ἐμπαιγμός (empaigmos)
empaigmos
jeering
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun empaigmos refers to mocking, scoffing, or scornful ridicule. It describes a harsh verbal attack intended to demean or belittle someone, often through derisive laughter or contemptuous remarks.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 11:36. The author uses it to describe the severe persecution faced by faithful believers who endured insults and physical abuse for their trust in God. Its presence here highlights the intense social hostility these individuals encountered.
The term derives from a verb meaning "to mock" or "to make sport of." By using this specific word, the text emphasizes that the suffering was not just physical pain but also deep social humiliation. The faithful were treated as objects of ridicule, yet they remained steadfast in their witness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When faithfulness invites scorn, it can feel deeply isolating. The Greek word empaigmos captures this sharp social hostility—the jeering and mocking aimed at those who stand firm in their convictions. In Hebrews 11:36, we see believers enduring not just physical chains but the heavy weight of public ridicule. This reminds us that our witness may sometimes invite derision from a world that does not share our hope.
Yet this word also validates your experience if you face similar treatment. You are in good company with the faithful who came before you. Their steadfastness, despite being treated as objects of mockery, points to a strength that comes from God alone. When others laugh at your faith, remember that their words define their own limits, not your worth or your calling.
This passage invites us to look beyond the immediate pain of rejection. The early believers did not retaliate with equal scorn but endured for the sake of the one they trusted. May you find comfort in knowing that your integrity is seen and valued by God, even when it is mocked by men.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of mockings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμπαιγμῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:36
Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment.
This occurrence highlights the specific social humiliation of jeering alongside physical abuse, showing that persecution often targets a believer's reputation as well as their body.