### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katalalía**, represented by `{{G2636}}`, refers to **defamation**, including **backbiting** and **evil speaking**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This term specifically describes speech that is derogatory and intended to harm another's reputation, often spoken against someone in their absence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{G2636}}` is consistently presented as a behavior to be rejected. Peter lists "evil speakings" among a series of vices that believers must lay aside, including "malice," "guile," "hypocrisies," and "envies" [[1 Peter 2:1]]. Similarly, Paul expresses his fear of finding "backbitings" in the Corinthian church, where it is associated with a breakdown of community order, alongside "debates," "wraths," "strifes," and "tumults" [[2 Corinthians 12:20]]. In both contexts, the word points to a destructive verbal sin that is contrary to Christian conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the environment in which **katalalía** thrives:
* `{{G5587}}` **psithyrismós** (whispering, i.e. secret detraction): This term appears directly alongside "backbitings" and describes the secretive and slanderous nature of such talk [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble): This is listed as a foundational sin that must be laid aside along with "evil speakings," suggesting that defamation stems from an inner malice [[1 Peter 2:1]].
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling): This is listed with "backbitings" as a cause of disorder in the church, highlighting the contentious and divisive results of such speech [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
* `{{G181}}` **akatastasía** (instability, i.e. disorder): This word describes the chaos and "tumults" that result from behaviors like backbiting, showing its destructive effect on community peace [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2636}}` is focused on its destructive nature within the community of believers.
* **A Sign of Carnality:** Paul's concern over finding "backbitings" in Corinth frames it as a symptom of a church not walking in the Spirit. It is grouped with "debates," "envyings," and "wraths" as evidence of unresolved conflict and spiritual immaturity [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
* **An Obstacle to Holiness:** In his first epistle, Peter commands believers to "lay aside" all forms of "evil speakings" as a prerequisite for spiritual growth, placing it in the same category as malice, guile, and hypocrisy [[1 Peter 2:1]].
* **A Source of Division:** The word is consistently associated with strife and disorder. Its presence leads to "debates," "strifes," and "tumults," undermining the unity and peace that should characterize the church [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2636}}` **katalalía** is a term for malicious and defamatory speech that is strongly condemned in the New Testament. It is not merely idle talk but a destructive act that stems from internal vices like malice and envy. Its presence is treated as a serious threat to both personal holiness and the unity of the Christian community, identified as a behavior that must be put away by believers.
TRV