### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **psithyristḗs**, represented by `{{G5588}}`, defines a **secret calumniator** or **whisperer**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, placing it within a specific and serious context. The term denotes someone who engages in slanderous or malicious gossip in secret.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G5588}}` is found in [[Romans 1:29]]. Here, **whisperers** are included in a comprehensive catalog of sins that characterize those who have turned away from God. The verse states they are "full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; **whisperers**," indicating that this act is not an isolated flaw but a symptom of a heart filled with a wide range of unrighteousness [[Romans 1:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the nature of a **whisperer** by highlighting the associated character flaws and consequences:
* `{{G2550}}` **kakoḗtheia** (malignity): This term, meaning "bad character" or "mischievousness," appears immediately before **whisperers** in the scriptural list, describing the malicious intent that fuels such secret slander [[Romans 1:29]].
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (deceit, guile, craft, subtilty): This word defines the trickery inherent in whispering. It is associated with actions like seeking to take Jesus by **craft** [[Mark 14:1]] and is a quality explicitly absent from Christ's mouth [[1 Peter 2:22]].
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (debate, strife, contention): Whispering is a source of conflict, and this term refers to the quarrels that arise from it. It is frequently listed alongside envy and divisions as a mark of a carnal nature [[1 Corinthians 3:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5588}}` is understood through its context within a list of vices.
* **Symptom of a Corrupted Heart:** The inclusion of **whisperers** among severe sins like murder, wickedness, and covetousness shows that scripture views it as a serious indicator of a depraved character, not a minor social failing [[Romans 1:29]].
* **Destructive to Community:** The act of a **whisperer** is fundamentally divisive. By being linked to **deceit** `{{G1388}}` and resulting in **strife** `{{G2054}}`, it is portrayed as a sin that undermines trust and creates contention.
* **Contrasted with Godliness:** The catalog of vices in Romans 1 stands in opposition to a life filled with goodness and knowledge [[Romans 15:14]]. Being a **whisperer** is part of a lifestyle characterized by unrighteousness, a direct contrast to the life of sincerity and truth [[1 Corinthians 5:8]].
### Summary
In summary, **psithyristḗs** `{{G5588}}` is a potent term for a **secret calumniator**. Though it appears only once, its placement in [[Romans 1:29]] anchors its meaning as a grave sin. It is not merely idle gossip but a malicious act stemming from a corrupted character, characterized by deceit and leading to strife. The term serves as a warning about the destructive power of secret slander and its place among the serious vices that are contrary to a righteous life.
TRV