ὀνειδίζω (oneidizō)
oneidizō
to revile
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb oneidizō describes the act of reproaching or reviling someone, often with a sharpness that implies upbraiding. It carries the weight of casting something received in return as a grievance, turning gratitude into guilt. In the New Testament, this term appears nine times, frequently capturing moments of intense social or spiritual conflict.
Its usage ranges from deserved criticism to unjust insult. Jesus warns his followers that they will face this treatment for their loyalty to him (Matthew 5:11), while the Gospels record it as a weapon used by those mocking him on the cross (Mark 15:32). Paul also employs it to describe the suffering endured by Christ, urging believers to accept such reproach without resentment (Romans 15:3).
The word derives from oneidos, meaning "reproach" or "disgrace." This root highlights that oneidizō is not merely a casual insult but a targeted verbal attack aimed at shaming or condemning the recipient. Translators typically render it as "revile," "upbraid," or "reproach," depending on whether the context involves unjust persecution or justified correction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oneidizō describes a sharp verbal attack intended to shame or condemn. It goes beyond a simple insult, aiming to cast a grievance against the recipient and turn gratitude into guilt. In the New Testament, this term captures moments of intense social conflict, ranging from deserved criticism to unjust persecution.
Jesus warned his followers that they would face this treatment for their loyalty to him (Matthew 5:11). He also endured it on the cross, where those crucified with him insulted him (Mark 15:32). Paul reminds us that Christ accepted such reproach without resentment, showing us a path of humility even when treated unfairly.
When you encounter harsh words or rejection for your faith, remember that this is part of the Christian experience. God gives wisdom liberally and without reproach (James 1:5), offering grace when human criticism feels heavy. Rest in the knowledge that Christ bore these insults so you might find peace in his presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were upbraiding2×
- you are insulted1×
- to denounce1×
- they may insult [you]1×
- they may insult1×
- reproaching1×
- rebuked1×
- finding fault,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὠνείδιζον2×
- ὀνειδίσωσιν2×
- ὠνείδισεν1×
- ὀνειδίζοντος,1×
- ὀνειδίζεσθε1×
- ὀνειδίζειν1×
- ὀνειδιζόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Jesus identifies this treatment as a mark of blessedness when endured falsely for his sake.
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Mark 15:32
Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.” Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
The word describes the cruel mockery directed at Jesus on the cross by fellow criminals.
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Romans 15:3
For even Christ didn’t please himself. But, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
Paul cites Psalm 69 to show how Christ absorbed the reproaches meant for God.
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James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
It contrasts human criticism with God's generous nature, noting He gives wisdom without reproach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oneidizō mean in the New Testament?
How is oneidizō different from other words for insult?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 11:20Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t repent.
Matthew 27:44The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.