The Hebrew verb yakach means to reprove, rebuke, correct, decide, judge, or convict. It occurs approximately 59 times in the Old Testament and carries the sense of bringing someone to account through reasoned argument or authoritative correction. The word implies a confrontation aimed at restoration rather than destruction.
Yakach is a key wisdom term, appearing frequently in Proverbs where the wise person welcomes correction while the fool despises it. God Himself is described as one who reproves — His correction is an expression of His love and His desire to keep His people on the right path. The famous invitation in Isaiah 1:18 ("Come now, let us reason together") uses this verb, presenting God as one who enters into dialogue with His people to bring about repentance and reconciliation.