from a compound of δυσ- and φήμη; defamation:--evil report.
Transliteration:dysphēmía
Pronunciation:doos-fay-mee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G1426 (δυσφημία, *dysphēmía*) is a compound word derived from the prefix δυσ- (dys-), meaning "bad" or "ill," and φήμη (*phēmē*, `{{G5345}}`), meaning "report," "rumor," or "fame." Thus, its core meaning is "bad report," "ill repute," or "defamation." It signifies a negative public perception or reputation brought about by slanderous or disparaging speech. The term implies an intentional or unintentional act of discrediting someone through spoken or reported falsehoods, leading to disgrace or dishonor. Its semantic range encompasses notions of calumny, vilification, and the suffering of a damaged reputation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word δυσφημία appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Corinthians 6:8]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is defending the authenticity and integrity of his apostolic ministry and that of his co-workers. He presents a series of paradoxes that characterize their service: "by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true."
The phrase "by evil report" (διὰ δυσφημίας) stands in direct antithesis to "by good report" (καὶ εὐφημίας, from εὐφημία, `{{G2162}}`). This contrast is crucial. Paul asserts that despite the slander and defamation they endured from their detractors, their ministry remained genuine and effective. The "evil report" refers to the false accusations, misrepresentations, and general ill-will directed at them by those who sought to undermine their authority and message. Paul embraces this δυσφημία not as a sign of failure, but as an inherent part of faithfully serving Christ in a fallen world. It underscores the suffering and opposition that often accompany true discipleship and apostolic witness, distinguishing it from a ministry that seeks only human approval or worldly success.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms share semantic overlap with δυσφημία in the realm of negative speech and reputation:
* φήμη (*phēmē*, `{{G5345}}`): The root word, referring to a report or rumor, which can be good or bad.
* εὐφημία (*euphēmía*, `{{G2162}}`): The direct antonym, meaning "good report" or "praise," as seen in [[2 Corinthians 6:8]].
* βλασφημία (*blasphēmia*, `{{G988}}`): While often translated as "blasphemy" (speech against God), it also means "slander" or "reviling" when directed against humans ([[Ephesians 4:31]], [[Colossians 3:8]]).
* καταλαλιά (*katalalia*, `{{G2636}}`): Literally "speaking against," it denotes evil-speaking or slander, often implying secret defamation ([[2 Corinthians 12:20]], [[1 Peter 2:1]]).
* διαβολή (*diabolē*, `{{G1228}}`): Meaning "slander" or "false accusation," from which the term "devil" (διάβολος, *diabolos*) is derived, highlighting the satanic origin of such speech ([[2 Timothy 3:3]], [[Titus 2:3]]).
* ψευδομαρτυρία (*pseudomartyria*, `{{G5577}}`): False witness or testimony, often in a legal context ([[Matthew 15:19]], [[Matthew 26:59]]).
The concept of enduring δυσφημία is also related to the broader biblical themes of persecution, suffering for righteousness' sake, and the paradox of strength in weakness.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of δυσφημία in the New Testament, within Paul's defense of his ministry, carries profound theological weight.
1. **A Mark of True Ministry:** For Paul, enduring δυσφημία is not a sign of failure but a confirmation of authentic apostolic service. It distinguishes genuine ministry, which often faces opposition from the world, from that which seeks worldly acclaim. The readiness to suffer disrepute for Christ's sake demonstrates a reliance on divine approval rather than human praise.
2. **Participation in Christ's Suffering:** Jesus Himself endured immense δυσφημία through false accusations, ridicule, and slander leading up to His crucifixion. Believers who suffer defamation for their faith are, in a sense, sharing in the sufferings of Christ ([[Philippians 3:10]], [[1 Peter 4:16]]).
3. **Spiritual Warfare:** Slander and defamation are often tools employed by spiritual forces of evil to discredit God's servants and undermine the message of the Gospel. The experience of δυσφημία highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to stand firm against such attacks.
4. **Call to Endurance and Integrity:** The passage in 2 Corinthians encourages believers and ministers to persevere through periods of ill repute, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate their integrity. Their true reputation is not found in the fleeting opinions of others, but in their faithful service and God's eternal judgment. It calls for a steadfast commitment to truth and righteousness, even when it incurs public scorn.
### Summary
G1426 (δυσφημία, *dysphēmía*) signifies "evil report" or "defamation." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 6:8]] highlights the experience of slander and disrepute faced by the Apostle Paul and his fellow ministers. This δυσφημία is presented as a paradoxical mark of authentic ministry, contrasting with "good report" (εὐφημία, `{{G2162}}`). Theologically, it underscores the reality of persecution for those who faithfully serve Christ, their participation in the sufferings of Jesus, and the ongoing spiritual battle against falsehood. It serves as a call for believers to endure public scorn with integrity, knowing that their true standing is with God, not with the world.
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