rebuke

Everyday

1. (verb, formal) To tell someone sharply that they have done something wrong. tree →
2. (noun) Sharp words of blame or criticism. tree →
3. (Bible) In Bible stories, Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves, meaning he commands them firmly to stop. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, "rebuke" is a more formal word for "tell off" or "scold"; it is common in books, the news and the Bible. In stories, a rebuke shows someone in charge correcting someone, and the rebuked character may feel ashamed. Phrases: a sharp rebuke, a gentle rebuke, rebuke someone for something.

Examples

• The teacher rebuked him for talking during the assembly. tree →
• Mum gave my brother a sharp rebuke for being rude. tree →
• The captain rebuked the sailors for falling asleep on watch. tree →
• In the Bible, Jesus rebuked the wind, and the storm became calm. tree →
• Her quiet rebuke made me feel ashamed. tree →
• The judge rebuked the lawyer for shouting. tree →
• “Don’t ask riddles of a man that’s eating blackberries,” the Carl rebuked him. tree →

Note

Formal word: in everyday speech people say "tell off" (UK) or "scold". Rebuke someone FOR something. Past form: rebuked. Countable noun: a rebuke, rebukes.

In Jewish tradition

In Psalms, a person prays that God will not rebuke him in anger. In Job, the pillars of heaven tremble at God's rebuke. In Proverbs, open rebuke is better than hidden love.

Interpretation. The rule "thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbour" is read as a duty to correct others kindly and not hate them in your heart; the rabbis said to do it gently and privately. Proverbs is read as saying that honest correction is a sign of true friendship.

Examples

• Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart; thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbour, and not bear sin because of him. (Torah LEV.19.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him: 'What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? (Torah GEN.37.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Better is open rebuke than love that is hidden. (Writings PRO.27.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke. (Writings JOB.26.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• O LORD, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy wrath. (Writings PSA.6.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal word: in everyday speech people say "tell off" (UK) or "scold". Rebuke someone FOR something. Past form: rebuked. Countable noun: a rebuke, rebukes.