Topical Bible: Insults

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, insults are expressions of scorn, contempt, or derision directed towards individuals. The Bible addresses the issue of insults in various passages, highlighting both the sinful nature of such behavior and the appropriate response for believers.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings regarding insults. In the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, there is a clear admonition against engaging in insulting behavior. Proverbs 12:16 states, "A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." This verse underscores the virtue of self-control and the wisdom in not retaliating against insults.

The Psalms also reflect on the experience of being insulted. In Psalm 69:9-12 , David laments, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me." Here, insults are seen as a burden borne by the righteous, often for the sake of their devotion to God.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of insults, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers on how to respond to insults. Matthew 5:11 states, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." This teaching emphasizes the blessedness of enduring insults for the sake of Christ, encouraging believers to rejoice in such circumstances.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the topic in his epistles. In Romans 12:14 , he writes, "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." This directive calls Christians to respond to insults with kindness and blessing, rather than retaliation or cursing.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to handle insults. During His earthly ministry, He was frequently insulted and mocked, yet He responded with grace and forgiveness. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Christ's example sets a high standard for believers, demonstrating the power of entrusting oneself to God in the face of insults.

Practical Application for Believers

For Christians, the biblical teachings on insults call for a response that reflects the character of Christ. Believers are encouraged to exercise patience, self-control, and forgiveness when faced with insults. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse highlights the importance of using speech that edifies rather than insults.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the issue of insults, urging believers to respond with grace, patience, and a Christ-like attitude. Through the teachings of Scripture and the example of Jesus, Christians are called to rise above insults and reflect the love and character of God in their interactions with others.

Greek

5196. hubris -- wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence
NASB Word Usage damage (2), insults (1). harm, hurt, reproach. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5196.htm - 7k

3060. loidoros -- abusive, subst. railer
... abuser. Cognate: 3060 -- reproach (reviling); used of another's reputation
by denigrating, abusive insults (, 4:293). See 3058 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3060.htm - 6k

486. antiloidoreo -- to revile in turn
... 486 (from 3060 , "revile" and 473 , "corresponding") -- properly, to abusive insults;
reproach, denigrate; detract from someone's honor (reputation). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/486.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

3639. kelimmah -- insult, reproach, ignominy
... Word Origin from kalam Definition insult, reproach, ignominy NASB Word Usage disgrace
(8), dishonor (6), humiliation (7), insults (5), reproach (1), reproaches ...
/hebrew/3639.htm - 6k

4140b. mum -- blemish, defect
... Word Origin from the same as mum Definition blemish, defect NASB Word Usage blemish
(2), defect (14), injured* (1), injures* (1), insults (1). 4140a, 4140b. ...
/hebrew/4140b.htm - 5k

Library

The Insults Received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas.
... CHAPTER IX. The Insults received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas. No sooner
did Caiphas, with the other members of the Council, leave ...
/.../chapter ix the insults received.htm

But Why do I Complain that You have Disregarded the Insults ...
... 34 But why do I complain that you have disregarded the insults offered to the other? ...
[4250] Lit., "complain of the neglected insults of the other gods.". ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/34 but why do i.htm

Of the Fact that the Pagans, when Constrained to Laud Christ, have ...
... the harmony of the gospels.Book I. Chapter XV."Of the Fact that the Pagans, When
Constrained to Laud Christ, Have Launched Their Insults Against His Disciples ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xv of the fact that.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Rogatianus, Concerning the Deacon who Contended ...
... Argument."Cyprian Warns the Bishop Rogatianus to Restrain the Pride of the Deacon
Who Had Provoked Him with His Insults, and to Compel Him to Repent of His ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxiv to rogatianus concerning.htm

How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
... For it usually comes to pass with the patient that at the time, indeed, when they
suffer hardships, or hear insults, they are smitten with no vexation, and so ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ix how the impatient.htm

Some New Thing, Then, Has Come to Pass Since the Time that Jesus ...
... Then Celsus, returning to those who apply abusive language to images, says: "Of
those whom you load with insults, you may in like manner say that they ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xliii some new thing.htm

Psalm XCI.
... at the harmless noise, falls into the nets; and thus men who fear the vain reproaches
of their calumniators, and who blush at unprovoked insults, fall into the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xci.htm

Philemon i. 3-Jan
... and he who has offended a greater magistrate offends in a higher degree, and he
who offends an inferior one in a lower degree; but he who insults the king ...
/.../homily i philemon i 3-jan.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... the truth, violently persecute the Church, and of the brethren, some are scourged
and others torn with stripes, and hardest of all, their insults reach even to ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

