In biblical terms, a "reprover" is one who admonishes, corrects, or rebukes others, often with the intention of guiding them back to righteousness and truth. The role of a reprover is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where correction and discipline are seen as acts of love and concern for the spiritual well-being of others.

Old Testament Context

The concept of reproof is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Proverbs frequently addresses the importance of accepting reproof as a path to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 9:8-9 states, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning." Here, the reprover is seen as a wise individual who helps others grow in wisdom and righteousness.

The prophets of Israel also served as reprovers, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other prophets often delivered messages of reproof to the nation of Israel, urging them to repent and return to God. For example, Isaiah 1:18 invites the people to reason together with the Lord, highlighting the corrective nature of prophetic ministry.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of a reprover is closely associated with the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself acted as a reprover, correcting the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their hypocrisy and legalism. In John 16:8 , Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as one who will "convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment."

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of reproof within the Christian community. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Here, Scripture serves as a divine reprover, guiding believers in their spiritual growth.

Paul further instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." This charge underscores the pastoral responsibility to correct and guide the flock with patience and love.

Characteristics of a Reprover

A biblical reprover is characterized by wisdom, love, and humility. The goal of reproof is not to condemn but to restore and edify. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness." This gentle approach ensures that reproof is received as an act of love rather than judgment.

Moreover, a reprover must be discerning, understanding the appropriate time and manner for correction. Proverbs 25:12 likens a wise reprover to "an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold to a listening ear," suggesting that effective reproof is both valuable and beautiful when rightly received.

In summary, the role of a reprover in the Bible is vital for maintaining the spiritual health and integrity of individuals and communities. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of Scripture, reprovers help others align their lives with God's truth and righteousness.(n.) One who, or that which, reproves.3250. yissor -- one who reproves, faultfinder
... Word Origin from yasar Definition one who reproves, faultfinder NASB Word Usage
faultfinder (1). instruct. From yacar; a reprover -- instruct. see HEBREW yacar. ...
/hebrew/3250.htm - 6k

3198. yakach -- to decide, adjudge, prove
... 1), prove (1), reason (2), rebuke (6), rebukes (2), refuted (1), render decisions
(2), rendered judgment (1), reprove (9), reproved (2), reprover (1), reproves ...
/hebrew/3198.htm - 6k

Letter ccx. (AD 423. )
... lest he hate thee," [2921] the quarrel does not arise from love on the part of the
reproved, but it exercises and tests the love of the reprover; for he does ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccx a d 423.htm

From the Introduction of Methodism into the City of New York, in ...
... Feeling the responsibility of his situation, and not being able any longer to resist
the importunities of his reprover, he consented to comply with her request ...
/.../chapter 2 from the introduction.htm

Wherefore I Cannot Indeed Say, of Females who have Fallen Away ...
... But, lest the brevity of this my answer may chance to displease any, I
am prepared to listen to my reprover treating more fully. ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 14 wherefore i cannot.htm

Twelfth Day. Fidelity in Rebuke.
... He was forbearing to the ignorant, encouraging to the weak, tender to the penitent,
loving to all,"yet how faithful was He as "the Reprover of sin!" Silent ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twelfth day fidelity in rebuke.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... derision. They attempted to shield their own open sores from painful probing
by raising a laugh at the expense of the reprover. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm
of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

John Chapter xvi. 8-11.
... nation of the Jews, He does not appear to have reproved the world, inasmuch as one
may be understood to be reproved who actually hears the reprover; while the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcv john chapter xvi.htm

Psalm x.
... in sin. For there is pleasure in doing those things, in which not only
is no reprover feared, but even an approver heard. "And he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm x.htm

His Unsuccessful Attempt to be Consistent with his Own Statements ...
... have to ignore what he did; but seeing that you are blushing at his reproof, why
do you not erase the word from your pamphlet, instead of abusing the reprover? ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 40 his unsuccessful attempt.htm

How the Forward and the Faint-Hearted are to be Admonished.
... Therefore the works of the forward are to be finely sifted by the reprover, that
wherein they please themselves they may be shewn to displease God. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii how the forward.htm

Reprover (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reprover (7 Occurrences). Job 40:2 Is the striver with
the Mighty instructed? The reprover of God, let him answer it. (YLT). ...
/r/reprover.htm - 8k

Reproved (20 Occurrences)

/r/reproved.htm - 12k

Reproves (9 Occurrences)

/r/reproves.htm - 8k

Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... first spoken of in connection with the arrangements David made for the building
of the temple (2 Samuel 7:2, 3, 17), and next appears as the reprover of David ...
/n/nathan.htm - 29k

Instructor (6 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). Proverbs 9:7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it --
shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish. (YLT). ...
/i/instructor.htm - 8k

Insults (34 Occurrences)
... RSV). Proverbs 9:7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame,
And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish. (See NAS). ...
/i/insults.htm - 15k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 3:26 and thy tongue I cause to cleave unto thy palate, and thou hast been
dumb, and art not to them for a reprover, for a rebellious house 'are' they. ...
/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Ear-ring (6 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Proverbs 25:12 As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine
gold,'so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (ASV DBY JPS WBS). ...
/e/ear-ring.htm - 8k

Earring (7 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Proverbs 25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. (WEB KJV NAS NIV). ...
/e/earring.htm - 10k

Emptiness (17 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 29:21 Causing men to sin in word, And for a reprover in the gate
lay a snare, And turn aside into emptiness the righteous. (YLT). ...
/e/emptiness.htm - 11k

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