Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is key to unlocking the depth of the New Testament and grasping the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient world. The Greek word λοιδορέω (loidoreō) appears in John 9:28, during a heated exchange where the Pharisees insult the man healed by Jesus. This word holds particular significance because it deals with verbal abuse and reviling, a common theme in the New Testament regarding how followers of Christ should respond to persecution. By understanding λοιδορέω, we gain insight into how early Christians were instructed to deal with hostility and mockery, both within religious settings and in broader society.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λοιδορέω (loidoreō) [pronunciation: loy-dor-EH-o].

Etymology: The root word of λοιδορέω is derived from λοιδορός (loidoros), meaning “reviler” or “abusive person.” The verb form focuses on the action of reproaching or insulting someone.

Part of Speech: Verb. λοιδορέω is a present active indicative verb that describes the act of reproaching or verbally abusing another. It is commonly used in contexts of derision or hostility, especially in the sense of insulting someone publicly.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Revile or Insult: The primary meaning of λοιδορέω is to hurl insults or to verbally abuse someone. This could be in a context of open hostility or ridicule.
2. To Slander: A secondary meaning involves spreading false accusations or degrading comments meant to harm someone’s reputation.
3. To Reproach: Another layer of meaning is to cast blame or reproach on someone in a condescending or accusatory way.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) [pronunciation: kat-ay-gor-EH-o]: This word means “to accuse” or “to charge someone with an offense.” While λοιδορέω focuses on verbal abuse, κατηγορέω refers more to formal accusations, often in legal or judicial settings.
2. βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō) [pronunciation: blas-FAY-meh-o]: This word is used when speaking of blasphemy or speaking against sacred things. Though λοιδορέω deals with insulting people, βλασφημέω is often reserved for speaking evil of God or religious beliefs.
3. ἐπηρεάζω (epēreazō) [pronunciation: ep-ay-reh-AH-zo]: This word is similar to λοιδορέω in that it involves treating someone abusively, often through mockery or verbal attacks.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Present Tense: The action of reviling is ongoing or habitual.
• Active Voice: The subject of the sentence is performing the action.
• Indicative Mood: The verb is making a factual statement about someone reviling another.

Person and Number:

• First Person Singular: λοιδορῶ (loidorō): I revile.
• Second Person Singular: λοιδορεῖς (loidoreis): You revile.
• Third Person Singular: λοιδορεῖ (loidorei): He/She reviles.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to major Greek lexicons, λοιδορέω is used in contexts of hostile speech, where someone is being insulted or slandered. It is often associated with strong emotions and public displays of contempt. In John 9:28, the Pharisees use this word to revile the man who was healed by Jesus, attacking him for his testimony. This reflects the broader New Testament theme of Christians enduring verbal abuse for their faith. Other lexicons emphasize the link between λοιδορέω and public reproach, where one’s dignity is attacked through words.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 9:28 – “Then they reviled ([λοιδορέω]) him and said, ‘You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.'”
2. 1 Peter 2:23 – “Who, when He was reviled ([λοιδορέω]), did not revile in return.”
3. 1 Corinthians 4:12 – “And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled ([λοιδορέω]), we bless; being persecuted, we endure.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word λοιδορέω describes acts of reviling, slandering, or verbally abusing others. It is used both in the New Testament and classical literature to convey a sense of hostile speech aimed at harming or belittling someone. In the New Testament, it highlights how Christians were insulted for their faith, and how Jesus Himself endured such reviling without retaliation. Understanding this term offers deeper insight into the biblical call to respond with grace in the face of persecution.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: λοιδορέω is often used in contexts where the verbal abuse is not just personal but also aimed at discrediting someone’s social standing or religious beliefs.
• Fact 2: In 1 Peter 2:23, λοιδορέω is used to describe how Christ, though reviled, did not retaliate, setting an example for believers.
• Fact 3: The word appears in both religious and secular texts, indicating that reviling was a common issue in ancient Greek culture, both in personal conflicts and public disputes.