Lexical Summary gidduph: Blasphemy, reviling, reproach Original Word: גִּדּוּף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reproach, reviling Or (shortened) gidduph {ghid-doof'}; and (feminine) gidduphah {ghid-doo-faw'}; or gidduphah {ghid-doo-faw'}; from gduwphah; vilification -- reproach, reviling. see HEBREW gduwphah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gadaph Definition revilings, reviling words NASB Translation revilement (1), revilings (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs גִּדּוּפִים noun masculine plural revilings, reviling words — ׳ג Isaiah 43:28; construct ׳גִּדֻּפֵ Zephaniah 2:8; suffix גִּדֻּפֹתָם Isaiah 51:7 between men, Isaiah 43:28 ("" חֵרֶם); Isaiah 51:7; Zephaniah 2:8 (both "" חֶרְמָּה). Topical Lexicon Definition and Overview גִּדּוּף describes verbal abuse that treats God or His covenant people with contempt—reproach, reviling, or blasphemy aimed at undermining their honor. Scripture links such insults with covenant violation and divine judgment, underscoring that words directed against God’s people ultimately target God Himself. Occurrences in Scripture Isaiah 43:28 places גִּדּוּף in the context of national judgment: “I will give Jacob to destruction and Israel to reproach.” The exile becomes the visible outcome of accumulated covenant insults. Isaiah 51:7 encourages the faithful remnant: “Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be terrified by their insults.” The term identifies the scorn believers face while clinging to God’s righteousness. Zephaniah 2:8 records God’s indictment of foreign nations: “I have heard the reproach of Moab and the insults of the Ammonites.” Here גִּדּוּף exposes pagan arrogance that provokes divine retribution. Historical Context Isaiah’s prophecies span the threat of Assyria and the certainty of Babylon, eras when Judah vacillated between trust in God and compromise with idols. גִּדּוּף captures how unbelief expressed itself in speech—mocking the prophets, ridiculing covenant warnings, and despising holy things. Zephaniah, prophesying under Josiah, extends the same word to Gentile aggressors, showing that contempt for God’s heritage is not confined to Israel but is common to all rebellious humanity. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Fidelity: The prophets treat verbal contempt as covenant breach. Insults against God’s sanctuary or His people invite the same curses specified in the Law. Practical and Ministry Application • Courage in Persecution: Believers should expect ridicule for righteousness and respond with steadfast trust rather than fear (compare Matthew 5:11–12). Related Concepts Reproach (חֶרְפָּה), reviling, blasphemy (Greek βλασφημία) and “insults” in New Testament passages (for example, Romans 15:3 quoting Psalm 69:9) continue the theme that contempt poured on the Lord’s servants ultimately falls on the Lord Himself. Reflection for the Church Today גִּדּוּף reminds Christians that verbal scorn against God’s truth is neither new nor decisive. The cross itself absorbed the worst human reproach, turning shame into glory. In every age the faithful walk the same path: enduring insults, answering with blessing, and anticipating the day when “all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:21). Forms and Transliterations וְגִדּוּפֵ֖י וּמִגִּדֻּפֹתָ֖ם וגדופי ומגדפתם לְגִדּוּפִֽים׃ לגדופים׃ lə·ḡid·dū·p̄îm legidduFim ləḡiddūp̄îm ū·mig·gid·du·p̄ō·ṯām umiggiddufoTam ūmiggiddup̄ōṯām vegidduFei wə·ḡid·dū·p̄ê wəḡiddūp̄êLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 43:28 HEB: יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְגִדּוּפִֽים׃ ס NAS: to the ban and Israel to revilement. KJV: and Israel to reproaches. INT: Jacob and Israel to revilement Isaiah 51:7 Zephaniah 2:8 3 Occurrences |
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