[Greek] ἐμπαίζω (empaizō), [Latin] deridere: to mock, to ridicule, to jeer, to play with, to make fun of, to sport, to deride, to trifle with; Mt.2:16, Mt.20:19, Mt.27:29,31,41, Mk.10:34, Mk.15:20,31, Lk.14:29, Lk.18:32, Lk.22:63, Lk.23:11,36
The Maccabees: painting by Wojciech Korneli Stattler (1830)
Background information:
Related Greek etymology: This term is related to the Greek verb paizo which means to play like a child, to sport, to play with, to joke, and to make sport of. This term brings elements of children, playing, joking, and bullying. References include “being a student of”, “sports”, “was playing”, “was joking”, “making sport”, and “making fun of”. The Greek noun pais means child. The Greek noun paideia means education (training). A well rounded (cyclo-) education gives rise to the word encyclopedia.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to mock, to play with, to disparage, to ridicule, to jeer at, to make fun of, to make sport of, and to trifle with. This can be expressed in word, attitude, or act. This can be a wanton criticism or constructive criticism to show superiority. This hostility is often directed toward the righteous. Herodotus’ The Histories 4.134 “These men (Scythians) hold us in deep contempt’ I understand almost by reason alone how difficult it would be to deal with these Scythians. I understand even better, watching them toy with us?” Sophocles’ Antigone 799 states “Desire sits enthroned in power beside the mighty laws. For in all this divine Aphrodite plays her irresistible game.”
Old Testament: This term is related to several Hebrew terms. Such meanings include to reject, to trample down, to smite, to strike, to abuse, to mock, to laugh at, to make sport of, to deceive, and to deride. This term pertains to persecution, maltreatment, and martyr piety of Judaism. Derision, mockery, and torture often lead to one’s martyrdom. Gentile abomination against the Jews becomes a consistent theme. Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us (Psa.44:5). Our adversaries have trodden it down (Isa.63:18). Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me (Psa.74:6). Because you have made a mockery of me (Num.22:29). The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me (Gen.39:17). In disdaining money, you were not like a harlot (Eze.16:31). I also laugh at your calamity (Pro.1:26). Perhaps my father will feel me, then I will be as a deceiver in his sight (Gen.27:12).
The Maccabees: Stattler creates an illustration representing several events occurring at different times related to the Greek king Antiochus’ order urging the Hasmoneans (descendants of the Maccabee family) to renounce their faith and bow down to pagan deities. This order forced them to rise in revolt. The painting shows a statue of the god Jupiter with a group of Jews at its feet, paying tribute to the deity. At the right hand side of the painting, one can see an altar with a hammer and open shackles (symbols of the Polish resistance against the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia).
New Testament: This term, used in an active and passive sense, means to mock and to trick. Herod, interested in seeking out the infant Jesus, is tricked (duped) by the magi. The builder, unable to finish his work, brings ridicule upon himself. Jesus receives ridicule in the passion account from the soldiers, chief priests, scribes, and the elders. This ridicule includes mockery, scourging (smiting), spitting, receiving a crown of thorns and purple robe. This violence toward Jesus eventually leads to His crucifixion. This continues the Jewish martyrdom at the hands of the Gentiles.
Scripture:
“When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious.” Mt.2:16
Herod considered the infant Jesus to be a threat. Being tricked is one aspect of being mocked or ridiculed.
“Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him.” Lk.14:29
The builder looked foolish by others for being unprepared.
“He will be handed over to the Gentiles and He will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.” Lk.18:32
God’s providence permitted that Jesus be ridiculed and mocked, leading to His crucifixion.
To make sport of: This originally comes from the Latin verb deportare, meaning to carry away. The related Anglo-Norman term is desport, which means to entertain or amuse. This is also related to the French verb divertir. To sport (to make sport of), originating in 1400, means to take pleasure or to amuse oneself. Therefore, making sport of someone means taking advantage of someone else for one’s own amusement.
Conclusion:
Pediatrics, pedagogy, encyclopedia, pediatrician, deride, sport, divert, diversion
It is interesting to note that this term is related to the Greek verb paizo, which refers to playing like a child. Therefore, there are similar elements between empaizo and paizo. Yet, empaizo seems to be a much more serious form of this term. Essentially, mockery, ridicule, and bullying can apply to all people in any generation in time. It is perhaps not surprising that there is often a very fine line (distinction) between playing, mocking, and bullying.
In the Old Testament, this term takes on a much more serious sense. The mocking, ridicule, and persecution of the Jews occur during the Maccabean age. This will continue with Jesus.
In the New Testament, God’s providence permits the mocking and ridicule of Jesus (Son of Man).
In our current culture, social media provides many benefits to our society. Yet, some unanticipated consequences may result from social media. Oftentimes, people will make mistakes, but will be forgiven for their offenses, mockery, bulling, and other forms of ridicule. Mockery and bullying are readily visible in social media. However, social media at many times may leave a permanent reminder (record) of one’s offenses or mistakes. This may have the unintended result of ruining one’s reputation from something done in the past. This also becomes a cautionary message for those seeking work. Potential employers may often check these young persons’ social media posts (and social behavior). If these employers find something reckless or stupid (like being a Co-vidiot), then these job candidates may have difficulties finding employment.
During this pandemic, we continue to be stuck in our homes for work, school, and recreational activities. As you readily can understand and perhaps identify with (like me), puzzles have become a great diversion during these difficult times. Puzzles companies are doing very well during this time. These companies cannot keep up with the demand for puzzles. It should be not puzzling to figure out that puzzles and pandemics seem to go hand in hand.
In recent times, this hypersensitivity to mocking and bullying has entered itself into sports and games. Some people have done away with games such as “Tag”, since being “it” can hurt one’s sense of self-esteem. Other games being banned are Red Rover, dodgeball, musical chairs, and snowball fights. Also, trophies are frequently given out for participation, rather than for competition and achievement. In other words, the 12th place team also now gets a trophy. (This ultimately makes a mockery of childhood games and sports.)
So each of us all need to be careful in how we use social media. Otherwise, we may make a mockery of our own reputations. This is no joking matter!