Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately and for appreciating the cultural context in which these texts were written. One such word, ἐμπαίκτης (empaiktēs), offers a profound insight into the attitudes and behaviors that were condemned in early Christian teachings. This term, which appears in the New Testament, specifically addresses those who scoff or mock, shedding light on the social and spiritual challenges faced by early Christians. By exploring ἐμπαίκτης, we gain a deeper understanding of how mockery was perceived in ancient Greek culture and its implications for New Testament interpretation.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμπαίκτης (empaiktēs) [em-PIEK-tace]
• Etymology: The word is derived from the verb ἐμπαίζω (empaizō), which means “to mock” or “to ridicule.” The suffix -της (-tēs) indicates an agent or person who performs an action, making ἐμπαίκτης literally mean “a mocker” or “a scoffer.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine; (1st declension).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Scoffer: A person who mocks or ridicules, especially in a scornful or disdainful manner.
• Mocker: Someone who makes fun of others, often with contempt or derision.
• Ridiculer: A person who expresses contempt or scorn, typically by making others appear foolish.

Similar Words:

• μωρολόγος (mōrologos) [mo-ro-LOH-gos]: This word refers to a foolish talker or someone who speaks nonsense, often in a way that is dismissive or contemptuous.
• χλευαστής (chleuastēs) [khle-WAS-tace]: A term for a scoffer or mocker, similar to ἐμπαίκτης, but with a slightly different connotation that emphasizes sneering or jeering in a sarcastic manner.
• καταφρονητής (kataphronētēs) [ka-ta-phro-NAY-tace]: This word describes someone who despises or looks down on others, often associated with a superior attitude and disdain.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The word ἐμπαίκτης is a first declension noun, typical of masculine nouns in Ancient Greek. Its formation from the verb ἐμπαίζω through the addition of the -της suffix is a common way in Greek to create nouns that denote a person who performs the action of the verb.
• Linguistic Features: The term emphasizes the active role of an individual who engages in mockery, making it not just a passing action but a characteristic behavior of the person being described.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG highlights ἐμπαίκτης as a person who mocks, with a focus on the disdain and derision that this person directs towards others. It notes that the term is used in contexts where mockery is associated with a rejection of God’s authority.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐμπαίκτης as “a mocker, a scoffer,” particularly in a religious or moral context. It emphasizes the negative connotation of the term and its use in describing those who reject or ridicule divine truth.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary connects ἐμπαίκτης with the broader theme of scoffing at divine messages or messengers, highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe those who mock the teachings of Christ and His apostles.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the usage of ἐμπαίκτης in classical Greek literature, where it often describes individuals who mock or scorn others, particularly in a social or political context.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμπαίκτης as a “mocker” or “scoffer” and notes its usage in the New Testament, particularly in passages that warn against the dangers of mocking God or His teachings.

Scripture References

• 2 Peter 3:3 – “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers (ἐμπαίκτης), walking after their own lusts.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπαίκτης (G1703: empaiktēs)

The Greek noun ἐμπαίκτης (empaiktēs) refers to a person who engages in mockery or scoffing, particularly in a scornful or derisive manner. In the New Testament, this term is used to describe those who ridicule or reject the teachings of Christ, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers of such behavior. Understanding ἐμπαίκτης offers valuable insights into the social and religious dynamics of the time, as well as the cultural significance of mockery in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. The term serves as a warning against the perils of scoffing at divine truths and the consequences that such actions can bring.

Did You Know?

The word ἐμπαίκτης, though used sparingly in the New Testament, carries a heavy connotation of judgment and spiritual peril. It is often associated with those who, in the last days, will mock or dismiss the truths of the gospel, aligning themselves with unbelief and rebellion. Understanding this term helps to underscore the seriousness with which early Christians viewed mockery, not just as a social slight, but as a profound moral and spiritual failing.