Bible Dictionary
CONVINCE
To convince is to bring someone to a decision about the truth or falsehood of a matter. In biblical translation the underlying term is also rendered convict, reprove, or confute.
Definition
To convince is to bring a person to a decision concerning the truth or falsehood of a proposition. In biblical translation the underlying verb may also be rendered “convict,” “reprove,” or “confute,” especially where moral or personal matters are involved.
Biblical Usage
The term can concern deciding whether a statement is true or false and can also address what is good, bad, or morally significant. Revised translations commonly use “convict,” “reprove,” or “confute.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kon-vins' (elegcho): Another form etymologically of "convict," means to bring to a decision concerning the truth or the falsehood of a proposition (Job 32:12). As usually applied to what is of a more individual and private character, and having reference to what is either good or bad, or what is in itself without moral quality, it has given way in the Revised Version (British and American) to either "convict," "reprove" or "confute."</p><p>See CONVICT.</p>