What does "reviler" mean in the Bible?

Definition and Basic Usage

The term often rendered as “reviler” in older English translations refers to someone who subjects others to verbal abuse, insults, or slander. In various modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, the word may appear as “verbal abuser,” “slanderer,” or related terms. The underlying idea is to denounce destructive, malicious, or contemptuous speech aimed against another person.

Biblical References and Translations

In the New Testament, prominent examples appear in Paul’s letters. For instance:

• 1 Corinthians 5:11: “But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–10: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

In both passages, the verbal abuser—traditionally called a “reviler”—is counted among behaviors that stand in opposition to holiness and love.

Original Language and Meaning

The Greek term underlying “verbal abuser” or “reviler” is typically loidoros (λοίδορος) or the related verb loidoreō (λοιδορέω). This word group conveys the idea of hurling insults, spreading malicious attacks, or using harsh, demeaning language. It points to a sin of the tongue, where speech is used as a weapon against others.

Old Testament Concepts

Though the specific English term “reviler” does not commonly appear in English translations of the Old Testament, the concept is present. The Old Testament frequently warns against slander (e.g., Proverbs 10:18) and spreads condemnation of disrespectful speech (e.g., Exodus 22:28: “You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people”). These passages highlight how speech directed in a demeaning or harmful manner is sinful.

New Testament Examples

Jesus provides a standard by which believers should measure their speech. When He was insulted, He did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23). The pattern is one of refusing to repay abuse with abuse, even under provocation. In the early church, individuals who persisted in verbally attacking others were causing the same kind of damage Paul warns against in his epistles.

In 1 Corinthians 4:12–13, Paul says, “When we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” Here, the Greek word for “slandered” is a cognate of loidoreō, demonstrating the posture believers should adopt: maintaining humility and graciousness instead of revenge.

Theological Significance

Verbal abuse or reviling stands out as a serious matter because Scripture so strongly emphasizes the power of speech. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Believers are exhorted to use their words to encourage others (Ephesians 4:29), never to degrade or belittle them. This points to a deeper moral truth that words can either build up communities or sow discord and pain.

Moral Implications and Warnings

Those who engage in reviling place themselves in violation of the biblical command to love one another (John 13:34–35). The repeated scriptural warnings against reviling highlight that harmful speech stands contrary to the life transformed by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 lists “verbal abusers” with other destructive behaviors that hinder one’s spiritual relationship with God and others.

Moreover, biblical teaching ties the condition of the heart to the use of the tongue. Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34, referencing the broader principle in). Malicious words reflect a deeper spiritual or moral issue that must be addressed through repentance and a changed heart.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament era, public honor and shame drove social interactions, and reviling was a common tactic used against opponents. The biblical writers’ condemnation of such speech was stark because believers were to distinguish themselves by edifying words rather than biting rhetoric.

From a broader historical perspective, wherever the Bible spread, Christian communities often recognized reviling as a grave offense, because it created divisions and damaged the unity that should characterize the body of believers.

Practical Application and Reflection

1. Examine Speech: One way to guard against reviling is to examine daily speech habits. Constructive discussion, correction, or debate can be done in a respectful manner without resorting to verbal abuse.

2. Seek Reconciliation: Where reviling or verbal abuse has occurred, Scripture advises seeking forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24). A person convicted of reviling is called to repentance and the pursuit of gracious words.

3. Imitate Christ’s Example: Followers are reminded that Christ “did not retaliate when He was insulted” (1 Peter 2:23). This model encourages believers to respond to verbal attacks with calm, patience, and love.

Conclusion

In the Bible, a “reviler” or “verbal abuser” is someone whose words insult, vilify, or belittle others. Scripture repeatedly condemns such behavior, reminding readers of the profound effect speech has on individuals and communities. The biblical call is to watch over the tongue and, through God’s transforming work, learn to speak words that bring life rather than harm.