Lexical Summary elegxis: Reproof, conviction, evidence Original Word: ἔλεγχις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rebuke. From elegcho; refutation, i.e. Reproof -- rebuke. see GREEK elegcho HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1649 élegksis (a feminine noun) – the brand of conviction that rebukes the sin of double-mindedness. See 2 Pet 2:16 (the only occurrence of 1649 /élegksis) where the rebuke fits, being upbraided by a talking-donkey (where the ass had more sense than Balaam)! See 1651 (elegxō). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1649: ἔλεγξιςἔλεγξις, ἐλεγξεως, ἡ (ἐλέγχω, which see), refutation, rebuke; (Vulg.correptio; Augustine,convictio): ἔλεγξιν ἔσχεν ἰδίας παρανομίας, he was rebuked for his own transgression, 2 Peter 2:16. (Philostr. vit. Apoll. 2, 22 (p. 74, Olear. edition); the Sept., Job 21:4; Job 23:2, for שִׂיחַ complaint; (Protevangel. Jacob. 16, 1 τό ὕδωρ τῆς ἐλεγξεως κυρίου (the Sept. Numbers 5:18 τό ὑδδορ τοῦ ἐλεγμοῦ)).) Topical Lexicon Concept Ἔλεγξις denotes a rebuke that unmasks sin, calls the offender to account, and presses for repentance. It is corrective rather than condemnatory, motivated by covenant faithfulness and aimed at restoring the transgressor to the path of obedience. Single New Testament Occurrence (2 Peter 2:16) Peter recounts Balaam’s mercenary prophecy and notes that “he received a rebuke for his transgression: A mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness” (2 Peter 2:16). The unique use of ἔλεγξις heightens the irony: God employs an animal to shame human folly, demonstrating that divine rebuke may come through the least expected channel. The episode warns teachers whose greed distorts truth, assuring believers that the Lord will expose and restrain wickedness within His people. Old Testament Precursors The Hebrew תּוֹכֵחָה (tokhekhah, “reproof”) fills Israel’s Scriptures with the same restorative impulse. Proverbs stresses its value: “Better an open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). Prophets used reproof to summon a rebellious nation back to covenant loyalty (Isaiah 1:18; Hosea 12:2). When wielded by God, rebuke is an evidence of paternal care (Psalm 94:12). Function in Prophetic Ministry Prophets stood in the heavenly council, heard God’s verdict, and delivered ἔλεγξις to kings and commoners alike (2 Samuel 12:7; Amos 5:10). This ministry maintained the moral boundaries of the covenant community and anticipated the fuller revelation of truth in Christ. Fulfillment in Christ Jesus incorporated rebuke into His messianic mission. He silenced demons (Mark 1:25), calmed storms (Mark 4:39), and confronted religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-36). The Gospels reveal that true love is willing to expose sin for the sake of salvation (John 4:17-18). At the cross the Lord bore the curse of every deserved rebuke, opening a path for sinners to receive mercy instead of wrath. Role in Apostolic Instruction The apostles carried forward the pattern. Paul charges Timothy, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Titus is told, “Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). Such admonitions treat rebuke as an ordinary, necessary element of pastoral care. Ecclesial Discipline and Restoration Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a graduated process: private rebuke, small-group confirmation, and finally church involvement if repentance is refused. The goal is always restoration, not humiliation (Galatians 6:1). When exercised humbly and scripturally, ἔλεγξις becomes a protective fence around the flock, guarding purity and unity (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). Personal Sanctification Believers who welcome God’s rebuke mature in holiness. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Spirit internalizes this ministry: “When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). Historical and Theological Reflections Early church fathers regarded rebuke as medicinal. Chrysostom likened it to surgery that removes corruption. The Reformation emphasized the public reading of Scripture so that congregations would hear God’s living rebuke directly (Hebrews 4:12). Pastoral Application • Ground every rebuke in clear biblical warrant, free from personal vendetta. Properly received, ἔλεγξις safeguards doctrine, nurtures holiness, and magnifies the grace that redeems sinners and conforms them to Christ. Forms and Transliterations ελεγξιν έλεγξιν ἔλεγξιν έλεγξις elenxin élenxinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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