### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **loidoréō**, represented by `{{G3058}}`, is defined as to reproach or vilify, with its most common translation being **revile**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting an act of harsh verbal abuse or contempt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3058}}` illustrates hostile confrontation. In John's gospel, the Pharisees **reviled** the man healed by Jesus, using the slur to enforce a division between a disciple of Jesus and a disciple of Moses [[John 9:28]]. The term is also used to describe an offense against religious authority, as when Paul is accused of reviling God's high priest [[Acts 23:4]]. The apostles' experience reflects this hostility, as they endure being **reviled** for their work and faith [[1 Corinthians 4:12]]. Christ himself serves as the primary example of one who was **reviled** but did not retaliate [[1 Peter 2:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and response to being reviled:
* `{{G486}}` **antiloidoréō** (to rail in reply): This is the direct, retaliatory response that Christ chose not to engage in. When he was reviled, he did not **revile again** [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* `{{G2127}}` **eulogéō** (to speak well of, i.e. ... to bless): This is presented as the proper counter-action to being reviled. The apostolic instruction is, "being reviled, we **bless**" [[1 Corinthians 4:12]].
* `{{G3958}}` **páschō** (to ... suffer): This word is closely associated with being reviled, as seen in the example of Christ, who, "when he **suffered**, he threatened not" [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to ... persecute): This action is often paired with reviling. Paul links the two hardships, stating, "being reviled, we bless; being **persecuted**, we suffer it" [[1 Corinthians 4:12]].
* `{{G546}}` **apeiléō** (to menace... threaten): Like reviling in return, this is another worldly response that Christ rejected while he suffered [[1 Peter 2:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3058}}` is primarily found in the Christian's response to it.
* **The Example of Christ:** The cornerstone of the teaching is Christ's conduct. When he was reviled, he entrusted himself to God rather than retaliating with insults or threats [[1 Peter 2:23]].
* **Apostolic Instruction:** The expected response for a believer is not retaliation but blessing. This turns an act of hostility into an opportunity for demonstrating a higher, counter-intuitive standard of conduct [[1 Corinthians 4:12]].
* **A Mark of Opposition:** Being reviled is presented as a common experience for those who follow Christ, whether it is the apostles themselves or those who confess faith in him ([[John 9:28]]; [[1 Corinthians 4:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3058}}` is a potent term for verbal hostility and vilification directed at God's people and at Christ himself. Its significance in scripture lies less in the act itself and more in the prescribed, non-retaliatory response. The word is consistently used to frame a central tenet of Christian ethics: to endure unjust reproach and to answer it not with more hostility, but with a blessing, following the pattern set by Jesus.
TRV