3218
Lexical Summary
(Not Used): (Not Used)
(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)
Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 3218 is a verbal form that conveys the idea of censure or reproach—an action of calling someone to account for genuine fault. Although this particular form does not surface in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts, it is a recognized member of the same family as μέμφομαι (to find fault, condemn) and therefore shares in Scripture’s broader vocabulary of reproof and correction.

Old Testament Greek (Septuagint) Usage

In the Septuagint the cognate family appears where the Hebrew text speaks of divine or prophetic rebuke. Examples include:
Proverbs 3:11 — “My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke.”
Isaiah 50:1 — “Thus says the LORD: ‘Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.’”

Although Strong’s 3218 is not the specific form used in these verses, the same semantic core of reproach underscores the prophetic call to repentance.

New Testament Parallels

The nearest New Testament counterpart is Hebrews 8:8, where the writer cites Jeremiah and says, “But God found fault with the people and said: ‘Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord…’”. The verb “found fault” (μέμφομαι, Strong’s 3201) shows how the concept of censure is employed to expose sin yet simultaneously announce a gracious covenantal remedy. By extension, Strong’s 3218 reminds readers that divine reproof always aims at restoration, not mere condemnation.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Holiness and Human Sinfulness

Reproof presupposes an objective moral standard anchored in God’s character (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16). The lexical family behind 3218 highlights that any charge of guilt is measured against the unchanging law of the Lord.

2. Covenant Accountability

Throughout Scripture, covenant blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28) frame God’s right to call His people to account. The prophetic ministries of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel illustrate how reproof serves covenant renewal rather than annulment.

3. Redemptive Correction

Whether through prophetic preaching, Spirit-wrought conviction (John 16:8), or pastoral admonition (2 Timothy 4:2), biblical censure is inseparable from gracious invitation. “Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)

Christological Connections

In Jesus Christ, divine reproof and mercy converge. The cross reveals both the severity of God’s judgment on sin and the depth of His love for sinners (Romans 3:25-26). Consequently, every occurrence—or implied occurrence—of this semantic field points forward to the One who bore our blame so that believers might stand “holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4).

Ministry Insights

• Preaching and Teaching: Faithful exposition must include both consolation and correction. Paul charges Timothy to “rebuke and encourage with all authority” (Titus 2:15).
• Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process that mirrors the divine pattern—private censure leading, if necessary, to corporate action for the sake of repentance and restoration.
• Personal Sanctification: Proverbs 9:8 counsels, “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” A healthy spiritual life welcomes biblical correction, perceiving it as evidence of the Father’s love.

Related Terms

• 3201 μέμφομαι — to find fault, blame
• 2740 ὀνειδισμός — reproach, insult
• 1651 ἐλέγχω — to convict, expose, reprove

Summary

Though Strong’s Greek 3218 never surfaces in the canonical Greek text, its semantic kinship with key words of blame and reproof enriches the biblical portrayal of God’s redemptive dealings with humanity. The theme threads through the Law, Prophets, Gospels, and Epistles: God confronts sin in order to cleanse sinners, calls to account in order to reconcile, and reproves in order to restore. A church that comprehends this pattern will administer correction with humility, teach the whole counsel of God, and magnify the gospel that removes every just cause for divine blame through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

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