📖 Biblical Definition
Biblical rebuke is pointed verbal correction of error or sin, commanded as a regular part of gospel ministry: "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2). Proverbs draws the line of receiving it: "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee... reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee" (Proverbs 9:8). Rebuke is not insult, mockery, or venting — it is the loving, specific, scripture-grounded naming of sin or error for the sake of repentance. Pastors must rebuke (Titus 1:13; 2:15); fathers must rebuke their sons (Proverbs 13:24); friends must rebuke their friends (Proverbs 27:5-6). A church that cannot rebuke cannot disciple, and a man who cannot receive rebuke cannot grow.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Pointed verbal correction; gospel-ministry command.
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Pointed verbal correction of sin or error; commanded by Paul as part of the gospel ministry alongside reproof and exhortation; received gladly by the wise (Prov 9:8) and rejected by the scorner; refused at the cost of one's soul.
📖 Key Scripture
2 Timothy 4:2 — "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Proverbs 9:8 — "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."
Proverbs 27:5 — "Open rebuke is better than secret love."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Avoided as unloving in modern church culture; Scripture commands it as part of love.
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The age treats correction as cruelty. Paul commands it as ministry. Proverbs says open rebuke is better than secret love — silence about sin is not kindness, it is abandonment. Learn to rebuke; learn to receive rebuke. Both are gospel skills.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew yakach — to reprove; Greek epitimaō — to rebuke.
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['Hebrew', 'H3198', 'yakach', 'to reprove, rebuke']
['Greek', 'G2008', 'epitimaō', 'to rebuke']
Usage
"Open rebuke is better than secret love."
"Rebuke the wise; they love you for it."