Introduction

Understanding the Greek language is crucial for in-depth biblical studies, as it unveils the nuanced meanings embedded in the New Testament texts. The word ἐκμυκτηρίζω (Strong’s G1592) is a significant term that captures the essence of contempt and ridicule, often directed at others. This verb is particularly relevant to New Testament interpretation because it reflects the attitudes and behaviors that were prevalent in the socio-cultural context of the ancient world. Recognizing the force of this word enhances our comprehension of the emotions and intentions behind certain biblical narratives, helping us to appreciate the severity of scorn or derision in both a religious and historical context.

Key Information

ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ek-mook-teh-REE-zoh) [ἐκμυκτηρίζω]

• Etymology: Derived from the Greek prefix “ἐκ-” (ek-, meaning “out of” or “from”) and the root “μυκτηρίζω” (muktērízō, meaning “to sneer” or “to deride”). The root is associated with the word for “nose,” implying the act of sneering with the nose turned up.
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To sneer at: This is the primary meaning, indicating a contemptuous or mocking attitude, often shown by a gesture of the nose or face.
• To scorn: A more intense form of ridicule, often directed at someone to express disdain or contempt.
• To deride: This meaning involves mocking or laughing at someone in a dismissive manner.

Similar Words:

• καταφρονέω (kataphronéō) [ka-ta-fro-NEH-oh], meaning “to despise,” shares a similar connotation of contempt but often implies an internal feeling rather than an outward expression.
• χλευάζω (chleuázō) [khleu-ADZ-oh], meaning “to mock,” is another word related to ridicule, but it focuses more on verbal taunting rather than the physical sneering implied by ἐκμυκτηρίζω.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The verb ἐκμυκτηρίζω is formed from the combination of “ἐκ-” (ek-) and “μυκτηρίζω” (muktērízō), suggesting a strong, outward expression of contempt, as if to literally “sneer out” or “sneer away” at someone.
• Linguistic Features: The word is often used in contexts of intense emotional expressions, particularly those involving disdain or mockery. Its usage in the New Testament typically appears in narratives where characters are being derided or scorned for their actions or beliefs.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐκμυκτηρίζω is defined as “to sneer at” or “to ridicule,” with emphasis on the physical and outward expression of contempt, especially in public or communal settings.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐκμυκτηρίζω as “to deride” or “to mock,” often highlighting the scornful attitudes expressed by those who reject or dismiss others, particularly in relation to religious or moral matters.

Vines: In Vine’s Expository Dictionary, ἐκμυκτηρίζω is noted for its usage in contexts of public scorn, where an individual is openly ridiculed, emphasizing the societal aspect of the action.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon lists ἐκμυκτηρίζω under “to sneer at” and “to scorn,” providing examples from classical texts where the word is used to describe disdainful facial expressions or mocking behaviors.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἐκμυκτηρίζω as “to sneer at” or “to mock,” and provides references to its usage in the New Testament, particularly in passages where ridicule is a central theme.

Scripture References:

• Luke 16:14 – “And the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided (ἐκμυκτηρίζω) him.”
• Galatians 6:7 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked (ἐκμυκτηρίζω): for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκμυκτηρίζω (G1592: ekmuktērízō)

The verb ἐκμυκτηρίζω (G1592) is a powerful term used in the New Testament to convey acts of sneering, scorn, and mockery. Its primary meanings include “to sneer at,” “to scorn,” and “to deride,” often in a public or communal context. The word is rooted in a physical expression of disdain, typically involving facial gestures, particularly the nose. Understanding this word provides deeper insights into the cultural and emotional contexts of the biblical narratives where it appears, highlighting the severity of the mockery directed at certain individuals or ideas. Its usage in classical literature similarly reflects the importance of outward expressions of contempt in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκμυκτηρίζω is related to the Greek word for “nose” (μύκτῆρ, muktēr), and its literal translation could be interpreted as “to sneer with the nose.” This imagery vividly captures the physicality of the scorn or mockery being described, emphasizing the derision not just in words but in bodily gestures as well.