Definition and Meaning:
Reproaching in the biblical context refers to expressing disapproval or disappointment, often accompanied by rebuke or criticism. It involves addressing someone with disapproval for their actions or behavior, and it can be directed towards individuals, groups, or even God. The act of reproaching can be seen as a form of correction or admonition, intended to bring about repentance or change.

Biblical Instances and Usage:
Reproaching is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is often associated with the consequences of sin, disobedience, or lack of faith.

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Psalm 69:9 : "For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me." This verse highlights the psalmist's experience of bearing reproach for his devotion to God, reflecting the suffering that comes from standing firm in faith amidst opposition.
· Isaiah 51:7 : "Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people who have My instruction in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be dismayed by their insults." Here, God encourages His people not to fear human reproach, emphasizing the importance of divine approval over human opinion.

2. New Testament Examples:
· Romans 15:3 : "For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.'" This passage refers to Christ's willingness to endure reproach for the sake of others, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating His selfless love.
· Hebrews 11:26 : "He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward." This verse speaks of Moses, who chose to endure reproach for the sake of Christ, valuing eternal reward over earthly riches.

Theological Significance:
Reproaching in the Bible often serves as a test of faith and character. It is a tool used by God to refine and purify His people, drawing them closer to Him. The faithful are called to endure reproach with patience and humility, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication.

· Endurance and Faith: Believers are encouraged to endure reproach for the sake of righteousness, as seen in 1 Peter 4:14 : "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." This verse reassures Christians that enduring reproach for Christ's sake is a mark of blessing and divine presence.

· Christ as the Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of enduring reproach. His life and ministry were marked by opposition and criticism, yet He remained steadfast in His mission. Believers are called to follow His example, bearing reproach with grace and love.

Practical Application:
In the life of a believer, reproach can be an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on God. Christians are encouraged to respond to reproach with forgiveness, love, and a steadfast commitment to truth. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion:
Reproaching, while often challenging, is an integral part of the Christian journey. It serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to live a life that honors God above all else. Through enduring reproach, believers are refined and strengthened in their faith, drawing closer to the heart of God.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Reproach.

How Eurycles Calumniated the Sons of Mariamne; and How Euaratus of ...
... But he was principally hired by Antipater, and so betrayed Alexander, and this by
reproaching Antipater, because, while he was the eldest son he overlooked the ...
/.../chapter 26 how eurycles calumniated.htm

Matt. xii. 46-49.
... mind. That is, because the Jews were reproaching Him, and saying, "Is not
this the carpenter's son, whose father and mother we know? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliv matt xii 46-49.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... Paul questionless did especially mean hereby to hinder the Christians at that time
from reproaching the Jews and the pagans among whom they lived, men in their ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Book ii.
... are a great many men so very foolish, that they are rather caught by such orations
than by what is written with care, and take pleasure in reproaching other men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

Connection of Gluttony and Lust. Grounds of Psychical Objections ...
... They are therefore constantly reproaching us with novelty; concerning the unlawfulness
of which they lay down a prescriptive rule, that either it must be ...
/.../chapter i connection of gluttony and.htm

Nor Should I Think it Needful to Discuss Whether God Pursues a ...
... The wise fire makes for them the molten likeness of a calf, reproaching them with
having the heart where they have their treasure also,"in Egypt, to wit ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter iii nor should i.htm

But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for ...
... Yet there will be no one reproaching the superintendent of the contest for exposing
men to outrage. Suits for injuries lie outside the racecourse. ...
/.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter vi but if for.htm

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived. ...
... service of love will bear much fruit (John 15:8). And if men speak evil of you and
pelt you with reproaches, pray for them, and instead of reproaching them let ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii 1 love is.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... the allegiance of his subjects by oath, or in any other manner, it is asked, "Shall
even he that hateth right govern (bind)?"[315] Reproaching his servants ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... And, when they even rose up against him, and reproaching him concerning the precedency,
were threatening him, and were already almost upon him, the meek man ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

Reproaching (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reproaching (5 Occurrences). Matthew 27:44 with the same
also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him. (YLT). ...
/r/reproaching.htm - 7k

Reprobate (8 Occurrences)

/r/reprobate.htm - 11k

Upbraid (2 Occurrences)
... person. 5. (vi) To utter upbraidings. 6. (n.) The act of reproaching; contumely.
Multi-Version Concordance Upbraid (2 Occurrences). ...
/u/upbraid.htm - 7k

Reproach (124 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The act of reproaching; censure mingled with contempt; contumelious or
opprobrious language toward any person; abusive reflections; as, severe reproach ...
/r/reproach.htm - 37k

Reproachfully (3 Occurrences)

/r/reproachfully.htm - 7k

Trusted (82 Occurrences)
... afflicted: (See JPS). Psalms 119:42 And I answer him who is reproaching me
a word, For I have trusted in Thy word. (YLT). Psalms 141 ...
/t/trusted.htm - 30k

Reproaching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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