Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Reproaches refer to expressions of disapproval, criticism, or disappointment directed towards someone. In the biblical context, reproaches often involve verbal attacks or insults that challenge one's character, faith, or actions. They can be a form of persecution or a test of faith, serving as a means through which believers are refined and strengthened in their spiritual journey.
Biblical Instances and Usage:Reproaches are mentioned throughout the Bible, often in the context of the righteous suffering for their faith or as a consequence of sin. They can be directed towards individuals, groups, or even God Himself.
1.
Reproaches Against the Righteous: The righteous often face reproaches from the ungodly. In the Psalms, David frequently laments the reproaches he endures from his enemies. For instance, in
Psalm 69:9, he writes, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me." This verse highlights how the faithful may bear reproaches intended for God, reflecting their close identification with Him.
2.
Reproaches as a Test of Faith: Reproaches can serve as a test of faith, challenging believers to remain steadfast. In the New Testament, Jesus warns His followers of the reproaches they will face for His name's sake. In
Matthew 5:11, He states, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." Here, reproaches are portrayed as a cause for blessing, as they align believers with Christ's own sufferings.
3.
Reproaches and Sin: Reproaches can also be a consequence of sin, serving as a form of divine discipline. In
Proverbs 14:34, it is written, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." This suggests that sin brings about reproach, not only on individuals but on entire communities, highlighting the communal impact of moral failings.
4.
Bearing Reproaches for Christ: The New Testament encourages believers to bear reproaches for the sake of Christ, viewing them as a participation in His sufferings.
Hebrews 13:13 exhorts, "Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore." This call to bear reproach willingly underscores the honor and privilege of sharing in Christ's sufferings.
5.
God's Response to Reproaches: Scripture assures believers that God is aware of the reproaches they endure and will ultimately vindicate them. In
Romans 15:3, Paul cites
Psalm 69:9, applying it to Christ: "For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.'" This demonstrates that God, through Christ, has borne the ultimate reproach, providing a model and source of strength for believers.
Theological Implications:Reproaches in the Bible serve as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of spiritual warfare. They call believers to a deeper reliance on God, trusting in His justice and ultimate vindication. The experience of reproach is not only a personal trial but also a communal one, as the body of Christ is called to support and uphold one another in the face of opposition.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to respond to reproaches with grace and perseverance, following the example of Christ. They are to view reproaches as opportunities for spiritual growth and as a testament to their faithfulness. The community of faith plays a crucial role in providing support and encouragement, helping individuals to bear reproaches with dignity and hope.
Greek
3680. oneidismos -- a reproach... Word Origin from oneidizo Definition a reproach NASB Word Usage reproach (3),
reproaches (2). reproach. From oneidizo; contumely -- reproach.
...Strong's Hebrew
3639. kelimmah -- insult, reproach, ignominy... from kalam Definition insult, reproach, ignominy NASB Word Usage disgrace (8), dishonor
(6), humiliation (7), insults (5), reproach (1),
reproaches (1), shame
...2778a. charaph -- to reproach
... root Definition to reproach NASB Word Usage defied (2), defy (2), despised (1),
insult (1), reproach (7), reproached (8),reproaches (5), revile (2), reviled (1...
2781. cherpah -- a reproach
... Word Origin from charaph Definition a reproach NASB Word Usage contempt (1), disgrace
(5), reproach (60),reproaches (2), scorn (3), shame (1), taunting (1)....
Library
Next HeReproaches them with their Luxury in Seeking Pleasure for...
... Book 4 Chapter 19. Next hereproaches them with their luxury in seeking
pleasure for the sense of? 19. Next hereproaches them...
But Since HeReproaches us with Too Great an Anxiety About the...
... Chapter L. But since hereproaches us with too great an anxiety about the
body? But since hereproaches us with too great an anxiety...
But Why Should I Prolong this Discussion? I Shall Take no Notice...
... I shall take no notice of hisreproaches and railings; I shall make no answer to
his violent attacks, that daily task of his, for which Porphyry sharpened his...
Petilianus Said: Over and Over Again HeReproaches the False...
... Book II. Chapter 13. " 29. Petilianus said: Over and over again He
reproaches the FALSE speakers and liars? "29. Petilianus...
In the Next Place, Since HeReproaches us with the Existence of...
... Chapter XII. In the next place, since hereproaches us with the existence
of heresies in Christianity? In the next place, since...
Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of this Superstitious...
... Chapter III."Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of This Superstitious Man,
SharplyReproaches Minucius, on the Ground that the Disgrace of This Wicked...
When He was Living at Rome He Wrote a Treatise on the Preservation...
... and persecutors, and whoever else hate the Christian name, vied with one another
in copying out, because of the infamous charges and foulreproaches which it...
Psalm XCI.
... And yet what will a harsh word do to you? Nothing. Can the snares with which the
enemy entraps you by means ofreproaches, do nothing to you?...
Hebrews x. 32-34
... which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; [3175]
partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both byreproaches and afflictions...
The Answer on their Remedies.
... And, by thus looking at the sufferings of all the saints, or indeed at those of
the Lord Himself, he will admit that the variousreproaches as well as...
Thesaurus
Reproaches (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reproaches (19 Occurrences). Matthew 27:44 And the robbers
also who had been crucified with him cast the same
reproaches on him. (DBY)
...Insult (25 Occurrences)
... But, as it is written, "Thereproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
(See NIV).... Thereproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me....
Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)
... 10:33, it is the translation of theatrizo, "to bring upon the theater," "to be made
a spectacle of," "made a gazing stock both byreproaches and afflictions...
Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)
... 10:33, it is the translation of theatrizo, "to bring upon the theater," "to be made
a spectacle of," "made a gazing stock both byreproaches and afflictions...
Insults (34 Occurrences)
... But, as it is written, "Thereproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
(See NIV).... Thereproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me....
Reproachers (1 Occurrence)
... Reproachers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 69:9 For zeal for Thy house hath consumed me,
And thereproaches of Thy reproachers Have fallen upon me. (YLT)....
Reviling (47 Occurrences)
... n.) of Revile. 2. (n.) Reproach; abuse; vilification. 3. (a.) Utteringreproaches;
containingreproaches. Multi-Version Concordance Reviling (47 Occurrences)....
Reproached (27 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:3 For even Christ didn't please himself. But, as it is written, "The
reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV)....
Reproach (124 Occurrences)
... himself. But, as it is written, "Thereproaches of those who reproached you
fell on me." (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)....
Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)
... (b) The "reproaches" of 2:8, 10 presuppose the destruction of... (b) Is it true that
the "reproaches" of 2:8, 10 presuppose the destruction of Jerusalem?...
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