καταγελάω

I laugh at, ridicule

Definition

The verb καταγελάω means to laugh at someone or something in a scornful, mocking, or derisive manner. It specifically conveys the idea of laughing down upon or against someone, implying a sense of contempt or disbelief directed at the target. In its three New Testament occurrences, it describes the reaction of mourners who ridicule Jesus after he declares a dead girl is only sleeping (Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:40, Luke 8:53). The laughter is not joyful but is a dismissive scoffing at a statement they consider absurd.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels' parallel accounts of Jesus raising Jairus's daughter. In each instance (Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:40, Luke 8:53), it describes the response of the professional mourners and crowd who laugh at Jesus after he states, 'The girl is not dead but sleeping.' The usage consistently depicts a public, scornful rejection of Jesus's words, highlighting the crowd's lack of faith and setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of his authority over death.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' combined with the verb γελάω (gelaō), meaning 'I laugh.' The compound form intensifies the base meaning to 'laugh down upon' or 'laugh against,' thus carrying a strong connotation of mockery, derision, or scornful ridicule. It is the opposite of laughing with someone; it is laughing at their expense.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly captures the clash between human skepticism and divine authority. The crowd's scornful laughter at Jesus's pronouncement starkly contrasts with the power he is about to demonstrate in raising the dead. It underscores themes of faith versus unbelief and the world's ridicule of God's truth and power. Understanding this specific Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intensity of the opposition Jesus faced and the profound faith required to believe his seemingly impossible words.

In the cultural context, professional mourners were commonly present at deaths. Their loud, demonstrative weeping was a social expectation. Their swift shift from wailing to scornful laughter (καταγελάω) at Jesus's statement reveals their perception of his words as not only wrong but ridiculous and worthy of contempt. This public mockery was a serious social rebuke, intensifying the tension of the scene.

ἐμπαίζω (empaizō, G1702) — to mock, treat with contempt; often used of mocking Jesus during his passion. καταγελάω focuses on scornful laughter, while ἐμπαίζω is a broader term for mockery that can include verbal abuse and physical actions.

Word Details

Scripture References