Mocking Misconceptions: χλευάζω (Strong’s G5512: chleuazo) Ridicules Divine Truth

Strong’s G5512: From the root χλεύη (mockery), χλευάζω is a verb meaning to mock, scoff, or jeer. Used notably when skeptics ridiculed the disciples at Pentecost, this word conveys deliberate derision and contemptuous mockery, especially in religious contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

χλευάζω represents more than simple mockery – it embodies a deliberate attitude of scornful derision, particularly aimed at sacred or serious matters. In the New Testament, it appears at a pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit’s manifestation was met with cynical dismissal. This verb captures the human tendency to reject divine truth through ridicule rather than reasoned disagreement. The early church faced such mockery regularly, as did the early Christian apologists. Today, this word reminds us how the wisdom of God often appears as foolishness to those who are perishing, while also warning believers against responding to God’s work with skepticism.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χλευάζω, chleuazo, /khleu-ad’-zo/
• Pronunciation: khlyoo-AD-zoh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: χλεύη (chleue) – jest, joke, mockery
• Suffix: -άζω (-azo) – verbal suffix indicating repeated or intensive action
• Combined meaning: to repeatedly or intensively mock

D – Defining Meanings

• To mock, scoff, or jeer
• To treat with contemptuous ridicule
• To deride or make fun of something sacred

For compound words:
While not a compound word, the -άζω suffix intensifies the root meaning, suggesting repeated or sustained mocking action

Translation Options:

• “to mock” – captures the basic meaning but misses the intensity
• “to scoff” – better conveys the contemptuous nature
• “to jeer” – effectively communicates the public, demonstrative aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταγελάω (katagalao) /kat-ag-el-ah’-o/ – to laugh at, deride G2606
• ἐμπαίζω (empaizo) /emp-aheed’-zo/ – to mock, make fun of G1702
• μυκτηρίζω (mukterizo) /mook-tay-rid’-zo/ – to turn up the nose at, sneer G3456

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, χλευάζω exhibits these features:

• Present Tense
• Active Voice
• Indicative Mood
• First Person Singular

The word follows regular -ω verb conjugation patterns:

• Present: χλευάζω (I mock)
• Imperfect: ἐχλεύαζον (I was mocking)
• Future: χλευάσω (I will mock)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons paint a consistent picture of χλευάζω as more than casual mockery. BDAG emphasizes its connection to religious derision, while Thayer’s highlights its use in classical Greek for mockery of serious matters. LSJ traces its development from general derision to specifically religious contexts. Vine’s notes its appearance at Pentecost as particularly significant, representing the natural human response to supernatural phenomena. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri, showing it maintained its strong connotations of contemptuous ridicule throughout the Hellenistic period.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But others mocking [χλευάζω] said, ‘They are filled with new wine.'” Acts 2:13

Additional References:
Acts 17:32

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χλευάζω serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s initial response to God’s work. At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit moved in power, some responded with mockery rather than wonder. This pattern of scoffing at divine truth continues today, yet paradoxically confirms Scripture’s accuracy in describing human nature. The good news is that many who initially mock, like Paul himself, can be transformed by the very truth they once ridiculed. This word teaches us both humility in receiving God’s truth and patience with those who currently reject it.

D – Did You Know?

• χλευάζω appears in ancient medical texts describing patients who mockingly dismissed their doctors’ advice
• The word gained special significance in Christian apologetics, describing philosophical opposition to the faith
• Modern Greek still uses this word in political contexts for dismissive ridicule of opponents

Strong’s G5512: From the root χλεύη (mockery), χλευάζω is a verb meaning to mock, scoff, or jeer. Used notably when skeptics ridiculed the disciples at Pentecost, this word conveys deliberate derision and contemptuous mockery, especially in religious contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: mockery, scoffing, derision, ridicule, Pentecost, opposition, skepticism, persecution, apologetics, religious conflict​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​