Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the nuances of the New Testament and the cultural context in which it was written. The Greek word κατάλαλος (katalalos) is particularly significant because it addresses the concept of a “slanderer” or “backbiter.” This term highlights behaviors that disrupt community harmony and reflects the importance placed on ethical speech in early Christian teachings. Furthermore, understanding this word provides insight into the moral expectations of ancient Greek culture, where the spoken word had the power to build up or tear down social and personal relationships.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: κατάλαλος (katalalos) [ka-TAL-al-os]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from καταλαλέω (katalaleō), where κατά (kata) means “against” and λαλέω (laleō) means “to speak.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; masculine or feminine, second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Slanderer
• Backbiter
• One who speaks evil of others

Similar Words: καταλαλιά (katalalia) [ka-ta-la-LEE-ah], meaning “slander” or “evil speaking,” focuses on the act of slander, while κατάλαλος (katalalos) describes a person who engages in such behavior. Another related word is διαβολή (diabolē) [dee-a-bo-LAY], which means “false accusation” or “calumny,” often implying a more severe form of slander.

Further Insights: κατάλαλος is an adjective used to describe a person who engages in slander or backbiting. As a second declension adjective, it follows typical patterns in Greek grammar, making it crucial for understanding its usage in different contexts. Here is the declension of κατάλαλος in the singular and plural forms:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes κατάλαλος as “slanderer” or “backbiter,” emphasizing its negative role in breaking down trust within a community. The lexicon notes the word’s use in moral exhortations in the New Testament, where believers are warned against such behavior that disrupts unity and fellowship.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines κατάλαλος as “one who speaks evil of others,” and points out its ethical implications within Christian teachings, where purity of speech and integrity of character are highly valued.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Explains κατάλαλος as “a slanderer” or “evil-speaker,” highlighting its role in moral teachings to warn believers against actions that could harm others and damage the reputation of the church.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Notes the broader classical usage of κατάλαλος in both public and private contexts, where being labeled as such could lead to social and legal consequences. It reflects the importance of reputation and honor in ancient Greek society.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines κατάλαλος as “a defamer” or “one who speaks against,” highlighting its connotation of malicious speech that aims to harm another’s reputation.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 1:30 – “Backbiters [κατάλαλοι], haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:20 – “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings [κατάλαλοι], whisperings, swellings, tumults.”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατάλαλος (G2637: katalalos)

The Greek adjective κατάλαλος (katalalos), meaning “slanderer” or “backbiter,” is significant in understanding the ethical teachings of the New Testament regarding speech and conduct within the Christian community. The term is used to describe a person who engages in harmful speech against others, often to sow discord or damage reputations. Lexicon insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, LSJ, and Strong’s emphasize the damaging effects of slanderous behavior and its incompatibility with Christian values of love, unity, and integrity. The use of κατάλαλος in the Septuagint and classical Greek literature further highlights its ethical implications in both religious and secular settings, reinforcing the importance of maintaining honorable conduct and speech.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word κατάλαλος is closely related to κατηγορέω (katēgoreō), meaning “to accuse,” and both words share connotations of speaking against someone, but κατάλαλος specifically refers to malicious speech.
• Fact 2: In the ancient Greek judicial system, being labeled as a κατάλαλος could severely affect one’s social standing and legal credibility.
• Fact 3: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of refraining from κατάλαλος behavior to foster a community that reflects Christ’s love and truth.

Understanding κατάλαλος provides a window into the ethical demands of early Christianity and the broader cultural expectations of the ancient world regarding honor, speech, and community relations.