Reproof
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament [1]
The subject of reproof, i.e. the refutation of error, the discovery of sin, the convincing and convicting of the wrongdcer (ἐλεγμός, ἔλεγχος, ἐλέγχω: Septuagintfor. תּוֹבַחָה, תּוֹבַחַת, הוֹבִיחַ), is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Reproof is used generally in the sense of rebuke. Rules are laid down for its administration, and advice given as to its reception. It is necessary, beneficial, and not to be despised. The great and constant dangers to be avoided are these-reproving unskilfully, withholding reproof unfaithfully, and resenting reproof administered in love. Christians in general are exhorted to reprove ‘the unfruitful works of darkness’ ( Ephesians 5:11; Ephesians 5:13; cf. Matthew 18:15-18), and Christian ministers in particular must regard reproof as an important duty of their office ( 1 Timothy 5:20, 2 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:9; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15).
Reproof may be administered (a) by word, in which case there is the underlying idea of severe rebuke and admonition. The offender must be called upon to give an explanation of his conduct and his fault must be made plain to him ( 1 Timothy 5:20, 2 Timothy 4:2, Judges 1:15; cf. Matthew 18:15, Luke 3:19); (b) by deed, in a two-fold sense: (i.) by deeds of light being manifested in a way that will be a virtual reproof of deeds of darkness ( Ephesians 5:13; cf. John 3:19-21); (ii.) by chastening or punishment ( Hebrews 12:5; cf. Psalms 37:2; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 119:67; Psalms 119:75, Proverbs 3:11, Jeremiah 31:18-19, Revelation 3:19, Wisdom of Solomon 12:2, Tobit 11:15; Tobit 13:5; Tobit 13:9, Judith 8:27); (c) by the Scriptures ( 2 Timothy 3:16). Behind the censure lies the fundamental idea of the conviction of sin, The verb ἐλέγχω signifies ‘prove, refute, expose, convict.’ It is used with these meanings in classical writers from the time of Euripides. Many scholars hold the opinion that it means rather more than ‘reprove’ and rather less than ‘convince.’ For ‘reprove’ in the sense of ‘bring to the proof’ see 2 Timothy 4:2 Revised Version margin; cf. Psalms 38:14 Revised Version margin. For reproof in relation to sin, see 1 Corinthians 14:24, James 2:9, Judges 1:15; cf. John 8:9; John 8:46; John 16:8; Aristoph. Plut. 574. For reproof of false teachers, see Titus 1:9; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15.
H. Cariss J. Sidnell.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
Blame or reprehension spoken to a person's face. It is distinguished from a reprimand thus. He who reproves another, points out his fault, and blames him. He who reprimands, affects to punish, and mortifies the offended. In giving reproof, the following rules may be observed:
1. We should not be forward in reproving our elders or superiors, but rather to remonstrate and supplicate for redress. What the ministers of God do in this kind, they do by special commission, as those that must give an account, 1 Timothy 5:1 . Hebrews 13:17 .
2. We must not reprove rashly; there should be proof before reproof.
3. We should not reprove for slight matters for such faults or defects as proceed from natural frailty, from inadvertency, or mistake in matters of small consequence.
4. We should never reprove unseasonably, as to the time, the place, or the circumstances.
5. We should reprove mildly and sweetly, in the calmest manner, in the gentlest terms.
6. We should not affect to be reprehensive: perhaps there is no one considered more troublesome than he who delights in finding fault with others. In receiving reproof it may be observed,
1. That we should not reject it merely because it may come from those who are not exactly on a level with ourselves.
2. We should consider whether the reproof given be not actually deserved; and that, if the reprover knew all, whether the reproof would not be sharper than what it is.
3. Whether, if taken humbly and patiently, it will not be of great advantage to us.
4. That it is nothing but pride to suppose that we are never to be the subjects of reproof, since it is human to err.
King James Dictionary [3]
REPROOF', n. from reprove.
1. Blame expressed to the face censure for a fault reprehension.
Those best can bear reproof, who merit praise.
He that hateth reproof is brutish. Proverbs 12 .
2. Blame cast censure directed to a person.
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(1): ( n.) Refutation; confutation; contradiction.
(2): ( n.) An expression of blame or censure; especially, blame expressed to the face; censure for a fault; chiding; reproach.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [5]
( תֹּכִחִת גְּעָרָה , Ἔλεγχος ), blame or reprehension spoken to a person's face. It is distinguished from a reprimand thus: he who reproves another, points out his fault, and blames him; he who reprimands affects to punish, and mortifies the offender. In giving reproof, the following rules may be observed:
1. We should not be forward in reproving our elders or superiors, but rather to remonstrate and supplicate for redress. What the ministers of God do in this kind, they do by special commission as those that must give an account ( 1 Timothy 5:1; Hebrews 13:17).
2. We must not reprove rashly; there should be proof before reproof.
3. We should not reprove for slight matters, for such faults or defects as proceed from natural frailty, from inadvertency, or mistake in matters of small consequence.
4. We should never reprove unseasonably, as to the time, the place, or the circumstances.
5. We should reprove mildly and sweetly, in the calmest manner, in the gentlest terms.
6. We should not affect to be reprehensive; perhaps there is no one considered more troublesome than he who delights in finding fault with others.
In receiving reproof, it may be observed,
1. That we should not reject it merely because it may come from those who are not exactly on a level with ourselves.
2. We should consider whether the reproof given be not actually deserved; and whether, if the reprover knew all, the reproof would not be sharper than it is.
3. Whether, if taken humbly and patiently, it will not be of great advantage to us.
4. That it is nothing but pride to suppose that we are never to be the subjects of reproof, since it is human to err.
