Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the original meanings of the scriptures. The Greek word καταλαλέω (katalaleō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of speaking against or slandering someone. This term is essential for interpreting New Testament teachings on speech, ethics, and relationships within the early Christian community. Additionally, it sheds light on the cultural and social values of the ancient Greek world, where honor, reputation, and communal harmony were highly valued.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταλαλέω (katalaleō) [ka-ta-la-LEH-o]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata, meaning “against”) and λαλέω (laleō, meaning “to speak”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; used primarily in the active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To speak against or criticize.
• To slander or speak ill of someone.
• To defame or vilify.

Similar Words: βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō) [blas-feh-MEH-o], meaning “to blaspheme” or “to speak evil of,” has a similar connotation but often carries a more intense or sacrilegious tone, especially in religious contexts. κακολογέω (kakologeō) [ka-ko-lo-GEH-o], meaning “to speak harshly” or “to revile,” can be synonymous but lacks the preposition κατά, which emphasizes “speaking against” someone directly.

Further Insights: καταλαλέω is a compound verb formed from the prefix “kata-” (against) and “laleō” (to speak). This combination intensifies the idea of speaking ill of or maligning someone. It appears mainly in contexts discussing interpersonal relationships, warning against malicious talk that can harm others’ reputations or create discord within a community. Below is a table showing the present tense conjugation of καταλαλέω:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes καταλαλέω as “to speak against someone, slander,” particularly focusing on its moral implications in the New Testament, where believers are admonished to avoid such behavior to promote community harmony.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines it as “to speak against or to speak evil of,” emphasizing the verbal attack aspect of the word. Thayer’s also highlights its usage in the New Testament to caution believers against gossip and defamation.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Notes that καταλαλέω means “to speak against” and is used to advise against malicious speaking. Vine’s emphasizes the destructive potential of such speech on relationships within the church.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a broader classical perspective, showing the word used in various contexts of public and private discourse, often implying speaking in a way that damages another’s reputation.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines καταλαλέω as “to traduce or slander” and notes its root words for a deeper understanding of its negative connotations related to speech and defamation.

Related Scripture References

• James 4:11 – “Do not speak [καταλαλεῖτε] against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
• 1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander [καταλαλοῦσιν] you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
• 1 Peter 3:16 – “And keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered [καταλαλεῖσθε], those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταλαλέω (G2635: katalaleō)

The Greek verb καταλαλέω (katalaleō), meaning “to speak against” or “to slander,” plays a critical role in understanding the ethics of speech within the New Testament. This word emphasizes the damaging effects of negative or malicious talk and is often used in exhortations against such behavior within the early Christian community. It reflects a broader cultural and social value in both ancient Greek and Jewish contexts, where reputation, honor, and the avoidance of discord were of utmost importance. By examining the lexicon insights and classical usage, we see how καταλαλέω informs both theological and practical discussions on speech, community, and personal conduct.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word καταλαλέω is a combination of two Greek words meaning “against” and “to speak,” highlighting its use in contexts involving criticism or defamation.
• Fact 2: The New Testament uses καταλαλέω to encourage believers to maintain unity and harmony, warning against the divisive nature of gossip and slander.
• Fact 3: In ancient Greek society, speaking against someone was considered not only morally wrong but also harmful to the collective well-being of the community.

Understanding καταλαλέω deepens our insight into New Testament teachings on ethical speech and the importance of fostering positive, constructive communication within communities.