Lexical Summary chleuazó: To mock, to ridicule, to jeer Original Word: χλευάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mock. From a derivative probably of cheilos; to throw out the lip, i.e. Jeer at -- mock. see GREEK cheilos HELPS Word-studies 5512 xleuázō (from xleuē, "a joke") – properly, to joke (jest), i.e. to scoff (ridicule) using barbed humor and mocking jeers (used only in Ac 17:32). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chleué (a jest) Definition to jest, mock, jeer NASB Translation sneer (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5512: χλευάζωχλευάζω; imperfect ἐχλεύαζον; (χλεύη, jesting, mockery); to deride, mock, jeer: Acts 2:13 Rec.; Topical Lexicon Essential Concept of Mockery in Scripture Within biblical revelation, mocking is consistently portrayed as a willful, verbal rejection of God’s works, message, or messengers. It is not mere jest but an expression of hardened unbelief that seeks to discredit truth through ridicule. While several Greek and Hebrew terms depict such contempt, Strong’s 5512 occurs twice in Acts and captures this hostile derision at decisive redemptive-historical moments. Occurrences in Acts 1. Acts 2:13 records the immediate reaction of certain onlookers to the Spirit-empowered speech at Pentecost: “But others mocked them and said, ‘They are drunk on new wine!’”. The scoff trivializes the inaugural outpouring of the Spirit, illustrating how unbelief explains away divine activity rather than submitting to it. Old Testament Background and Parallels Mockery is woven through Israel’s history. Pharaoh dismissed the LORD’s command (Exodus 5:2); Goliath taunted Israel’s armies (1 Samuel 17:10); Sanballat scoffed at the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Psalm 1:1 warns of “the seat of mockers,” and Proverbs repeatedly associates scoffing with folly and eventual judgment (for example, Proverbs 19:29). These strands establish a moral trajectory: contempt toward God’s revelation invites divine reproof. Theological Implications 1. Resistance to Revelation. In both Acts passages the verb surfaces when God decisively reveals Himself—through the Spirit at Pentecost and through resurrection truth in Athens. Mocking becomes the reflex of hearts unwilling to bow to supernatural authority. Christ as the Ultimate Object of Scorn Though Strong’s 5512 is not used in the Passion narratives, the crucifixion provides the fullest display of ridicule toward God’s Redeemer (Matthew 27:29-31, 39-44). The apostolic church understood that believers sharing in Christ’s mission would likewise share in His reproach (Hebrews 13:13). Practical Ministry Applications • Expect Mockery: Faithful witness invites scoffing; do not mistake it for failure but for participation in apostolic experience (Acts 5:41). Warnings and Encouragements for Believers 1. Separate from the Company of Scoffers (Psalm 1:1). Summary Strong’s 5512 shines a spotlight on the perennial reality of contempt for God’s saving acts. Whether at Pentecost or on Mars Hill, mockery tests the Church’s resolve and clarifies the divide between unbelief and faith. Yet each occurrence also displays the gospel’s triumph, for the Word continues to conquer hearts even while others scoff. The Church today, standing in that same line of testimony, must answer derision with truth, humility, and unwavering confidence in the Lord who will have the last word. Forms and Transliterations διαχλευαζοντες διαχλευάζοντες εχλευαζον εχλεύαζον ἐχλεύαζον χλευάζοντες χλεύασμα χλευασμόν χλευασμός diachleuazontes diachleuázontes echleuazon echleúazonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:13 V-PPA-NMPGRK: ἕτεροι δὲ διαχλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι KJV: Others mocking said, INT: others moreover mocking said Acts 17:32 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 5512 |
    |