Short Answer
Overview
The word “revilers” is an English plural noun used in some translations of the Bible to denote people who revile—i.e., who speak contemptuously, curse, or insult others. It is derived from the verb “to revile,” which comes from the Latin revillāre meaning “to tear down” or “to speak harshly.” In biblical contexts, revilers are typically contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral condemnation of slander and abusive speech.
History / Background
The noun “reviler” appears in the King James Version (KJV) and a few other historic translations, most often in the Psalms and prophetic books (e.g., Psalm 31:19, Psalm 119:93). The underlying Hebrew term is often קִיר (qîr), which Strong’s Concordance lists as “to mock, revile.” In the Greek Septuagint, the equivalent is ὀνειδίζω (oneidizō), meaning “to revile, insult.” The English rendering “reviler” reflects a literal translation of these Semitic and Greek terms during the early modern period of biblical scholarship.
Importance and Impact
Understanding “revilers” helps readers grasp the ethical teachings of Scripture concerning speech. The term underscores the biblical emphasis on guarding one’s tongue, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 and James 3:9‑10. It also informs theological discussions about sin, repentance, and the community’s responsibility to correct harmful language. In liturgical and devotional contexts, the word appears in prayers that ask God to protect believers from the influence of revilers.
Why It Matters
For modern readers, the concept of reviling remains relevant in an age of digital communication where insults can spread rapidly. Recognizing the biblical condemnation of revilers encourages ethical speech, empathy, and conflict resolution. Moreover, accurate translation of the term aids scholars, pastors, and laypersons in interpreting passages that deal with moral behavior.
Common Misconceptions
“Revilers” is a proper name or a specific group of people.
It is a common noun referring to anyone who engages in reviling speech, not a distinct ethnic or religious group.
The term only appears in the KJV and is therefore obsolete.
While less common in contemporary translations, the underlying concept is present in most versions, often rendered as “slanderers,” “insulting people,” or “those who speak contemptuously.”
FAQ
Is “revilers” used in modern Bible translations?
Modern translations often use alternatives such as “slanderers,” “insulting people,” or “those who speak contemptuously,” but the underlying concept remains.
What is the Hebrew word behind “reviler”?
The Hebrew word is קִיר (qîr), which means ‘to mock’ or ‘to revile,’ and is indexed as Strong’s H6971.
How does the concept of reviling relate to Christian ethics?
Christian ethics emphasize the power of speech; passages like James 3:9‑10 warn believers against using the tongue to curse, aligning with the biblical condemnation of revilers.
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