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H1421 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גִּדּוּף
gidduph
Noun, masculine
Reviling, reproach, blasphemy, taunt

Definition

A noun derived from gadaph (to revile, blaspheme), describing words of contempt, insult, or blasphemy directed against God or His people. It captures the destructive power of the tongue aimed at the holy.

Usage & Theological Significance

Gidduph appears in prophetic contexts where surrounding nations taunt and revile Israel, believing God has abandoned His people. Zephaniah declares that Moab and Ammon will be judged for their reviling of Israel (Zephaniah 2:8). Isaiah condemns those who revile God with their blasphemous confidence in idols. The theological lesson is consistent: to revile God's covenant people is to revile God Himself. This principle echoes in the New Testament — Paul's persecutors who reviled the followers of Jesus were reviling the Head (Acts 9:4). Words of contempt toward the body of Christ are never merely horizontal; they reach heaven.

Key Bible Verses

Zephaniah 2:8 I have heard the taunt of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people.
Isaiah 43:28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary, and deliver Jacob to utter destruction and Israel to reviling.
Psalm 44:16 Because of the sound of the taunt and reviling, because of the enemy, who is bent on destruction.
Acts 9:4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
Isaiah 37:6 Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me.

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