### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀντιλοιδορέω (G486) is a compound word formed from the prefix ἀντί (anti) and the verb λοιδορέω (loidoreō, `{{G3058}}`). The prefix ἀντί typically denotes opposition, reciprocity, or exchange, meaning "in return for," "against," or "instead of." The root verb λοιδορέω means "to revile," "to abuse verbally," "to insult," or "to reproach with abusive language." Therefore, the combined meaning of ἀντιλοιδορέω is "to revile in return," "to rail back," or "to respond to verbal abuse with verbal abuse." It describes a specific form of retaliation where one answers insult with insult, or railing with railing, indicating a reciprocal act of verbal aggression. The emphasis is on the *response* to previous verbal assault, distinguishing it from simply initiating reviling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀντιλοιδορέω (G486) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Peter 2:23]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant as it describes the conduct of Christ during His suffering: "who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously" ([[1 Peter 2:23]]).
In this context, Peter presents Christ as the supreme example for believers who are suffering unjustly. The world "reviled" (ἐλοιδόρει, from λοιδορέω, `{{G3058}}`) Jesus, subjecting Him to verbal abuse and insults. Yet, Jesus *did not* ἀντιλοιδορέω—He did not return the abuse in kind. This deliberate restraint highlights His perfect character and His trust in God's ultimate justice. His non-retaliation, both verbally and physically (He "did not threaten" when He suffered), is presented as a model for Christians facing similar mistreatment. The verse underscores Christ's active submission to the Father's will and His confidence that God, as the righteous judge, would vindicate Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀντιλοιδορέω (G486) is enhanced by examining its root and related terms:
* λοιδορέω (loidoreō, `{{G3058}}`): The base verb, meaning "to revile," "to insult," or "to abuse verbally." This is the action that ἀντιλοιδορέω is a response to. It is used, for example, in [[John 9:28]] where the Pharisees revile the blind man, and in [[Acts 23:4]] where Paul is reviled.
* λοίδορος (loidoros, `{{G3060}}`): The noun form, referring to a "reviler" or "abuser." This term is used in [[1 Corinthians 5:11]] and [[1 Corinthians 6:10]] to describe a type of person excluded from the kingdom of God, indicating the severity of engaging in such verbal abuse.
* λοιδορία (loidoria, `{{G3059}}`): The noun form referring to "reviling" or "abuse" itself. It appears in [[1 Timothy 5:14]] and [[1 Peter 3:9]]. The latter passage notably exhorts believers not to return λοιδορία with λοιδορία, echoing the sentiment of [[1 Peter 2:23]].
The concept of non-retaliation, exemplified by ἀντιλοιδορέω, is deeply interwoven with other biblical themes such as:
* Patient endurance in suffering ([[Romans 12:12]], [[Hebrews 12:1-3]]).
* Turning the other cheek ([[Matthew 5:39]]).
* Blessing those who curse you ([[Matthew 5:44]], [[Romans 12:14]]).
* Meekness and humility ([[Matthew 11:29]], [[Philippians 2:3-8]]).
* Trust in God's justice ([[Romans 12:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀντιλοιδορέω (G486) primarily stems from its unique occurrence in [[1 Peter 2:23]]. This verse presents Christ's refusal to revile in return as a pivotal aspect of His atoning work and His perfect example for humanity.
1. **Christ's Perfect Example:** Jesus' non-retaliation in the face of extreme provocation demonstrates His divine patience, humility, and absolute trust in the Father. He did not succumb to the natural human impulse to defend Himself verbally or physically, but rather committed His cause to God, who judges righteously. This underscores His identity as the Suffering Servant ([[Isaiah 53:7]]), who willingly endured abuse without complaint.
2. **Imitation of Christ:** For believers, Christ's conduct serves as the ultimate paradigm for how to respond to unjust suffering and verbal abuse. It calls Christians to a radical ethic of non-retaliation, rejecting the world's standard of "an eye for an eye" and embracing a kingdom ethic of love and forgiveness, even towards enemies. This is not passive resignation but an active, Spirit-empowered choice to trust God's justice and to embody Christ-like character.
3. **Trust in Divine Justice:** The phrase "committed himself to him who judges righteously" reveals a profound theological truth. Christ's refusal to ἀντιλοιδορέω was not born of weakness, but of a deep conviction that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice. Believers are likewise called to surrender their grievances to God, confident that He will right all wrongs in His perfect timing and manner. This frees individuals from the burden of seeking personal revenge and fosters a reliance on divine sovereignty.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀντιλοιδορέω (G486) precisely describes the act of "reviling in return" or "responding to verbal abuse with verbal abuse." Its singular, yet profoundly significant, appearance in [[1 Peter 2:23]] highlights the exemplary conduct of Jesus Christ during His suffering. When subjected to reviling, Christ steadfastly refused to ἀντιλοιδορέω, choosing instead to commit Himself to God, who judges righteously. This act of non-retaliation serves as a foundational theological principle and a normative ethical imperative for believers. It calls Christians to imitate Christ's patient endurance, humility, and unwavering trust in God's justice, rather than engaging in the natural human impulse to retaliate verbally against those who abuse them. The word thus encapsulates a core aspect of Christian discipleship: responding to evil with good, and insult with silence and trust in God.
TRV