ἐλέγχω
elegchō
to rebuke
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐλέγχω (elegchō) means "to rebuke" according to the lexicon data provided. In its basic sense, this verb involves pointing out error or wrongdoing. It can be used in various contexts, including correcting or reproaching someone for their actions. As evident from its 18 occurrences in the Bible, elegchō is a versatile term that encompasses shades of meaning from gentle reproof to stern accusation, depending on the context in which it is used. Its range of usage suggests that the speaker may be motivated by a desire to guide, correct, or even shame the person being addressed. Despite its potentially confrontational connotation, elegchō does not necessarily imply aggression or hostility, but rather the intention to bring the other person's actions into line with some perceived standard. Given its varied usage, elegchō plays a significant role in the Bible as a means of expressing social norms, moral expectations, and personal accountability. It can be used to hold individuals responsible for their behavior, and thus serves as a mechanism for maintaining social order and promoting personal growth.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
18 total occurrences across the text
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
Luke 3:19but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,
John 3:20For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.
John 8:9They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle.
John 8:46Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
John 16:8When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
1 Corinthians 14:24But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all.
Ephesians 5:11Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them.
Ephesians 5:13But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.
2 Timothy 4:2preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.
Titus 1:9holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
Titus 1:13This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Titus 2:15Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
1 Timothy 5:20Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
Hebrews 12:5You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him;
James 2:9But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.
Jude 1:15to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.