Lexical Summary katagelaó: To mock, to deride, to laugh at Original Word: καταγελάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance laugh at, scorn. To laugh down, i.e. Deride -- laugh to scorn. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and gelaó Definition to deride NASB Translation laughing (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2606: καταγελάωκαταγελάω, καταγέλω: imperfect 3 person plural κατεγέλων; to deride (A. V. laugh to scorn): τίνος, anyone (cf. Buttmann, § 132, 15), Matthew 9:24; Mark 5:40; Luke 8:53. (From (Aeschylus and) Herodotus down; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2606 captures the idea of derisive laughter—“to ridicule, to scoff, to laugh someone down.” Its three appearances form a unified thread in the Synoptic Gospels, centering on people’s reaction to Jesus’ declaration that a dead child is merely sleeping. This contemptuous response contrasts sharply with Christ’s power over death and functions as a narrative foil that underscores both His authority and the unbelief He encounters. Occurrences in the New Testament Contextual Analysis 1. Matthew 9:24 – When Jesus says, “Leave, for the girl is not dead but asleep,” onlookers “laughed at Him.” Their dismissal exposes a heart attitude fixed on empirical sight, unwilling to consider divine intervention. Historical and Cultural Background First-century mourning customs often included professional mourners who would wail loudly and play pipes (Matthew 9:23). Ridiculing a claim that a dead person is merely sleeping would have been socially acceptable banter among such crowds. Yet the Gospel writers present the laughter not merely as cultural noise but as a spiritual posture of unbelief standing in tension with Jesus’ messianic identity. Theological Significance • Revelation of Christ’s Authority: The scoffing accentuates Jesus’ command over death, illustrating that human incredulity cannot thwart divine power. After the ridicule comes resurrection. Related Biblical Themes • Old Testament Parallels – Sarah laughs incredulously at God’s promise (Genesis 18:12). Mockers deride Nehemiah’s rebuilding efforts (Nehemiah 2:19). Both contexts conclude with God fulfilling His word, exposing the futility of ridicule. Practical Ministry Application • Responding to Unbelief – Ministers can expect ridicule when proclaiming supernatural truth; Jesus’ example encourages steadfastness without compromise. Summary The threefold use of Strong’s 2606 serves as a narrative device highlighting the clash between human skepticism and divine authority. Ridicule neither invalidates Christ’s word nor impedes His power; instead, it amplifies the glory of the miracle and instructs disciples to persevere in faith amid scoffing. Forms and Transliterations καταγελά καταγελάσατωσάν καταγελάσεται καταγελάση καταγελασθήσονται καταγελασθώμεν καταγελάται καταγελών καταγελώντα καταγελώνται καταγελώντες καταγέλωτα καταγηράσητε καταγίνομαι κατεγέλασάν κατεγελων κατεγέλων κατεγενόμην κατεγίνοντο kategelon kategelōn kategélon kategélōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:24 V-IIA-3PGRK: καθεύδει καὶ κατεγέλων αὐτοῦ NAS: but is asleep. And they [began] laughing at Him. KJV: they laughed him to scorn. INT: sleeps And they laughed at him Mark 5:40 V-IIA-3P Luke 8:53 V-IIA-3P |
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