Pilch, John J.2015-02-062015-02-062014-10Pilch, J.J., 2014, ‘Insults and face work in the Bible’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 70(1), Art. #2655, 8 pages. http:// dx.doi.org/10.4102/hts. v70i1.2655.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v70i1.2655http://hdl.handle.net/2263/43583Insults play a key role in social interaction in the agonistic culture of the Middle East. This article constructs a social scientific model of social interaction regarding face work and insults and then filters the Gospel of Matthew through that model to highlight the prevalence of insult in the biblical world.en© 2014. The Authors.Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.InsultsFace workBibleSocial scientific modelSocial interactionGospel of MatthewArticle