גִּדּוּף
𐤂𐤃𐤅𐤐
giddûwph
H1421 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A verbal act of insulting or speaking with contempt, particularly directed toward the deity, but also against persons; the noun denotes an utterance of blasphemy, abuse, or reproach—a harsh verbal attack that shames, defames, or dishonors its target. This includes accusations, derisive insults, or statements that desecrate what is regarded as holy or honorable.
Semantic Range
verbal abuse, insulting speech, reproach, reviling, blasphemy, public affront, defamation, vilification
Root / Etymology
From the root גדף (g-d-p), meaning 'to revile, blaspheme, insult verbally.' The noun גִּדּוּף (giddûph) and its variants (גִּדֻּף, feminine גִּדּוּפָה, גִּדֻּפָה) are formed with nominalizing patterns from this root. The underlying sense of the root is harsh, verbal denigration, and the noun specifies the act or utterance itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, גִּדּוּף frequently connotes a serious offense against YHWH, amounting to blasphemy or a public affront to the deity's name or authority (Leviticus 24:16; 2 Kings 19:6). However, the word can also refer to severe insults or abusive speech directed at human beings (Isaiah 37:6, 23), though with lesser severity than when directed at the deity. In legal and ritual contexts, גִּדּוּף is distinct from other forms of wrongdoing in that it pertains explicitly to spoken or verbal acts; it does not require physical action. English translations often render the term as 'blasphemy,' 'reproach,' 'reviling,' or 'insult,' though such renderings may not fully capture the severity or the social and religious implications in its original context. Over time, the concept is increasingly associated with violations of the sanctity of the divine name, especially in priestly and Second Temple sources, where it becomes a capital or otherwise heinous offense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or (shortened) גִּדֻּף; and (feminine) גִּדּוּפָהxlit giddûphâh corrected to giddûwphâh; or גִּדֻּפָה; from גְּדוּפָה; vilification; reproach, reviling.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גדף (g-d-p) — reviling, insulting, blaspheming, abusive speech
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1421-03 |
וְ/גִדּוּפֵ֖י | vegidufey | HC/Ncbpc |
and the revilings | and revilings of | 1 |
H1421-02 |
וּ/מִ/גִּדֻּפֹתָ֖/ם | umigidufotam | HC/R/Ncbpc/Sp3mp |
nor at their revilings | and from their revilings | 1 |
H1421-01 |
לְ/גִדּוּפִֽים | legidufim | HR/Ncbpa |
to-reproaches | to revilings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1421-01 |
Isaiah 43:28 | לְ/גִדּוּפִֽים | legidufim | HR/Ncbpa |
to-reproaches | to revilings |
H1421-02 |
Isaiah 51:7 | וּ/מִ/גִּדֻּפֹתָ֖/ם | umigidufotam | HC/R/Ncbpc/Sp3mp |
nor at their revilings | and from their revilings |
H1421-03 |
Zephaniah 2:8 | וְ/גִדּוּפֵ֖י | vegidufey | HC/Ncbpc |
and the revilings | and revilings of |