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# rebuke

verb (rebuke, rebukes, rebuked, rebuking); noun (a rebuke, rebukes)

«rebuke» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (verb, formal) To tell someone sharply that they have done something wrong. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#m1)
2. (noun) Sharp words of blame or criticism. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#m2)
3. (Bible) In Bible stories, Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves, meaning he commands them firmly to stop. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#m3)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x1)
- Mum gave my brother a sharp rebuke for being rude. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x2)
- The captain rebuked the sailors for falling asleep on watch. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x3)
- In the Bible, Jesus rebuked the wind, and the storm became calm. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x4)
- Her quiet rebuke made me feel ashamed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x5)
- The judge rebuked the lawyer for shouting. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x6)
- “Don’t ask riddles of a man that’s eating blackberries,” the Carl rebuked him. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/#x7)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/#x1)
- 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/#x2)
- Better is open rebuke than love that is hidden. (Writings PRO.27.5, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/#x3)
- The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His rebuke. (Writings JOB.26.11, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/#x4)
- O LORD, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy wrath. (Writings PSA.6.2, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/#x5)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «rebuke» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/R/rebuke/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«rebuke» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/rebuke.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «rebuke» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/R/rebuke/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«rebuke» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/rebuke.html) on Mova free.