from an unused root meaning to roll to pieces; a slanderer; talebearer, whisperer.
Transliteration:nirgân
Pronunciation:neer-gawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5372}}` (נִרְגָּן, *nirgân*) is a masculine noun derived from an unused root conceptually meaning "to roll to pieces" or "to crumble." This etymological root vividly illustrates the destructive nature inherent in the word's primary definitions: "slanderer," "talebearer," and "whisperer." Unlike simple gossip, *nirgân* implies a deliberate, often surreptitious, act of speaking that aims to dismantle relationships, reputations, or social cohesion. The "rolling to pieces" suggests a process of erosion and fragmentation, where malicious words gradually wear away trust and unity, leaving behind brokenness. It describes one who is characterized by such divisive and harmful speech, often delivered in a covert or insidious manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5372}}` appears exclusively in the book of Proverbs, where it consistently highlights the detrimental impact of divisive speech on community and personal relationships.
* In [[Proverbs 16:28]], the *nirgân* is directly associated with the "perverse man" (`{{H8419}}`, *tahpukhot*), stating, "A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." Here, the *nirgân* is presented as an agent of division, actively undermining the bonds of friendship and fostering discord. The parallel structure emphasizes the intentionality and effectiveness of such speech in creating alienation.
* [[Proverbs 18:8]] and its repetition in [[Proverbs 26:22]] offer a striking metaphor: "The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body." This imagery reveals the insidious nature of the *nirgân*'s words. They are deceptively palatable, appealing to curiosity or malice, yet once consumed, they penetrate deeply, causing internal corruption, poisoning trust, and fostering suspicion. The "delicious morsels" suggest an initial gratification for the listener, masking the profound harm that follows.
* [[Proverbs 26:20]] uses a powerful analogy to underscore the *nirgân*'s role in perpetuating conflict: "For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases." This verse portrays the *nirgân* as the essential fuel for strife and contention. Just as a fire cannot burn without wood, so too does conflict subside in the absence of the one who secretly incites and spreads malicious tales. The implication is that the *nirgân* actively ignites and sustains relational conflagrations.
Across these occurrences, the consistent theme is the destructive power of the *nirgân*'s speech, which operates subtly but effectively to sow discord, break trust, and perpetuate conflict within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of the `{{H5372}}` is closely related to other Hebrew terms and biblical concepts concerning speech and its consequences:
* `{{H7400}}` (רָכִיל, *rakîl*): Often translated as "talebearer" or "gossip," this term frequently appears alongside or in similar contexts to `{{H5372}}`, emphasizing the sharing of information that causes harm or division (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:16]], [[Proverbs 11:13]]). While *rakîl* might focus more on the act of carrying tales, *nirgân* highlights the destructive intent and effect.
* `{{H3966}}` (לָשֹׁן, *lashon*): "Tongue," often used metaphorically for speech, particularly in negative contexts like "evil tongue" or "slanderous tongue" (e.g., [[Psalm 120:2]], [[Proverbs 10:31]]).
* `{{H3956}}` (לָשַׁן, *lashan*): The verb "to slander" or "to backbite," directly describing the action of the *nirgân*.
* Concepts such as "strife" (`{{H4066}}`, *madon*), "quarreling" (`{{H7379}}`, *riv*), "perversity" (`{{H8419}}`, *tahpukhot*), and "deceit" are frequently associated with the *nirgân*'s activities, underscoring the broader network of negative behaviors stemming from their speech.
* Conversely, the *nirgân* stands in stark contrast to concepts of truthfulness, integrity, wisdom, peace, and unity, which are highly valued in biblical wisdom literature.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of the `{{H5372}}` carries profound theological significance, particularly within the wisdom tradition. God, as the author of order and truth, consistently condemns speech that is deceitful, divisive, or destructive. The *nirgân* embodies a direct antithesis to divine wisdom, which promotes harmony, reconciliation, and the building up of community.
* **God's Character and Order:** The Lord is depicted as one who hates "a lying tongue" and "one who sows discord among brothers" ([[Proverbs 6:17, 19]]). The *nirgân*'s actions directly violate God's character and His desire for an ordered, loving community.
* **The Power of Speech:** The consistent warnings against the *nirgân* underscore the immense power of the tongue. Speech is not morally neutral; it can be a tool for creation or destruction, for blessing or cursing. The *nirgân* weaponizes speech, using it to dismantle the very fabric of trust and fellowship.
* **Community and Covenant:** In the Old Testament, the community of Israel was called to reflect God's holiness and unity. The actions of a *nirgân* directly undermine this calling by introducing division and suspicion, thereby weakening the covenant community from within.
* **Moral Consequences:** The wisdom literature is clear that such behavior has severe consequences, not only for the victims but also for the *nirgân* themselves. While not always explicitly stated as divine judgment in these specific verses, the context of Proverbs implies that such a lifestyle is folly and leads away from God's blessing and favor.
* **New Testament Echoes:** The condemnation of the *nirgân* finds echoes in the New Testament's warnings against slander, gossip, and divisive individuals (e.g., [[Romans 1:29]], [[2 Corinthians 12:20]], [[1 Timothy 5:13]], [[Titus 3:10-11]]). The emphasis remains on the importance of wholesome speech that builds up rather than tears down, reflecting the character of Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5372}}` (נִרְגָּן, *nirgân*) designates a "slanderer," "talebearer," or "whisperer," whose defining characteristic is the use of malicious and often covert speech to cause division and destruction. Derived from a root meaning "to roll to pieces," the word powerfully conveys the erosive and fragmenting effect of such words on relationships and communities. Predominantly found in Proverbs, the *nirgân* is consistently portrayed as an agent of discord, separating close friends ([[Proverbs 16:28]]), fueling quarrels ([[Proverbs 26:20]]), and offering words that are deceptively appealing yet deeply harmful ([[Proverbs 18:8]]; [[Proverbs 26:22]]). The theological significance of *nirgân* lies in its direct opposition to God's character of truth and unity, highlighting the profound moral and communal dangers of destructive speech within a righteous society.
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