Lexical Summary antiloidoreó: To revile in return, to retaliate with insults Original Word: ἀντιλοιδορέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance revile in return. From anti and loidoreo; to rail in reply -- revile again. see GREEK anti see GREEK loidoreo HELPS Word-studies 486 antiloidoréō (from 3060 /loídoros, "revile" and 473 /antí, "corresponding") – properly, to return abusive insults; reproach, denigrate; detract from someone's honor (reputation). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and loidoreó Definition to revile in turn NASB Translation revile in return (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 486: ἀντιλοιδορέωἀντιλοιδορέω ἀντιλοιδόρω: (imperfect ἀντελοιδορουν); to revile in turn, to retort railing: 1 Peter 2:23. (Lucian, conviv. 40; Plutarch, Anton. 42; (de inimic. util. § 5).) Topical Lexicon Core Idea The verb conveys the act of returning verbal abuse for verbal abuse. It depicts an instinctive human reaction—retaliatory speech—but Scripture records its single use to show that the Lord Jesus Christ refused such a response. New Testament Occurrence 1 Peter 2:23: “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” Christ’s Model of Silent Suffering Peter writes to believers experiencing hostility under Roman rule. By highlighting Christ’s choice not to “revile in return,” the apostle anchors Christian endurance in the passion narrative: • Jesus’ silence fulfills Isaiah 53:7, portraying the Suffering Servant who “did not open His mouth.” Ethical and Pastoral Implications 1. Christian speech under provocation must mirror Christ’s restraint (1 Peter 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). Old Testament and Jewish Background While the specific Greek term is New Testament–unique, the concept resonates with Proverbs 20:22, “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’” and with David’s response to Shimei’s curses (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Jewish wisdom literature frequently warns against answering insult with insult (Sirach 28:3-4). Greco-Roman Context Honor-shame culture prized sharp repartee. Philosophers such as Seneca commended mildness, yet Christian refusal to pay back reviling was grounded not in Stoic apatheia but in imitation of Christ and confidence in God’s final judgment. Early Church Reception The Didache (4.3) exhorts believers, “Do not repay evil for evil.” Justin Martyr and Tertullian defended Christian meekness as evidence of the faith’s divine origin, noting that believers “love those who hate them.” Martyr accounts repeatedly record disciples who answered curses with blessing, embodying 1 Peter 2:23. Ministry Significance Today • Counseling: Helps guide victims of verbal abuse toward Christlike composure and healthy boundaries. Theological Trajectory The lone appearance of this verb focuses all attention on the crucified Messiah. His pattern of non-retaliation forms the ethical cornerstone of Christian interaction, threads through apostolic exhortation, and anticipates the eschatological vindication when every careless word is judged (Matthew 12:36). Forms and Transliterations αντελοιδορει αντελοιδόρει ἀντελοιδόρει anteloidorei anteloidóreiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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