Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, a reprimand is an expression of disapproval or correction, often delivered by a figure of authority or through divine instruction. Reprimands serve as a means of guiding individuals back to righteousness and are seen as an essential aspect of spiritual discipline and growth.Old Testament Context Reprimands in the Old Testament are frequently delivered by prophets, leaders, or God Himself. They are often directed at individuals or the nation of Israel for disobedience or idolatry. For example, in 2 Samuel 12:7-9, the prophet Nathan delivers a reprimand to King David after his sin with Bathsheba: "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why then have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight?'" The book of Proverbs frequently discusses the value of accepting reprimands as a path to wisdom. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." New Testament Context In the New Testament, reprimands are often given by Jesus, the apostles, or church leaders to correct behavior and encourage spiritual maturity. Jesus Himself reprimands the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." The apostle Paul also issues reprimands in his epistles to address issues within the early church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 , Paul reprimands the Corinthian church for tolerating immorality: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and removed from your fellowship the man who did this?" Purpose and Reception Reprimands in the biblical context are intended to lead to repentance and restoration. They are not merely punitive but are meant to bring about a change of heart and behavior. Hebrews 12:5-6 emphasizes this purpose: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: '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.'" The proper reception of a reprimand is crucial for spiritual growth. Proverbs 15:31-32 highlights the importance of heeding correction: "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." In summary, reprimands in the Bible are a vital tool for correction and instruction, aimed at guiding believers toward a life that honors God and reflects His holiness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Severe or formal reproof; strong rebuke.2. (n.) To reprove severely; to reprehend; to chide for a fault; to censure formally. 3. (n.) To reprove publicly and officially, in execution of a sentence; as, the court ordered him to be reprimanded. Library Twelfth Day. Fidelity in Rebuke. Grundtvig's Early Years Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ... Passion and Persuasion Then Maximian Returned into Gaul; and after Having Made Some Stay ... Letter xxiii (Circa AD 1130) to the Same Galatians Chapter iii. Letter cxiii. To Julian, Bishop of Cos. The Epistles in General Biographical Preface. Thesaurus Reprimand (1 Occurrence)... to be reprimanded. Multi-Version Concordance Reprimand (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 5:1 Never administer a sharp reprimand to a man ... /r/reprimand.htm - 7k Censure (3 Occurrences) Name (10157 Occurrences) Lecture (2 Occurrences) Rebuke (77 Occurrences) Represents (3 Occurrences) Reprimanded (5 Occurrences) Administer (10 Occurrences) Severity (7 Occurrences) Entreat (55 Occurrences) Resources When is it necessary to rebuke another believer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say to Peter, “Get behind me Satan”? | GotQuestions.org Reprimand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reprimand (1 Occurrence)1 Timothy 5:1 Subtopics Related Terms |