"to put to proof, to test; to convict, Jn. 8:46; Jas. 2:9; to refute, confute, 1 Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; to detect, lay bare, expose, Jn. 3:20; Eph. 5:11, 13; to reprove, rebuke, Mt. 18:15; Lk. 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:20; to discipline, chastise, Heb. 12:5; Rev. 3:19; pass. to experience con..."
Definition and meaning
to put to proof, to test; to convict, Jn. 8:46; Jas. 2:9; to refute, confute, 1 Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; to detect, lay bare, expose, Jn. 3:20; Eph. 5:11, 13; to reprove, rebuke, Mt. 18:15; Lk. 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:20; to discipline, chastise, Heb. 12:5; Rev. 3:19; pass. to experience conviction, Jn. 3:20; 1 Cor. 14:24
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐλέγχω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of elencho (G1651) across the King James Bible.
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
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Common questions
Strong's G1651 (elencho) is a Greek word that means: to put to proof, to test; to convict, Jn. 8:46; Jas. 2:9; to refute, confute, 1 Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; to detect, lay bare, expose, Jn. 3:20; Eph. 5:11, 13; to reprove, rebuke, Mt. 18:15; Lk. 3:19; 1 T... It appears 17 times in the King James Bible.
The word elencho (G1651) appears 17 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1651 is elencho, a Greek word defined as: to put to proof, to test; to convict, Jn. 8:46; Jas. 2:9; to refute, confute, 1 Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; to detect, lay bare, expose, Jn. 3:20; Eph. 5:11. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
elencho is a Greek word found in the New Testament.