### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **myktērízō**, represented by `{{G3456}}`, means to **mock** or ridicule. Its definition, "to make mouths at," is derived from a word for snout, conveying a sense of contemptuous scorn. It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting a specific and potent warning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical context for `{{G3456}}` is a foundational teaching on accountability. In [[Galatians 6:7]], it is used to state a divine principle: "Be not deceived; God is not **mocked**: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Here, the act of mocking God is directly tied to the arrogant assumption that one can evade the consequences of their actions. The verse frames this attitude as a form of self-deception that stands in direct opposition to God's unchangeable law of cause and effect.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the meaning of this warning:
* `{{G4105}}` **planáō** (to go astray, deceive): This word precedes the warning against mockery, establishing that to think God can be mocked is to be **deceived** and to roam from the truth [[Galatians 6:7]].
* `{{G4687}}` **speírō** (to sow): This term introduces the agricultural metaphor that explains *why* God cannot be mocked. The actions of a **man** are seeds that he **soweth**, which will inevitably produce a harvest [[Galatians 6:7]].
* `{{G2325}}` **therízō** (to harvest): As the direct counterpart to sowing, this word confirms the unavoidable outcome. What is sown must be reaped, demonstrating that God's system of consequence is absolute [[Galatians 6:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3456}}` is centered on God's sovereignty and unwavering justice.
* **Divine Inviolability:** The statement "God is not mocked" is an assertion of His ultimate authority. As the supreme Divinity `{{G2316}}`, He cannot be successfully ridiculed or his moral order defied.
* **The Law of Consequence:** To **mock** God is to live as if one's actions carry no weight. The verse counters this by establishing the unbreakable principle that what a person **soweth** `{{G4687}}`, they will also **reap** `{{G2325}}`, affirming that divine justice is inescapable [[Galatians 6:7]].
* **A Warning Against Self-Deception:** The instruction, "Be not **deceived**" `{{G4105}}`, frames the act of mocking God as a profound error in thinking. It is a futile attempt to believe one can operate outside of the reality God has established.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3456}}` is not merely about verbal taunts but about the foolish lifestyle that attempts to defy God's principles. Its singular use in scripture delivers a powerful and concise message: God's authority is absolute, and the law of sowing and reaping is an unchangeable reality. The word serves as a sober reminder that no one can circumvent the consequences established by God.
TRV