μυκτηρίζω
myktērízō
G3456 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To express contempt or ridicule through facial gestures, especially by sneering or distorting the nose or mouth; to treat with scorn or derision by 'making faces.' In extended contexts, to mock, sneer at, or display disdain toward someone through visible gestures displaying contempt, rather than through words alone. The term emphasizes mockery as a visible, embodied act rather than only verbal insult.
Semantic Range
to sneer, to mock (with facial gestures), to ridicule, to display contempt outwardly, to scorn with gestures
Root / Etymology
From μυκτήρ (myktēr), 'nose, nostril,' derived from the root μυκ- ('to make a sound, low, bellow'), with the verb-forming suffix -ίζω. The act references a gesture involving the nose (such as snorting, sneering, or 'wrinkling the nose'), traditionally associated with disdain or ridicule. Cognate with the noun μυκτηρισμός ('act of mocking, sneering').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, μυκτηρίζω is a rare term, attested in a few sources with the core meaning of 'to sneer at' or 'show contempt by making a face.' The specific gesture implied (wrinkling or turning up the nose) was culturally recognized in antiquity as a sign of contempt or derision. In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Luke 16:14; Galatians 6:7), the term is used of visible, expressive mockery, especially by those who scorn or reject something or someone. Standard English translations often render it as 'mock' or 'scoff,' but these may not fully communicate the specific gesture-oriented aspect of the Greek term. The focus is less on verbal taunting and more on the performative, public demonstration of disrespect, usually accompanied by sneering facial gestures.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of the base of μυκάομαι (meaning snout, as that whence lowing proceeds); to make mouths at, i.e. ridicule:--mock.
Root Family
μυκτ- (myktērízō) — to sneer, to make faces, to deride
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3456-01 |
μυκτηρίζεται | mukterizetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is mocked | is being sneered at | is being sneered at | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3456-01 |
Galatians 6:7 | μυκτηρίζεται | mukterizetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is mocked | is being sneered at | is being sneered at |