### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nirgân**, represented by `{{H5372}}`, defines a **slanderer; talebearer, whisperer**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's origin, from an unused root meaning to roll to pieces, immediately suggests a destructive and fragmenting nature, highlighting the damage caused by this type of speech.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5372}}` is found exclusively in the book of Proverbs, where it illustrates a specific type of social poison. A **whisperer** is shown to be the direct cause of broken relationships, as one who **separateth** chief friends [[Proverbs 16:28]]. The words of a **talebearer** are not harmless but are equated with deep, penetrating **wounds** that enter the "innermost parts of the belly" ([[Proverbs 18:8]], [[Proverbs 26:22]]). The damaging role of the **talebearer** is further emphasized by the statement that where one is absent, **strife** itself **ceaseth** [[Proverbs 26:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the destructive nature of a talebearer:
* `{{H4066}}` **mâdôwn** (a contest or quarrel; brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife): This is the direct result of a whisperer's work. The talebearer is presented as a source of **strife**, and where there is no talebearer, it **ceaseth** [[Proverbs 26:20]].
* `{{H6504}}` **pârad** (to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself)): This verb defines the specific action of the whisperer, which is to **separate** and sunder even the closest of friends [[Proverbs 16:28]].
* `{{H3859}}` **lâham** (properly, to burn in, i.e. (figuratively) to rankle; wound): This term describes the painful effect of the talebearer's words, which are like **wounds** that are internalized and cause deep, lasting harm ([[Proverbs 18:8]], [[Proverbs 26:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The moral and theological weight of `{{H5372}}` is centered on its corrosive effect on community and personal integrity.
* **Agent of Division:** The whisperer is presented as an active agent of social decay. Their primary function is to **separate** chief friends, directly undermining unity and trust within the community [[Proverbs 16:28]].
* **Source of Conflict:** The talebearer is not a passive observer but a catalyst for `{{H4066}}` **strife**. The wisdom in Proverbs links the very presence of a talebearer to the continuation of conflict, and their absence to the restoration of peace [[Proverbs 26:20]].
* **Cause of Internal Injury:** The words spoken by a talebearer are uniquely damaging, described as `{{H3859}}` **wounds** that penetrate the "innermost parts of the belly" ([[Proverbs 18:8]], [[Proverbs 26:22]]). This illustrates that such speech causes deep, hidden, and personal injury, not just external disputes.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5372}}` is far more than a simple label for gossip. It represents an active, destructive force that, true to its root meaning, "rolls to pieces" the foundations of relationships and peace. The talebearer's words are depicted as weapons that create **strife**, **separate** allies, and inflict deep, internal **wounds**. Biblical wisdom literature, therefore, identifies the whisperer as a profound threat to both personal well-being and the harmony of the community.
TRV