from דָּבַב (in the sense of furtive motion); slander; defaming, evil report, infamy, slander.
Transliteration:dibbâh
Pronunciation:dib-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דִּבָּה (dibbâh, `{{H1681}}`) derives from the root דָּבַב (davav), which suggests a sense of furtive, whispering, or gentle motion. This etymological connection provides insight into the nature of dibbâh: it is often speech that is spread subtly, secretly, or maliciously. The primary semantic range of dibbâh encompasses "slander," "evil report," "defamation," and "infamy." It denotes a communication that is inherently negative, often false or exaggerated, and intended to damage the reputation or standing of another. Unlike simple gossip, dibbâh carries a strong connotation of malice and destructive intent, aiming to bring disrepute or harm through verbal means. It is not merely a report, but a *bad* report, characterized by its damaging and often deceptive nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dibbâh appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, yet each occurrence is highly significant, illustrating its destructive power and the divine condemnation it incurs.
One of the most prominent uses is in the narrative of the Israelite spies in Numbers. In [[Numbers 13:32]], ten of the twelve spies bring back an "evil report" (דִּבָּה) about the land of Canaan, describing it as "a land that devours its inhabitants" and portraying its people as giants. This dibbâh was not merely a pessimistic assessment but a faithless and misleading account that instilled fear and rebellion in the hearts of the people. The dire consequences are seen in [[Numbers 14:36-37]], where the ten spies who brought this dibbâh were struck down by a plague, highlighting God's severe judgment against such destructive and faith-undermining speech. This context reveals dibbâh as a sin of unbelief, leading to disobedience and incurring divine wrath.
Earlier in the Pentateuch, dibbâh appears in the story of Joseph. In [[Genesis 37:2]], Joseph is said to have brought "a bad report" (דִּבָּה) about his brothers to their father, Jacob. While the exact nature of this report is not detailed, it contributes to the already strained family dynamics, foreshadowing the deep animosity and conflict that would unfold. Here, dibbâh is presented as a source of familial discord and a catalyst for suffering.
In the wisdom literature, dibbâh is explicitly condemned. [[Proverbs 10:18]] states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who utters slander (דִּבָּה) is a fool." This verse directly links dibbâh with foolishness and hypocrisy, contrasting it with integrity. It underscores that slander is not merely a social misstep but a moral failing rooted in a deceptive heart. Similarly, [[Proverbs 25:10]] warns against revealing a secret, "lest he who hears it put you to shame, and your bad report (דִּבָּה) will not turn away." This suggests that even if a dibbâh is true, its malicious spread can bring shame upon the speaker and be impossible to retract, highlighting the lasting damage of such speech.
Finally, in [[Ezekiel 36:3]], Israel is portrayed as being "slandered" (דִּבָּה) by the surrounding nations. Here, Israel is the *victim* of dibbâh, facing international contempt and disgrace due to their past sins. God promises to remove this dibbâh and restore Israel's reputation, emphasizing His concern for His people's honor and the destructive impact of slander on a national scale.
Across these contexts, dibbâh consistently denotes speech that is harmful, often false, and always destructive. It undermines trust, provokes conflict, and invites divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of dibbâh is closely related to other Hebrew terms that describe various forms of harmful speech:
* **שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`):** "Lie" or "falsehood." While dibbâh can be false, its emphasis is on the *malicious report*, whereas sheqer is the broader category of untruth. A dibbâh is often a sheqer.
* **רָכִיל (rakhil, `{{H7400}}`):** "Gossip" or "talebearer." A rakhil spreads rumors, often without necessarily intending malice, but still causing division. Dibbâh is a more severe form, implying deliberate intent to defame.
* **לָשׁוֹן רָעָה (lashon ra'ah):** "Evil tongue." This phrase, though not a single Strong's number, is a common biblical idiom for destructive speech, encompassing slander, gossip, and malicious talk. Dibbâh is a specific manifestation of lashon ra'ah.
* **עֵד שֶׁקֶר (ed sheqer):** "False witness" ([[Exodus 20:16]]). Bearing false witness is a specific legal or judicial form of dibbâh, involving testimony that is untrue and damaging.
Thematically, dibbâh stands in stark opposition to:
* **אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`):** "Truth" or "faithfulness." God's character is defined by truth, and His people are called to speak truth.
* **תֹּם (tom, `{{H8537}}`):** "Integrity" or "completeness." Integrity in speech is the antithesis of dibbâh.
The condemnation of dibbâh aligns with broader biblical principles regarding the power of the tongue and the importance of truthful, edifying speech (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:21]], [[James 3:5-10]]). It is a direct violation of the spirit of the ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" [[Exodus 20:16]], as it actively seeks to harm a neighbor's reputation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dibbâh is profound, touching upon the nature of God, humanity, and community.
Firstly, dibbâh is an affront to the character of God. As the God of truth and righteousness, Yahweh abhors deception and malice. The swift judgment against the spies in Numbers demonstrates God's active opposition to dibbâh, viewing it not merely as a social misdemeanor but as an act of rebellion against His sovereignty and a manifestation of unbelief. When humans engage in dibbâh, they not only harm their neighbor but also misrepresent the divine nature and disregard God's moral law.
Secondly, dibbâh reveals the fallenness of humanity. It stems from a heart that is capable of malice, envy, and destructive intent. The desire to defame or undermine another's reputation is a clear symptom of sin, reflecting a lack of love for one's neighbor ([[Leviticus 19:18]]) and a failure to honor God's image in others. The ease with which dibbâh can spread, as seen in the Numbers account, underscores humanity's susceptibility to fear, doubt, and the destructive power of the tongue.
Thirdly, dibbâh is deeply subversive to the covenant community. It erodes trust, foments discord, and destroys unity. In a community called to live in harmony and mutual support, dibbâh acts as a corrosive agent, tearing down relationships and fostering suspicion. The story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates how dibbâh can poison familial bonds, leading to profound suffering and separation. God desires a community characterized by truthfulness, integrity, and edifying speech, where members build each other up rather than tear each other down. The presence of dibbâh signifies a breakdown in these essential communal virtues.
Finally, the condemnation of dibbâh underscores the importance of responsible speech as a mark of spiritual maturity and obedience. The transformed heart, renewed by God's grace, is called to speak words that are true, gracious, and beneficial, reflecting the character of Christ and building up the body of believers.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דִּבָּה (dibbâh, `{{H1681}}`) signifies a "slander" or "evil report," often characterized by its malicious intent and damaging effects. Rooted in a sense of furtive or whispered speech, dibbâh describes communication designed to defame or bring infamy upon another. Biblical occurrences, notably the spies' report in Numbers and Joseph's report about his brothers, consistently portray dibbâh as a source of discord, rebellion, and divine judgment. Wisdom literature explicitly condemns it as foolish and sinful. Theologically, dibbâh is a serious offense against God's truthfulness and righteous character, a clear manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, and a destructive force that undermines the fabric of community. Its presence signifies a lack of love for neighbor and invites divine displeasure, underscoring the biblical call to integrity, truthfulness, and edifying speech.
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