### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phlýaros**, represented by `{{G5397}}`, describes a **garrulous person** or **prater**, commonly translated as **tattler**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word's origin, from a root meaning "to bubble," suggests an overflowing of meaningless talk.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5397}}` is in [[1 Timothy 5:13]], where it is used to describe a specific negative behavior. In this context, **tattlers** are listed alongside those who are "idle" and "busybodies," creating a portrait of unproductive and intrusive conduct. The passage explicitly connects being a **tattler** with "speaking things which they ought not," highlighting the harmful nature of such speech.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same verse clarify the meaning of `{{G5397}}`:
* `{{G692}}` **argós** (inactive, i.e. unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless:--barren, idle, slow): This word describes the state that leads to tattling, where individuals "learn to be **idle**" [[1 Timothy 5:13]]. It is also used to describe every "**idle** word" for which men will give an account [[Matthew 12:36]].
* `{{G4021}}` **períergos** (working all around, i.e. officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic):--busybody, curious arts): This term is used in direct conjunction with `{{G5397}}`, describing people as "**busybodies**" [[1 Timothy 5:13]]. It also describes those who practiced "**curious arts**" in [[Acts 19:19]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter): This is the verb for "speaking" that the tattlers engage in. While here it denotes improper speech [[1 Timothy 5:13]], it is also the same word used when Jesus **spoke** words of life and peace [[John 6:63]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{G5397}}` carries significant weight regarding Christian conduct and the use of speech.
* **Idleness and Harmful Speech:** The progression in [[1 Timothy 5:13]] suggests that idleness `{{G692}}` is a precursor to becoming **tattlers** `{{G5397}}` and busybodies `{{G4021}}`. This establishes a clear link between an unproductive life and socially damaging behavior.
* **Accountability for Words:** The warning against being a **tattler** is sharpened by the concept of accountability for "every idle word" found in [[Matthew 12:36]]. It implies that the "bubbling over" speech of a `phlýaros` is not without consequence.
* **The Nature of Speech:** The use of `{{G2980}}` for both the tattler's gossip [[1 Timothy 5:13]] and Jesus's life-giving words [[John 6:63]] creates a stark contrast. It underscores that the faculty of speech is a powerful tool that can be used for either destructive or holy purposes.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{G5397}}` appears only once, it provides a concise and potent warning. It identifies a **tattler** not merely as someone who talks a lot, but as someone whose speech is a product of idleness and leads to meddlesome, inappropriate communication. Framed by its associated terms, **phlýaros** illustrates the biblical principle that unaccountable speech is a dangerous consequence of an unproductive life.
TRV