The Bible places great importance on words. What we say and how we say it—reveals the condition of the heart. One strong word the Bible uses to warn against harmful speech and behavior is “revilers.” Though not commonly used today, it carries serious spiritual meaning in Scripture.
Many people ask, “What does revilers mean in the Bible?” Biblically, revilers are those who use abusive, insulting, or degrading speech, often driven by pride, anger, or hatred. The Bible consistently warns that such behavior is destructive—not only to others, but also to one’s spiritual life.
Understanding the revilers meaning in the Bible helps believers guard their words, walk in humility, and reflect Christlike character.
Biblical Meaning of Revilers
In the Bible, revilers are people who:
- Speak abusively or insultingly
- Use words to harm, shame, or degrade others
- Show contempt through speech or behavior
- Act out of pride, anger, or bitterness
The term “reviler” comes from the Greek word “loidoros,” meaning an abusive speaker or verbal attacker.
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers… will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10).
This verse shows how seriously God views this behavior.
Revilers in the New Testament
The word reviler appears mainly in the New Testament, especially in Paul’s letters.
Revilers are often listed alongside other sinful behaviors because:
- Harmful speech damages relationships
- Words can reflect an unrepentant heart
- Verbal abuse opposes God’s command to love
“Do not be deceived” (1 Corinthians 6:9) reminds believers that persistent sinful speech has spiritual consequences.
Reviling vs. Righteous Speech
The Bible contrasts reviling with godly speech.
Reviling speech:
- Tears others down
- Fuels conflict
- Springs from pride or anger
Righteous speech:
- Builds others up
- Brings peace
- Reflects God’s love
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29).
Spiritual Significance of Revilers
Spiritually, reviling reveals:
- A lack of self-control
- A heart not fully surrendered to God
- Disregard for others made in God’s image
Jesus taught that words matter deeply.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).
Reviling speech shows what is happening inside the heart.
Revilers and Christian Conduct
Believers are clearly instructed not to live as revilers.
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28).
Christians are called to respond with:
- Humility
- Patience
- Grace
- Love
This sets them apart from the world.
Can Revilers Be Forgiven?
Yes. The Bible is clear that repentance brings forgiveness.
After listing revilers among sinful behaviors, Paul writes:
“And such were some of you. But you were washed… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
This shows that no sin—including reviling—is beyond God’s grace when there is repentance.
Practical Lessons from Revilers in the Bible
The revilers meaning in the Bible teaches believers to:
- Guard their words carefully
- Avoid abusive or insulting speech
- Practice humility and self-control
- Speak with love and wisdom
- Reflect Christ in communication
Words can either wound or heal—and God calls His people to choose wisely.
How to Avoid Reviling Speech
The Bible encourages believers to:
- Pray before speaking
- Respond gently, even in conflict
- Let the Holy Spirit guide speech
- Replace anger with compassion
“A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
Conclusion
The revilers meaning in the Bible highlights the serious spiritual danger of abusive and harmful speech. Scripture teaches that words matter deeply to God and reflect the true state of the heart.
Believers are called to turn away from reviling and instead speak with grace, humility, and love. Through repentance and faith, God transforms hearts and our words follow.
John Miller is a content author at BibliHub.com, known for creating clear, well-structured, and reader-friendly articles. He focuses on breaking down complex topics into simple, practical explanations that are easy to understand for a global audience. John emphasizes accuracy, research-based information, and logical presentation, making his work reliable and accessible for readers seeking trustworthy knowledge.
