[Greek] ἐλέγχω (elegchō), [Latin] arguere, [Latin] convincere, [Latin] redarguere, [Latin] increpare: to confute, to admonish, to find fault, to expose, to rebuke; Mt.18:15, Lk.3:19, Jn.3:20, Jn.8:9,46, Jn.16:8, 1Cor.14:24, Eph.5:11,13, 1Tim.5:20, 2Tim.4:2, Tit.1:9,13, Tit.2:15, Heb.12:5, Jas.2:9, Rev.3:19
The Woman Taken in Adultery: painting by Lorenzo Lotto (1528)
Background information:
The Woman Taken in Adultery: The scribes and Pharisees were intending to set a trap for Jesus: either condemn this woman or condemn yourself as an opponent of the law of Moses. They are angry (with a bitter zeal) and are demanding justice. They deceive themselves, focusing on the exteriors of religion, thinking they are about God’s business. They are exposed as hypocrites. The woman is moved and contrite in Christ’s holy presence. The scribes and Pharisees do not seem to have a clue as to who Jesus really is. When Jesus says, ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone’, they all walk away. It is only when we know God that we know the measure of sin. Sin’s depravity is exposed when confronted by His infinite goodness and holiness. This painting hangs in the Louvre in Paris.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to confute, to expose, to refute, to disgrace, to cross examine, to convict, and to prove. Antiphon’s First Tetralogy 2.4.10 states “They assert not that I am not the probable, but that I am the actual murderer. Moreover, those inferences have in fact have proved to be in my favor than theirs.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 1.72 states “He must never accept an engagement of crowds, or he will expose himself to ridicule as an incompetent player or imposter.” Plato’s Gorgias 458a states “Of what sort am I? One of those who would be glad to be refuted, if I say anything true, and glad to refute anyone who might speak untruly.” Aeschylus Libation Bearers 851 states “I wish to see the messenger and put him to the test again.”
Old Testament: This term means to do wrong (become guilty), to examine, to search, to convict, to prove, to rebuke, to disturb, and to strike. This term often denotes the disciplining and education of man by God as a result of His judicial actions. Examples include conviction of the sinner, punishment, instruction of the righteous by tests, teaching, and admonition. Exhortation is shown in the prophetic books. Lo, with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert (Isa.50:2). This is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace (Isa.37:3). Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips refute you (Job 15:6). The man who pleads his case first seems to be in the right; then his opponent comes and puts him to the test (Pro.18:17). For the Lord has a plea against His people (Mic.6:2). Let that server you as a vindication before all who are with you (Gen.20:16). How agreeable are honest words, yet how unconvincing is your argument (Job 6:25).
New Testament: This term can mean to find fault, to censure, to expose, to be convicted (self-examine), to refute, and to find guilty. Because of his actions, Herod was censured by John the Baptist. Correction of one’s fellow brother must first settled privately. Those who do not live the truth (and seek the light) do not want their works exposed. The Jews, examining their own consciences, walked away away from stoning the woman. The Holy Spirit comes to convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness. One must expose and correct the sinful actions of others. One must not lose heart when receiving the fatherly correction of the Lord.
Scripture:
“And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So He was left alone with the woman before Him.” Jn. 8:9
Being convicted by one’s conscience (or self-examining oneself) is implied in this scripture. The accusers walked away as they were in not a moral position to pass judgment on the woman.
“For everyone who does wicked things hate the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.” Jn.3:20
Those who live the truth come to the light. Light came into the world, but some people prefer to darkness to light.
“Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them.” Eph.5:11
One must also expose those who perform works of darkness. This is in conjunction with exhorting and correcting those with sound doctrine.
Conclusion:
Argue, argument, convince, increpation
It was interesting to discover that this term can take on various meanings, ranging from exposing, proving, testing, and rebuking. This term often involves relates to one’s beliefs or motives.
In the Old Testament, this term serves to define God’s relationship with His people. God educates, disciplines, punishes, convicts, and tests others.
In the New Testament, this term takes on literal and subtle meanings. It is easily seen that Herod has been censured by John the Baptist. An important theme is the process of compassionately correcting a sinful brother, through several steps if needed. It is also important that the works of darkness must be exposed. Exhorting, reprimanding, and teaching of sound doctrine is also needed. The Holy Spirit convicts the world regarding sin and righteousness. Hebrews points out that is sometimes necessary to receive gentle correction from the Father (and not to lose heart). The more nuanced example refers to the Jewish accusers (who were forced to examine their own conscience) walked away from accused woman. Any such event or occurrence exposes one’s attitudes or motives.
Update: Recently, there has been outbreak of war (launching of missiles) between Jerusalem and Hamas. This crisis has awakened and exposed the loyalties attitudes for and against both Jerusalem, Palestine, and Hamas. The Republicans have shown great solidarity with Jerusalem’s concerns. However, it is interesting to note that is difficult to find to find solid support for Jerusalem among Democrats and Progressives. This support has been wavering because of current political considerations. As a result, these Democrats and Progressives have been criticized for not fully supporting Jerusalem.
I hope this post convinces you to consider what you really believe in.