To reprove wrongdoers

Love – אַהֲבָה

• Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:7) teaches that rebuke is a form of love, since ignoring sin is cruelty. Talmud (Arachin 16b) insists that rebuke must be repeated “even a hundred times,” showing that love is patient and persistent. Rashi explains that rebuke prevents hatred from festering, thus preserving love.

Rebuke – תּוֹכָחָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (239) emphasizes that rebuke prevents shared guilt, ensuring Torah’s values remain intact. Ramban stresses that rebuke is only valid when spoken with humility and love. Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim §4) portrays rebuke as a communal responsibility — ignoring sin is itself sinful.

Kindness – חֶסֶד

• Talmud (Shabbat 54b) explains that those who can protest wrongdoing but remain silent bear responsibility. Rambam explains this silence is cruelty, while rebuke is kindness, guiding one away from harm. Midrash Rabbah (Lev. 19:17) portrays rebuke as the greatest chesed, preventing sin and its consequences.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Ramban notes that compassion softens rebuke, ensuring it heals rather than humiliates. Talmud (Arachin 16b) warns against embarrassing a sinner, equating shame to bloodshed. Sefer HaChinuch teaches that true compassion is guiding others to improve without breaking their dignity.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Rashi explains that failing to rebuke allows injustice to continue unchecked. Rambam notes that rebuke fulfills the command of “tzedek tzedek tirdof,” since it upholds fairness in the community. Talmud (Shabbat 54b) says leaders who do not rebuke are held accountable for communal sins.

Speech – דָּבָר

• Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:6) emphasizes rebuke must be expressed with words — silence is sin. Talmud (Arachin 16b) explains that speech heals hidden hatred. Midrash Rabbah adds that speech in rebuke transforms anger into dialogue and repentance.

Humility – עֲנָוָה

• Rambam rules that rebuke must be given privately and humbly, without embarrassing others. Talmud (Arachin 16b) compares humiliating others to murder, teaching that humility in tone is essential. Midrash Tanchuma (Kedoshim §10) portrays Hashem Himself as rebuking Israel in mercy and humility.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Sefer HaChinuch writes that rebuke sustains communal integrity by preventing moral decay. Talmud (Shabbat 54b) states that entire communities are held accountable when no one rebukes. Midrash Rabbah (Lev. 19:17) adds that rebuke ensures Israel remains a holy kehilla.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• Ramban explains that rebuke protects relationships by clearing grievances honestly. Talmud (Arachin 16b) shows that rebuke builds trust, while silence creates hypocrisy. Sefer HaChinuch adds that this mitzvah fosters responsibility for each other’s wellbeing.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:8) stresses that ignoring sin leads to Divine judgment not only for the sinner but also for the bystander. Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim §4) portrays rebuke as cleaving to Hashem’s justice. Talmud (Shabbat 54b) teaches that rebuke reflects loyalty to Hashem’s covenant.