ἐπηρεάζω (epēreazō)
epēreazō
to mistreat
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epēreazō describes a specific kind of verbal aggression: to insult, revile, or treat someone abusively. It goes beyond simple disagreement or criticism, carrying the weight of spiteful abuse and false accusation. The sources suggest its root involves threats or intimidation, painting a picture of someone using harsh words to dominate or harm another person’s dignity.
Scripture uses this word in contexts where believers face hostility for their faith. In Luke 6:28, Jesus instructs his followers to bless those who curse them, directly addressing the reality of being epēreazōd—reviled by others. This command appears alongside teachings on loving enemies, highlighting that Christian response to verbal abuse should be counter-cultural grace rather than retaliation.
In 1 Peter 3:16, the term appears in a different grammatical construction, referring to things that slanderers might accuse believers of doing. Here, it underscores the danger of false charges brought against Christians. The word reminds readers that faithful living often invites malicious speech, and that integrity is maintained not by defending oneself with harsh words, but by keeping a clear conscience before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epēreazō points to harsh, abusive speech aimed at breaking someone’s spirit. It is not simple disagreement but a deliberate attempt to insult or intimidate. When we face such hostility, it can feel deeply personal and unjust.
Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 5:44. He does not ask us to fight back with sharper words. Instead, He invites us to bless those who curse us. This response breaks the cycle of hatred and reflects the character of God, who shows kindness even to those who oppose Him.
Keeping a clear conscience, as Peter mentions in 1 Peter 3:16, is our anchor. We do not need to defend ourselves with anger. Trusting that God sees our integrity brings peace when others speak against us unfairly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mistreating2×
- reviling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπηρεαζόντων2×
- ἐπηρεάζοντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
This verse commands believers to bless those who use epēreazō, showing that Christian love responds to verbal abuse with grace rather than retaliation.
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Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
Here the command to pray for those who mistreat us highlights the active spiritual discipline required when facing intentional harm.
-
I Peter 3:16
having a good conscience. Thus, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.
Peter connects maintaining a good conscience with silencing slanderers, indicating that integrity is the best defense against false accusations.