Bible Dictionaries
Reproach

Holman Bible Dictionary

KJV term with five related senses: 1. A source of blame, discredit, or disgrace due to barrenness (Genesis 30:23; Luke 1:25 ); rape by the uncircumcised (Genesis 34:2-5 ); uncircumcision (Joshua 5:9 ); forced mutilation (1 Samuel 11:2 ); Jerusalem in ruins (Nehemiah 2:17; Psalm 89:41 ); illness (Psalm 31:11 ); fasting (Psalm 69:10 ); military defeat (Psalm 79:4 ); sin (Proverbs 14:34 ); mistreatment of parents (Proverbs 19:26 ); singleness (Isaiah 4:1 ); widowhood (Isaiah 54:4 ); famine (Ezekiel 36:30 ). 2 . A state of shame, disgrace, or humiliation (Nehemiah 1:3; Job 19:5; Job 27:6; Psalm 15:3 ). 3 . An object of scorn (Jeremiah 6:10; Jeremiah 29:18; Jeremiah 42:18; Jeremiah 44:8 ). 4 . An expression of rebuke or disapproval; a taunt (1 Samuel 17:26; 2Kings 19:4,2 Kings 19:16; Nehemiah 4:4; Nehemiah 5:9 ). 5 . To express disappointment or disapproval (Ruth 2:15; Nehemiah 6:13 ). Of special interest theologically is reproach suffered for the sake of God (Psalm 69:7 ,Psalms 69:7,69:9; Psalm 89:51 ) or Christ (Luke 6:22; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Hebrews 10:33; Hebrews 11:26; 1 Peter 4:14 ) and the reproach Christ suffered (Romans 15:3; Hebrews 13:13 ). See Shame and Honor .