📖 Biblical Definition
To make sport of, deride, or treat with derisive imitation. In Scripture the verb recurs as the consistent response of the wicked to God's prophets, to Christ at the cross, and to truth generally. Galatians 6:7 issues the warning: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The mockers of 2 Peter 3:3 are described as walking after their own lusts and questioning Christ's return. Christ Himself was repeatedly mocked: by Herod's soldiers who dressed Him in royal robes (Luke 23:11), by the Roman soldiers who crowned Him with thorns (Mark 15:17-20), by passers-by at the cross (Mark 15:29-31), by the religious leaders (Mark 15:31), by one of the crucified thieves (Luke 23:39). Elisha was mocked by the young men of Bethel (2 Kgs 2:23) — two she-bears killed forty-two of them. The biblical pattern: mocking God's servants is mocking God; vindication comes, sometimes immediately, often finally.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
To deride, ridicule, treat with derisive imitation.
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To imitate in contempt or derision; to ridicule; in Scripture, the recurring response of the wicked toward God's prophets, His Son on the cross, and His truth — and a sin God will not let pass: 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked.'
📖 Key Scripture
Galatians 6:7 — "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Matthew 27:29 — "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head... and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!"
2 Chronicles 36:16 — "But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Treated as mere humor; Scripture treats persistent mockery as the unforgivable line.
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A culture that mocks everything is a culture without holy ground. 2 Chronicles 36:16 says Israel was destroyed because 'they mocked the messengers of God.' Galatians 6:7 says God is not mocked. There is a line where derision becomes judgment-summoning.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek empaizō — to mock; Hebrew laag — to deride.
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['Greek', 'G1702', 'empaizō', 'to mock, deride']
['Hebrew', 'H3932', 'laag', 'to deride']
Usage
"God is not mocked."
"Persistent national mockery summons judgment."