Chiding, in the biblical context, refers to the act of scolding, rebuking, or expressing disapproval, often in a stern or corrective manner. This term is used to describe interactions where one party reproves another, typically due to perceived wrongdoing or disobedience. The concept of chiding is evident in various passages throughout the Bible, where it serves as a tool for correction and instruction.

Old Testament Instances

One of the notable instances of chiding occurs in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt, frequently chided Moses due to their hardships in the wilderness. In Exodus 17:2 , it is recorded, "So the people contended with Moses, 'Give us water to drink.' 'Why do you contend with me?' Moses replied. 'Why do you test the LORD?'" Here, the chiding of Moses by the Israelites reflects their lack of faith and trust in God's provision, leading to a divine response that underscores the importance of reliance on God.

In the Book of Job, Job's friends chide him, believing that his suffering must be a result of sin. Job 5:17 states, "Behold, blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." This passage highlights the belief that divine chiding or correction is ultimately for the benefit and growth of the individual, aligning with the broader biblical theme of discipline as an expression of God's love and care.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, chiding is often seen in the interactions between Jesus and His disciples. For example, in Mark 10:13-14 , when the disciples rebuked those bringing children to Jesus, He responded with displeasure: "But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Here, Jesus' chiding serves to correct the disciples' misunderstanding of His mission and the nature of the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul also employs chiding in his epistles to address issues within the early church. In 1 Corinthians 4:14 , Paul writes, "I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children." Paul's chiding is not meant to condemn but to guide the believers back to righteous living and adherence to the teachings of Christ.

Theological Implications

Chiding in the Bible is often associated with the concept of divine discipline. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" This passage underscores the idea that chiding, when done in love, is a form of divine instruction intended to foster spiritual growth and maturity.

In summary, chiding in the biblical narrative serves as a mechanism for correction, instruction, and spiritual development. It reflects the broader biblical themes of discipline, love, and the pursuit of righteousness, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine and godly correction in the journey of faith.7379. rib -- strife, dispute
... 2), strife (13), suit (2). adversary, cause, chiding, contention, controversy,
multitude, pleading, strife,. Or rib {reeb}; from ...
/hebrew/7379.htm - 6k

1606. gearah -- a rebuke
... rebukeing, reproof. From ga'ar; a chiding -- rebuke(-ing), reproof. see HEBREW
ga'ar. 1605, 1606. gearah. 1607 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1606.htm - 6k

Psalm LXXVI.
... 7. "By Thy chiding, O God of Jacob, there have slept all men that have mounted
horses" (ver.6). Who are they that have mounted horses? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvi.htm

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable ...
... they vainly flatter evil doers by promising security: neither do they at all discover
the iniquity of sinners, since they refrain their voice from chiding. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter iv that the ruler.htm

That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ...
... Divine Word, using all the resources of wisdom, devotes Himself to the saving of
the children, admonishing, upbraiding, blaming, chiding, reproving, threatening ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... So, too, has the same. 50 Apostle (when Galatian brethren. Chiding)"Paul"written
that such zeal hath he. [1561]. The fathers'sins God freely rendered, then,. ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... So evident and singular was their conduct in this regard, that it became a matter
of grave inquiry on one occasion and severe chiding on another. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

God Just as Well as Merciful; Accordingly, Mercy must not be ...
... judges, and that in a case of fornication, [741] that "such a man must be surrendered
to Satan for the destruction of the flesh;" [742] chiding them likewise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter ii god just as well.htm

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... Sufficient is such a chiding which is given by many; so that, on the contrary, ye
should prefer to forgive and console, lest, perhaps, by more abundant sadness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

Introduction.
... From the ethereal heights of inspiration I hear a chiding voice saying, "O had ye
hearkened unto me, then had your peace been as a river, and your ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/introduction.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... Diogenes, when he was being sold, chiding like a teacher one of these degenerate
creatures, said very manfully, "Come, youngster, buy for yourself a man ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
... praying {Matt. xxvi.40), what chiding dost thou deserve, who thinkest it too
long to continue in prayer but one quarter of an hour? If ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations to stir us up.htm

Chiding (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chiding (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 4:14 Not as chiding
do I write these things to you, but as my beloved children I admonish you. ...
/c/chiding.htm - 7k

Chide (3 Occurrences)

/c/chide.htm - 8k

Tempted (25 Occurrences)
... Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of
the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying ...
/t/tempted.htm - 13k

Reproof (29 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An expression of blame or censure; especially,
blame expressed to the face; censure for a fault; chiding; reproach. ...
/r/reproof.htm - 15k

Eli (36 Occurrences)
... worthlessness"). Eli administered no stern rebuke to his sons, but only
a gentle chiding of their greed and immorality. Thereafter ...
/e/eli.htm - 24k

Meribah (11 Occurrences)
... to the fountain in the desert of Sin, near Rephidim, which issued from the rock
in Horeb, which he smote by the divine command, "because of the chiding of the ...
/m/meribah.htm - 14k

Chidon (1 Occurrence)

/c/chidon.htm - 7k

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