ἐλέγχω (elegchō)
elegchō
to rebuke
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb elegchō carries a forceful sense of exposing hidden faults to bring about conviction. It goes beyond simple criticism or scolding; it implies a process where truth is revealed so clearly that the person involved cannot deny their error. This exposure often brings a sense of shame, not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for recognizing one’s need for change.
In the New Testament, this word appears frequently in pastoral and corrective contexts. Jesus uses it to challenge religious leaders in John 8:46, asking if any of them can prove him guilty of sin, while Paul employs it in Titus 1:9 to describe how church leaders must firmly correct those who oppose sound teaching. The term suggests that effective rebuke is not merely about pointing out mistakes but about illuminating reality so that the truth stands undeniable.
Unlike a near-synonym like epitimō, which can denote a sharp command or even an undeserved reprimand, elegchō inherently carries the weight of conviction. It is used to expose darkness in Ephesians 5:11 and to refine believers through discipline in Hebrews 12:5. The word underscores that true correction aims at revealing what is hidden, leading to a clearer understanding of right and wrong.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elegchō carries a heavy but hopeful weight in Scripture. It describes an act of exposing hidden faults so that truth stands undeniable. This is not about shaming or scolding, but about illuminating reality until error cannot be denied. When we encounter this kind of correction, it can feel uncomfortable because it strips away our excuses. Yet the goal is never humiliation; it is clarity and restoration.
In your daily walk, you will face moments where truth needs to be spoken plainly. Jesus used this forceful exposure to challenge religious leaders who hid behind their status. He asked, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46), highlighting that His words were rooted in absolute honesty. Similarly, Paul instructed church leaders to reprove those who contradict sound teaching (Titus 1:9). This shows that correction is a necessary part of building up the community of faith.
When you are on the receiving end of such rebuke, it can sting. But remember that this exposure is meant to bring conviction, not condemnation. It reveals what needs changing so that you might grow. Even God reproves those He loves (Revelation 3:19), acting as a father who disciplines his children for their good. This process, though difficult, leads to a healthier relationship with God and others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do rebuke2×
- being convicted2×
- will convict1×
- to convict.1×
- to convict1×
- may be exposed1×
- he is convicted1×
- do reprove1×
- do rebuke,1×
- do expose [them];1×
- do convict,1×
- convicts1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔλεγχε2×
- ἐλεγχόμενοι2×
- ἔλεγχε,1×
- ἔλεγξον,1×
- ἔλεγξον1×
- ἐλέγχω1×
- ἐλέγχετε·1×
- ἐλέγχεται1×
- ἐλέγχειν.¶1×
- ἐλέγχει1×
- ἐλέγξει1×
- ἐλέγξαι1×
Key Verses
-
John 8:46
Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
Jesus uses this term to challenge His critics, showing that His life was open to inspection and found without fault.
-
Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
Paul defines the role of a church leader as one who must firmly correct those who oppose sound doctrine.
-
Ephesians 5:13
But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.
This verse explains the mechanism of rebuke: exposing darkness allows the light to reveal the true nature of actions.