from κατάλαλος; to be a traducer, i.e. to slander:--speak against (evil of).
Transliteration:katalaléō
Pronunciation:kat-al-al-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταλαλέω (katalaléō), Strong's `{{G2635}}`, is derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb λαλέω (laleō), meaning "to speak." Etymologically, it signifies "to speak down upon" or "to speak against." Its core meaning in the New Testament is to speak evil of someone, to slander, to defame, or to malign. It implies a malicious intent to harm another's reputation, often through backbiting or spreading damaging, though not necessarily false, information. The emphasis is on speaking *about* a person in a derogatory or critical manner, typically behind their back, rather than directly to them. It is distinct from general evil-speaking, as it specifically targets an individual's character or actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καταλαλέω appears four times in the New Testament, primarily in the epistles of James and Peter.
* **[[James 4:11]]**: "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it." Here, katalaléō is explicitly forbidden among believers. James directly links slandering a brother to judging that brother, and further, to speaking evil against and judging the divine law itself. This highlights the seriousness of the sin, portraying it as an usurpation of God's role as the sole Lawgiver and Judge ([[James 4:12]]). It underscores the destructive nature of slander within the Christian community, undermining the very foundation of brotherly love and unity.
* **[[1 Peter 2:12]]**: "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak evil against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." In this context, Christians are presented as the *object* of katalaléō. Unbelievers are expected to slander or speak evil against believers, accusing them as evildoers. Peter's instruction is not to retaliate in kind, but to maintain honorable conduct, allowing their good deeds to refute the false accusations and ultimately lead the accusers to glorify God.
* **[[1 Peter 3:16]]**: "having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." Similar to [[1 Peter 2:12]], Christians are again the target of katalaléō. The emphasis is on living with a good conscience and righteous behavior in Christ, which serves as a powerful witness against those who would malign them. The aim is for the slanderers to be shamed, not by direct confrontation, but by the undeniable evidence of the believers' virtuous lives.
Across these occurrences, a dual perspective emerges: katalaléō is a sin to be avoided by believers, and it is also a trial to be endured by believers from the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding καταλαλέω is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms in the biblical lexicon:
* **κατάλαλος (katalalos - `{{G2637}}`)**: This is the noun form, meaning "slanderer" or "backbiter." It appears in [[Romans 1:30]] as a characteristic of those given over to a depraved mind. This connection underscores the severe spiritual implications of engaging in katalaléō.
* **διαβάλλω (diaballō - `{{G1225}}`)**: To accuse, to slander. This term is closely related, and its derivative διάβολος (diabolos - `{{G1228}}`) is the source of the English word "devil," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser." This highlights the diabolical nature of slander.
* **βλασφημία (blasphēmia - `{{G988}}`)**: Blasphemy, reviling, or slander. While blasphēmia can be directed against God (blasphemy in the strictest sense), it also applies to slander against humans. katalaléō can be seen as a specific manifestation of blasphēmia when directed at a person's reputation.
* **ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō - `{{G5576}}`)**: To bear false witness. While katalaléō may involve false accusations, it can also involve speaking malicious truths.
* **Antithesis**: The opposite of katalaléō is found in concepts like love (ἀγάπη - agapē `{{G26}}`), edification (οἰκοδομή - oikodomē `{{G3619}}`), speaking truth in love (ἀληθεύω ἐν ἀγάπῃ - alētheuō en agapē [[Ephesians 4:15]]), and protecting the reputation of others.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταλαλέω is profound, touching upon core aspects of Christian ethics, community, and witness:
* **Violation of Love and the Law**: James explicitly links katalaléō to a transgression against the law of love. To speak evil of a brother is to violate the second great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself ([[Matthew 22:39]]). It demonstrates a lack of charity and a failure to uphold the unity of the Spirit.
* **Usurpation of Divine Authority**: By speaking evil of and judging a brother, one effectively places oneself in the position of God, the sole Lawgiver and Judge ([[James 4:12]]). This act of self-exaltation is a serious affront to divine sovereignty and justice.
* **Disruption of Christian Community**: Slander is a corrosive force within the body of Christ. It breeds distrust, division, and animosity, undermining the very fellowship that believers are called to maintain in peace and love ([[Ephesians 4:3]]). It is a manifestation of the flesh, not the fruit of the Spirit.
* **Christian Witness and Endurance**: For believers, being the object of katalaléō is part of the suffering that accompanies following Christ ([[1 Peter 4:16]]). Peter's instruction to endure such slander with good conduct and a clear conscience transforms a negative experience into an opportunity for evangelism and for God to be glorified. The integrity of Christian living serves as a powerful counter-testimony to false accusations.
* **Spiritual Warfare**: The association of katalaléō with the character of the "devil" (διάβολος - diabolos) highlights its role in spiritual warfare. Slander is a tool used by the enemy to sow discord, destroy reputations, and hinder the work of God.
### Summary
καταλαλέω (`{{G2635}}`) signifies "to speak evil against," "to slander," or "to malign." It is a grave sin within the Christian community, as it violates the law of love, usurps God's exclusive role as Lawgiver and Judge, and severely disrupts the unity and trust essential for healthy fellowship. The Apostle James condemns it unequivocally, linking it to spiritual arrogance and a failure to live by the divine law. Conversely, Christians are also often the targets of katalaléō from the unbelieving world. In such instances, the Apostles Peter instructs believers to respond not with retaliation, but with steadfast good conduct and a clear conscience, allowing their righteous lives to refute the accusations and ultimately bring glory to God. Thus, katalaléō is both a behavior to be strictly avoided by the faithful and a form of persecution to be patiently endured for the sake of the Gospel.
TRV