On the Passion, iii. ; Delivered on the Sunday Before Easter.
... All the mockery and insults, all the persecution and pain which the madness of the
wicked inflicted on the Lord, was not endured of necessity, but undertaken ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon liv on the passion.htm

Thesaurus

Insults (34 Occurrences)
...Insults (34 Occurrences). ... Matthew 27:44 Insults of the same kind were heaped on Him
even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him. (WEY NIV). ...
/i/insults.htm - 15k

Heaped (11 Occurrences)
... Heaped (11 Occurrences). Matthew 27:44 Insults of the same kind were heaped on Him
even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him. (WEY NIV). ...
/h/heaped.htm - 9k

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... dripping. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will
go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop. (WEB NIV). ...
/q/quarrels.htm - 9k

Kind (290 Occurrences)
... she has done a kind act to me. (BBE). Matthew 27:44 Insults of the same kind were
heaped on Him even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him. (WEY). ...
/k/kind.htm - 35k

Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:10 In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults,
in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake ...
/g/grievous.htm - 31k

War (529 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A contest between nations or states, carried on by force, whether for defense,
for revenging insults and redressing wrongs, for the extension of ...
/w/war.htm - 64k

Insultingly (1 Occurrence)

/i/insultingly.htm - 6k

Insurgents (1 Occurrence)

/i/insurgents.htm - 6k

Threats (14 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 2:8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the children
of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves ...
/t/threats.htm - 10k

Thief (41 Occurrences)
... to Mark and Matthew, both of these joined in the crowd's mockery, but Luke tells
that one of them reproached his fellow for the insults, acknowledged his own ...
/t/thief.htm - 22k

Resources

What does the Bible mean by "an eye for an eye"? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Nabal? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Insults (34 Occurrences)

Matthew 5:22
But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother,' Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say,'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
(See RSV)

Matthew 27:39
Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads,
(See NIV)

Matthew 27:44
Insults of the same kind were heaped on Him even by the robbers who were being crucified with Him.
(WEY NIV)

Mark 15:29
Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days,
(See NIV)

Mark 15:32
This Christ, the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even the men who were being crucified with Him heaped insults on Him.
(WEY NIV)

Luke 23:39
One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!"
(See NIV)

John 9:28
They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
(See NIV)

Romans 15:3
For even Christ didn't please himself. But, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:10
In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
(WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Hebrews 13:13
Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, sharing the insults directed against Him.
(WEY)

1 Peter 2:23
Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 25:14
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, "Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to Greet our master; and he railed at them.
(See NIV)

2 Kings 19:23
By the messengers thou hast taunted the Lord, and hast said: With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I have cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice cypresses thereof; and I have entered into his farthest lodge, the forest of his fruitful field.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 4:4
Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity;
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 4:5
and do not cover over their iniquity, and their sin from before Thee let not be blotted out, for they have provoked to anger -- over-against those building.
(See NIV)

Job 20:3
I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.
(See NAS RSV)

Psalms 22:7
All those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
(See NIV)

Psalms 69:9
For the zeal of your house consumes me. The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
(See RSV NIV)

Psalms 69:20
Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness. I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; for comforters, but I found none.
(See RSV)

Psalms 89:50
Remember, Lord, the reproach of your servants, how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the mighty peoples,
(See RSV)

Proverbs 9:7
The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.
(See NAS)

Proverbs 14:31
He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.
(See RSV)

Proverbs 17:5
Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.
(See RSV)

Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
(WEB NIV)

Isaiah 37:24
By thy servants hast thou taunted the Lord, and hast said: With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I have cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice cypress-trees thereof; and I have entered into his farthest height, the forest of his fruitful field.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 51:7
"Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don't fear the reproach of men, neither be dismayed at their insults.
(WEB NIV)

Lamentations 3:30
Let him give his cheek to him who strikes him; let him be filled full with reproach.
(See RSV)

Lamentations 3:61
Thou hast heard their reproach, O Jehovah, All their thoughts against me,
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 21:28
You, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 34:29
I will raise up to them a plantation for renown, and they shall be no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the nations any more.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 35:12
You shall know that I, Yahweh, have heard all your insults which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they have been given us to devour.
(WEB)

Ezekiel 36:7
therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: I have sworn, saying, Surely the nations that are around you, they shall bear their shame.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 36:15
neither will I suffer the shame of the nations any more to be heard against thee, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the peoples any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to stumble any more, saith the Lord GOD.'
(See NAS)

Zephaniah 2:8
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the children of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Insults

Related Terms

Heaped (11 Occurrences)

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)

Kind (290 Occurrences)

Grievous (73 Occurrences)

War (529 Occurrences)

Insultingly (1 Occurrence)

Insurgents (1 Occurrence)

Threats (14 Occurrences)

Thief (41 Occurrences)