What Does the Bible Say About Rebuking? With Scripture References

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Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about rebuking?” with specific Bible references.

Have you ever asked yourself the question “What does the Bible say about rebuking?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes rebuking in different contexts. The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines rebuking as “Chiding; reproving; checking; punishing.”

Now armed with a basic definition of rebuking, Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource which captures all notable mentions of the word rebuking, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about rebuking, scroll on for additional detail.

Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about rebuking and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.

The Gospel

What Does the Bible Say About Rebuking?


Proverbs 27:5

“Open rebuke is better than secret love.”

Psalms 80:16

It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.”

1 Timothy 5:1

“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;”

Titus 1:13

“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;”

Revelation 3:19

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

1 Timothy 5:20

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”

Proverbs 13:1

“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”

Proverbs 9:8

“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”

Proverbs 13:8

“The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.”

Luke 17:3

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”


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Timothy Andrew
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Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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