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G486 · Greek · New Testament
ἀντιλοιδορέω
Antiloidoreō
Verb
To revile in return

Definition

Antiloidoreō means to revile back, insult in return, or return abuse for abuse. The prefix anti (against/in return) combined with loidoreō (to revile/abuse verbally) describes the natural human impulse to return insults with insults. Used in 1 Peter to describe what Christ did not do when He suffered.

Usage & Theological Significance

Peter's use of antiloidoreō in 1 Peter 2:23 is the heart of Christian counter-cultural suffering: Christ, when reviled, did not revile in return. This is not passive weakness but active trust in the just Judge. The Christian who absorbs suffering without retaliation is most fully imitating Christ — entrusting themselves to the One who judges justly.

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.
Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.

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