The term "reproacheth" is an archaic form of the verb "reproach," which means to express disapproval or disappointment. In the context of the Bible, reproach often carries a deeper connotation of shame or disgrace, particularly in relation to one's standing before God or within the community of believers. The concept of reproach is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is frequently associated with sin, disobedience, and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, reproach is often linked to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. When the Israelites failed to uphold their part of the covenant, they brought reproach upon themselves and their nation. For example, in Psalm 69:9 , the psalmist laments, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me." Here, reproach is connected to the suffering endured by the faithful due to the dishonor brought upon God's name by others.

The concept of reproach is also evident in the narratives of Israel's enemies. In 1 Samuel 17:26 , David speaks against Goliath, saying, "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" David's words highlight the reproach brought upon Israel by Goliath's defiance, which is ultimately a challenge to God's sovereignty.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, reproach continues to be a theme, particularly in the context of the early Christian community's experiences of persecution and suffering for the sake of Christ. Hebrews 11:26 speaks of Moses, who "considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward." This passage underscores the idea that enduring reproach for the sake of faith is a mark of true devotion and is ultimately rewarded by God.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of reproach in his letters. In Romans 15:3 , he writes, "For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.'" Paul uses the example of Christ to encourage believers to bear reproach with patience and humility, as part of their identification with the sufferings of Christ.

Theological Implications

Reproach in the biblical sense is not merely about personal shame or dishonor; it is deeply tied to one's relationship with God and the community of faith. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the cost of discipleship. For believers, enduring reproach for the sake of righteousness is seen as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, with the assurance of future glory and vindication.

The Bible calls believers to respond to reproach with steadfast faith and trust in God's promises. In 1 Peter 4:14 , the apostle Peter encourages, "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." This perspective transforms reproach from a source of shame into an opportunity for spiritual growth and witness to the power of the Gospel.

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... a harlot, to warn her to return: very often by the Prophets doth He reproach her
as a harlot, but yet not despaired of, for that He who reproacheth the harlot ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcii on the same.htm

Psalm XLIV.
... "For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth" (ver ... "For the voice of him
that reproacheth and blasphemeth," that is, of him that speaketh against me. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xliv.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... God is no respecter of persons. "The soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether
he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

John xxi. 15
... done away, [2615] Jesus putteth into his hands the chief authority [2616] among
the brethren; and He bringeth not forward the denial, nor reproacheth him with ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxviii john xxi 15.htm

That He is the Righteous one whom the Jews Should Put to Death.
... In the Wisdom of Solomon: "Let us lay hold of the righteous, because He is disagreeable
to us, and is contrary to our works, and reproacheth us with our ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/14 that he is the.htm

Psalm 119 Vau, the 6Th Part.
... 42So shall I have wherewith I may. give him an answer just,. Who spitefully reproacheth
me; for in thy word I trust. ^43The word of truth out of my mouth. ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 119 vau the 6th.htm

Letter Li. To Bishop Bosporius.
... He will not despise us; for "he that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker."
[2179] They, however, who have patched up this new tragedy of blasphemy seem ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter li to bishop bosporius.htm

Petilianus Said: "Can it be that the Traitor Judas Hung Himself ...
... Judas did not die for us, but Christ, to whom the Church dispersed throughout the
world says, "So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for ...
/.../chapter 43 101 petilianus.htm

October 31 Evening
... Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. So shall I have
wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 31 evening.htm

Whether the Proper Matter of Studiousness is Knowledge?
... the contrary, It is written (Prov.27:11): "Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart
joyful, that thou mayest give an answer to him that reproacheth." Now study ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the proper matter of.htm

Reproacheth (12 Occurrences)
...Reproacheth (12 Occurrences). ... (KJV DBY WBS). 2 Samuel 21:21 and he reproacheth Israel,
and smite him doth Jonathan son of Shimeah, brother of David; (YLT). ...
/r/reproacheth.htm - 9k

Taunteth (4 Occurrences)
... Taunteth (4 Occurrences). Psalms 44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and
blasphemeth, By reason of the enemy and the avenger. (See JPS). ...
/t/taunteth.htm - 7k

Blasphemeth (8 Occurrences)
... (ASV JPS). Psalms 44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth;
by reason of the enemy and avenger. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/blasphemeth.htm - 8k

Reproaches (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). Psalms 55:12 For an enemy reproacheth me not, or I bear 'it', He who
is hating me Hath not magnified himself against me, Or I hide from him. ...
/r/reproaches.htm - 11k

Oppressor (28 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Proverbs 14:31 An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker,
And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy. (YLT). ...
/o/oppressor.htm - 15k

Oppresseth (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his
Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS) ...
/o/oppresseth.htm - 8k

Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American) "companions"; here the King James Version
applies "fellow" to a female; compare Baruch 6:43, "She reproacheth her fellow ...
/f/fellow.htm - 42k

Favouring (4 Occurrences)
... happiness. (YLT). Proverbs 14:31 An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker,
And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy. (YLT). ...
/f/favouring.htm - 7k

Reproachfully (3 Occurrences)

/r/reproachfully.htm - 7k

Revengeful (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth,
By reason of the enemy and the avenger. (See JPS). ...
/r/revengeful.htm - 7k

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