Brief Overview of ἀντιλοιδορέω (Strong’s G486)

The Greek verb ἀντιλοιδορέω (antiloidoréō) is derived from the prefix ἀντί (anti), meaning “against,” and the root λοιδορέω (loidoréō), which means “to revile” or “to reproach.” Thus, ἀντιλοιδορέω means “to revile in return” or “to respond to reviling with reviling.” It involves replying to insults or harsh criticism with similar or greater hostility.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀντιλοιδορέω as “to revile in return.” This term is used to describe the act of responding to insults or reproaches with similar insults. It conveys a notion of reciprocal hostility or return of verbal abuse.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἀντιλοιδορέω as “to retaliate with reviling.” It emphasizes the aspect of responding to verbal abuse with counter-abuse. This lexicon notes that the term signifies a reciprocal action where one insults in response to being insulted.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀντιλοιδορέω as “to revile in return.” It highlights the notion of returning an insult with another insult. LSJ notes that this term involves a direct reaction to verbal attack with similar negative expressions.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s describes ἀντιλοιδορέω as “to return abuse for abuse” or “to revile in return.” It emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action, where one responds to verbal insults with similar verbal insults, reflecting a cycle of verbal aggression.

In summary, ἀντιλοιδορέω (antiloidoréō) refers to the act of responding to verbal insults or reproaches with similar or equivalent insults. Strong’s provides a basic definition, while BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s offer additional insights into the reciprocal nature of the term, highlighting its use in contexts of returning verbal abuse.