or (shortened) גִּדֻּף; and (feminine) גִּדּוּפָהxlit giddûphâh corrected to giddûwphâh; or גִּדֻּפָה; from גְּדוּפָה; vilification; reproach, reviling.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **giddûwph**, represented by `{{H1421}}`, is a term for **vilification**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word denotes severe and hostile speech, specifically defined as **reproach** or **reviling**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H1421}}` highlights verbal attacks against God's people and can also describe a form of divine judgment. In [[Zephaniah 2:8]], God states He has heard the **revilings** of the Ammonites, which they used to reproach His people. In contrast, God encourages the righteous not to fear the **revilings** of men [[Isaiah 51:7]]. The term is also used to describe a consequence of sin, as God gives Israel over to **reproaches** as a punishment for profaning the sanctuary [[Isaiah 43:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of reviling and reproach:
* `{{H2778}}` **châraph** (to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend the winter; betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid): This root verb describes the act of defying or reproaching, as when David confronts the Philistine whom he says has **defied** the armies of Israel [[1 Samuel 17:45]].
* `{{H2781}}` **cherpâh** (contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame): This noun often appears alongside `{{H1421}}` and refers to the shame or disgrace itself. It is used to describe the suffering of God's servant, who endures **rebuke** for God's sake [[Jeremiah 15:15]].
* `{{H2764}}` **chêrem** (physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination; (ac-) curse(-d, -d thing), dedicated thing, things which should have been utterly destroyed, (appointed to) utter destruction, devoted (thing), net): This term signifies a curse or something devoted to destruction. It is linked with reproach as a form of judgment, as God warns He may smite the earth with a **curse** [[Malachi 4:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1421}}` is centered on the relationship between God, His people, and their enemies.
* **An Affront Heard by God:** The revilings against Israel are not ignored. God explicitly states, "I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the **revilings** of the children of Ammon" [[Zephaniah 2:8]], positioning these verbal attacks as an offense He will personally address.
* **An Instrument of Judgment:** To be subjected to **reproaches** can be a form of divine discipline. As a result of profaning the sanctuary, God gives Jacob to the curse and Israel to **reproaches**, demonstrating that public shame can be a consequence of disobedience [[Isaiah 43:28]].
* **A Test of Righteousness:** God commands His faithful followers not to fear human contempt. He tells those who know His law to disregard the **revilings** of men, framing endurance of such scorn as an element of righteous living [[Isaiah 51:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1421}}` **giddûwph** defines a specific and potent form of verbal hostility: reviling and vilification. Though it appears infrequently, its context reveals its significance. It is not a mere insult but a deep-seated contempt directed at God's people, which God Himself takes note of. The term serves a dual role in Scripture, representing both a trial of faith for the righteous to endure and a form of judgment that God enacts upon the disobedient.
TRV