ἐμπαίκτης

a mocker

Definition

ἐμπαίκτης refers to a person who engages in mockery or scoffing, specifically one who derides sacred truths or divine promises. In the New Testament, it describes individuals who scorn the idea of Christ's return and God's future judgment, treating these core Christian beliefs with contemptuous disbelief. The term carries a sense of active, willful ridicule rather than mere skepticism, implying a deliberate rejection of prophetic warnings. Both occurrences (2 Peter 3:3, Jude 1:18) use the word in an eschatological context to warn believers about scoffers who will arise in the last days.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in nearly identical prophetic warnings about the end times. In 2 Peter 3:3, Peter foretells that 'scoffers' (ἐμπαίκτης) will come, following their own sinful desires and questioning the promise of Christ's return. Jude 1:18 echoes this, recalling that the apostles predicted 'scoffers' would appear in the last time, living ungodly lives. The usage is exclusively eschatological, describing a specific type of opponent who mocks Christian hope in God's future intervention.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἐμπαίζω (empaizō, G1702), meaning 'to mock' or 'to ridicule,' which itself comes from ἐν (en, 'in') and παίζω (paizō, 'to play like a child'). The noun ἐμπαίκτης literally means 'a mocker' or 'one who engages in mockery.' It shares a root with terms used for the mockery Jesus endured (Matthew 20:19, 27:29), emphasizing a contemptuous, derisive attitude.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it identifies a specific spiritual danger in the last days: active mockery of God's promises, particularly the Second Coming. It underscores that unbelief can manifest as arrogant scorn, not just ignorance. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the seriousness with which the New Testament treats the rejection of eschatological truth—it is not passive doubt but aggressive ridicule that Scripture condemns. It connects to doctrines of judgment, perseverance, and the certainty of God's prophetic word.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, mockery (παίζω) was often associated with playful jesting but could denote serious derision, especially in philosophical or religious debates. The biblical usage intensifies this to scorn directed at divine matters. Unlike modern casual skepticism, ἐμπαίκτης implies a deliberate, morally culpable attitude that rejects authoritative prophecy, fitting a context where public ridicule was used to discredit rival teachings.

χλευαστής (chleuastēs, G5512) — a mocker or scoffer, with a similar meaning but less common; used in Acts 17:32 for those who sneered at Paul's preaching.

Word Details

Scripture References