The root verb often conveys an element of playful yet malicious or contemptuous ridicule, sometimes involving imitation or mimicry. As an agent noun, ἐμπαίκτης therefore denotes "one who mocks," "a derider," or "a scoffer." The base definition further specifies an important implication: "by implication) a false teacher." This suggests that in the biblical context, the act of mocking or scoffing is not merely an expression of disdain but is intrinsically linked to the propagation of error or opposition to divine truth. The semantic range thus extends from simple verbal derision to active, subversive opposition to God's revealed will, often characteristic of those who lead others astray.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐμπαίκτης (`{{G1703}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the plural (ἐμπαῖκται) and in eschatological contexts:
* **[[2 Peter 3:3]]**: "knowing this first, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires." Here, the presence of ἐμπαῖκται is prophesied as a definitive sign of the "last days." Their scoffing is explicitly linked to their "own sinful desires" (κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας πορευόμενοι), indicating a moral corruption underlying their intellectual or verbal opposition. Their mockery is directed at the promise of the Lord's return, questioning its certainty and implying that God has abandoned His plans for judgment and salvation.
* **[[Jude 1:18]]**: "They said to you, 'In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.'" This verse closely parallels [[2 Peter 3:3]], reinforcing the connection between "scoffers" (ἐμπαῖκται), the "last time" (ἐσχάτου χρόνου), and their adherence to "ungodly passions" (κατὰ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ἐπιθυμίας πορευόμενοι ἀσεβείας). Jude attributes this warning to the apostles, emphasizing its authoritative and prophetic nature. The context in Jude is a strong condemnation of false teachers who have crept into the church, turning the grace of God into sensuality and denying Christ. Their scoffing is thus a manifestation of their ungodly character and their rejection of divine authority and truth.
In both passages, the ἐμπαίκτης is not a benign skeptic but an active opponent of God's truth, whose derision stems from a life of ungodliness and serves to undermine the faith of others. Their mockery is a sign of spiritual apostasy and a characteristic of those who deny fundamental Christian doctrines, particularly the Lord's second coming.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐμπαίκτης (`{{G1703}}`) is enriched by examining its verbal root and other related terms:
* **ἐμπαίζω (`{{G1702}}`)**: The verb form, frequently used in the Gospels to describe the mocking of Jesus by various groups—Herod's soldiers ([[Luke 23:11]]), the Roman soldiers ([[Matthew 27:29]], [[Mark 15:20]], [[Luke 23:36]]), and even the religious leaders ([[Luke 23:35]]). This highlights that mockery, even when seemingly playful, is often associated with contempt, cruelty, and the mistreatment of the righteous.
* **Other words for mockery/scoffing**:
* μυκτηρίζω (`{{G3456}}`): To turn up the nose at, to scoff (e.g., [[Galatians 6:7]]).
* χλευάζω (`{{G5512}}`): To mock, scoff at (e.g., [[Acts 17:32]]).
* καταγελάω (`{{G2606}}`): To laugh down, to deride (e.g., [[Matthew 9:24]]).
* **Antithetical concepts**: The existence of ἐμπαῖκται stands in stark contrast to core Christian virtues and beliefs, such as faith in God's promises, reverence for divine revelation, humility before God, obedience to His commands, and the earnest expectation of Christ's return.
* **Related to "false teachers"**: The implied meaning of ἐμπαίκτης as a false teacher connects it to other terms denoting those who corrupt the truth:
* ψευδοδιδάσκαλος (`{{G5572}}`): False teacher (used in 2 Peter).
* ψευδοπροφήτης (`{{G5578}}`): False prophet.
* ἀσεβής (`{{G765}}`): Ungodly (a key descriptor for the scoffers in Jude).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐμπαίκτης (`{{G1703}}`) is profound, particularly within the eschatological and ethical framework of the New Testament:
* **Eschatological Signpost**: The appearance of ἐμπαῖκται is presented as a clear and predicted sign of the "last days." Their presence signals a period of intensified spiritual conflict and widespread apostasy, confirming biblical prophecies regarding the end times.
* **Nature of Opposition to God**: The scoffing of ἐμπαῖκται is not mere intellectual doubt but is rooted in "ungodly passions" and "sinful desires." This reveals that their opposition to God's truth is fundamentally a moral issue, a deliberate choice to live contrary to divine will and to dismiss God's promises through contemptuous ridicule. It underscores the spiritual blindness and rebellion that characterize those who reject Christ.
* **Challenge to Christian Hope**: These scoffers directly target the core of Christian hope, especially the promise of Christ's second coming and the accompanying divine judgment and redemption. By mocking the certainty of these events, they aim to undermine the perseverance, faith, and moral resolve of believers, encouraging a return to worldly living.
* **Warning and Exhortation**: The biblical portrayal of ἐμπαῖκται serves as a critical warning to the Church. Believers are exhorted to be discerning, to recognize these signs of the times, and to stand firm in their faith, remembering the faithfulness of God despite the derision of unbelievers. It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle against those who actively seek to discredit God's truth.
* **Connection to False Teaching**: The implicit identification of ἐμπαίκτης with false teachers is crucial. Their scoffing is a method by which they disseminate error, sow doubt, and lead others astray. It is a form of spiritual warfare, where ridicule is employed to dismiss sound doctrine and promote a lifestyle contrary to godliness.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐμπαίκτης (`{{G1703}}`) denotes a mocker or scoffer, stemming from the verb ἐμπαίζω (`{{G1702}}`), which means "to mock" or "deride." Its New Testament occurrences, specifically in [[2 Peter 3:3]] and [[Jude 1:18]], portray ἐμπαῖκται as a distinct group appearing in the "last days." These individuals are characterized by their ungodly passions and their contemptuous scoffing at the promise of Christ's return. Their derision is not a benign expression but a manifestation of spiritual rebellion and a tactic employed by false teachers to undermine the faith of believers. The presence of such scoffers is a clear prophetic sign, serving as a solemn warning to the Church to remain steadfast in its hope and discernment. Their mockery is rooted in a morally corrupt heart and functions as a means to propagate error, making them a significant theological concern for those who uphold divine truth.
TRV