Revilement, in biblical terms, refers to the act of speaking abusively or contemptuously towards someone. It is often associated with slander, insult, and verbal abuse. The Bible addresses revilement as a serious sin, emphasizing the importance of speech that edifies rather than tears down.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, revilement is often linked with the wicked and is condemned as behavior that is contrary to the character of the righteous. For instance, in Psalm 15:1-3 , the psalmist describes the person who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary as one "who does not slander with his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, nor casts scorn on his friend." This passage highlights the expectation for God's people to refrain from reviling others.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further elaborates on the sin of revilement, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against the use of abusive language, equating it with the spirit of murder. Matthew 5:22 states, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell."

The Apostle Paul also addresses revilement in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Paul lists revilers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, indicating the severity of this sin: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."

Christian Conduct and Revilement

Christians are called to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the character of Christ. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 3:9 , exhorts believers, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This teaching underscores the call to respond to revilement with grace and blessing, rather than retaliation.

Furthermore, the Apostle James emphasizes the power of the tongue and the need for self-control in speech. James 3:9-10 states, "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!"

Jesus as the Example

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to respond to revilement. Despite being reviled and insulted during His earthly ministry and crucifixion, He did not retaliate. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." This passage highlights the importance of entrusting oneself to God and maintaining integrity in the face of revilement.

Conclusion

Revilement is a sin that is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. Believers are called to avoid such behavior and instead to use their words to bless and build up others, following the example of Christ.(n.) The act of reviling; also, contemptuous language; reproach; abuse.1421. gidduph -- revilings, reviling words
... revilings. Word Origin from gadaph Definition revilings, reviling words NASB
Word Usage revilement (1), revilings (2). reproach, reviling. ...
/hebrew/1421.htm - 6k

1422. geduphah -- a taunt
... of gadaph Definition a taunt NASB Word Usage reviling (1). taunt. Feminine passive
participle of gadaph; a revilement -- taunt. see HEBREW gadaph. 1421, 1422 ...
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Revilement (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of reviling; also, contemptuous language;
reproach; abuse. Multi-Version Concordance Revilement (1 Occurrence). ...
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Reviled (25 Occurrences)

/r/reviled.htm - 13k

Reviler (3 Occurrences)

/r/reviler.htm - 7k

Revilement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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