In the context of the Bible, a "rebuker" is one who admonishes, corrects, or reprimands others, often with the intention of guiding them back to righteousness and truth. The act of rebuking is seen as a necessary component of spiritual leadership and community life, serving to maintain holiness and adherence to God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

The concept of rebuke is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where prophets, leaders, and even God Himself are depicted as rebukers. In Proverbs 27:5, it is written, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed." This highlights the value placed on honest correction over hidden affection, emphasizing the importance of transparency and truth in relationships.

The prophets frequently served as rebukers to the nation of Israel, calling them to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their disobedience. For example, Nathan the prophet rebuked King David for his sin with Bathsheba, as recorded in 2 Samuel 12:7-9. Nathan's rebuke was direct and led to David's repentance, illustrating the power and purpose of a righteous rebuke.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is portrayed as a rebuker, often correcting His disciples and the religious leaders of the time. In Matthew 16:23, Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Here, Jesus' rebuke serves to realign Peter's understanding with divine purposes.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the role of rebuke in the life of the church. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This charge underscores the necessity of rebuke as part of pastoral care and teaching.

Characteristics of a Godly Rebuker

A godly rebuker is characterized by love, humility, and a desire for the spiritual growth of others. Rebuke should not be delivered out of anger or self-righteousness but should be motivated by a genuine concern for the well-being of the individual and the community. In Galatians 6:1, Paul advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

The Role of Rebuke in Christian Life

Rebuke is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and community life. It serves as a means of correction and growth, helping believers to stay on the path of righteousness. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers of the Lord's discipline: "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives."

In summary, the role of a rebuker is vital in the biblical narrative, serving as a tool for correction, instruction, and spiritual growth. Whether through prophets, apostles, or fellow believers, rebuke is a means by which God guides His people toward holiness and obedience.(n.) One who rebukes.

Preface.
... beginning of the other; as among the greatest of those born of women; as the porter
who opened the door to the True Shepherd; as the fearless rebuker of royal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/preface.htm

Twelfth Day. Fidelity in Rebuke.
... Perhaps, when Peter was led to call the Apostle who honestly reproved him, "Our
beloved brother Paul," in nothing did he love his rebuker more, than for the ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twelfth day fidelity in rebuke.htm

Twentieth Day. Not Retaliating.
... He, too, puts on record, long after, in one of his own epistles a sentence regarding
his Rebuker, but it is this""Our beloved brother Paul!". Reader! ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twentieth day not retaliating.htm

The Second Miracle
... We have here, then, Christ manifested as the Discerner, the Rebuker, the Answerer,
and therefore the Strengthener, of a very insufficient and ignorant faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the second miracle.htm

Herod --A Startled Conscience
... In both cases we have the weak ruler, the beautiful she-devil at his side, inspiring
him for all evil, and the stern prophet, the rebuker and the incarnate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/heroda startled conscience.htm

Whether a Sinner Ought to Reprove a Wrongdoer?
... Thirdly, on account of the rebuker's pride; when, for instance, a man thinks lightly
of his own sins, and, in his own heart, sets himself above his neighbor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a sinner ought to.htm

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
... which fascinated commoner men, and make the next point the more striking"namely,
the utter humility with which this strong, self-reliant, fiery rebuker of sin ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the strong forerunner and the.htm

Ahab and Elijah
... him. Ay, and so it is always. The faithful rebuker, the merciful inflicter
of pain, is the truest friend of the wrongdoer. The worst ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and elijah.htm

Letter Xlii. To Chilo, his Disciple.
... boldly, and thrown into a pit of mud; of Isaiah, who saw unspeakable things, cut
asunder with a saw; of Israel led away captive; of John the rebuker of adultery ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlii to chilo his.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... To come neither eating nor drinking; to be stern, reserved, and lonely; to live
apart from the homes of men, to be the severe and unflinching rebuker of other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm

Rebuker (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rebuker (1 Occurrence). Hosea 5:2 And the revolters are
profound to make slaughter, though I have been a rebuker of them all. ...
/r/rebuker.htm - 6k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)

/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Rebuked (39 Occurrences)

/r/rebuked.htm - 17k

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)
... "Rebuker" (mucar, literally, "correction," "chastisement") in Hosea 5:2 has the
Revised Version margin "Hebrew `rebuke.' " In the New Testament "to rebuke" is ...
/r/rebuke.htm - 32k

Revolters (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Hosea 5:2 And the revolters are profound to make slaughter,
though I have been a rebuker of them all. (KJV ASV WBS NAS). ...
/r/revolters.htm - 7k

Profound (7 Occurrences)
... with him. (See NAS). Hosea 5:2 And the revolters are profound to make slaughter,
though I have been a rebuker of them all. (KJV WBS). ...
/p/profound.htm - 8k

Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:7-15). Elijah next appears in the narrative as rebuker of Ahab
for the judicial murder of Naboth. In the very piece of ...
/e/elijah.htm - 71k

Rejected (96 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Hosea 5:2 And the revolters are gone
deep in making slaughter; but I am a rebuker of them all. (See JPS). ...
/r/rejected.htm - 36k

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