Secret Whispers: ψιθυρισμός (Strong’s G5587: psithurismos) Undermines Church Unity

Strong’s G5587: A noun denoting secret whispering or malicious gossip, derived from ψιθυρίζω (to whisper). Used in contexts of divisive behavior within early Christian communities, particularly relating to slander and covert speech intended to cause discord among believers.

U – Unveiling the Word

ψιθυρισμός represents more than mere quiet speech – it embodies the destructive power of secretive communication intended to harm relationships and community bonds. In the context of early Christian churches, this word specifically addressed the problem of malicious gossip and backbiting that threatened church unity. Paul includes it among serious sins in 2 Corinthians, highlighting how covert speech can poison fellowship. The word’s continued relevance speaks to the timeless challenge of maintaining healthy communication within Christian communities and the need to address divisive behavior directly rather than through whispered campaigns.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψιθυρισμός, psithurismos, /psith-oo-ris-mos/
• Detailed pronunciation: psee-thoo-rees-MOSS
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ψιθυρ- (psithur-): root meaning “to whisper”
• -ισμός (-ismos): noun-forming suffix indicating action or practice

D – Defining Meanings

• Secret whispering
• Malicious gossip
• Slanderous speech
• Backbiting

For compound words:
ψιθυρ (whisper) + ισμός (action/practice) = the practice of whispering/secret speech

Translation Options:

• “Secret whispering” – emphasizes the covert nature
• “Malicious gossip” – captures the harmful intent
• “Backbiting” – reflects the betrayal aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

καταλαλιά (katalalia) /kat-al-al-ee’-ah/ – evil speaking, more overt than ψιθυρισμός
See G2636

διαβολή (diabole) /dee-ab-ol-ay’/ – slander, more formal accusation
See G1225

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The word follows standard second declension patterns:
Nominative: ψιθυρισμός
Genitive: ψιθυρισμοῦ
Dative: ψιθυρισμῷ
Accusative: ψιθυρισμόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG and Thayer’s lexicons emphasize the secretive nature of ψιθυρισμός, distinguishing it from more open forms of slander. LSJ provides evidence of secular usage in classical Greek, where it often described political intrigue. Vine’s expands on its usage in Christian contexts, particularly noting Paul’s concern about its destructive effect on church unity. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings suggest the term was commonly understood in the Mediterranean world as referring to malicious gossip that undermined social relationships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: 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, [ψιθυρισμός] whisperings, swellings, tumults.

Additional References:
Romans 1:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ψιθυρισμός represents a particularly insidious form of communication that threatens Christian community. Its inclusion in Paul’s lists of serious sins highlights the destructive power of secretive, malicious speech. The word reminds us that the gospel calls us to open, honest, and edifying communication that builds up rather than tears down. Christ’s message of reconciliation stands in direct opposition to the divisive nature of whispering campaigns and backbiting.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s onomatopoeic nature mimics the sound of whispering
2. It appears in ancient Greek medical texts describing symptoms of delirium
3. Early church fathers used it to describe Satan’s method of deception

Strong’s G5587: Noun denoting secretive, malicious whispering or gossip, particularly used in New Testament contexts of divisive behavior within Christian communities. Derived from ψιθυρίζω, it emphasizes the destructive nature of covert communication intended to harm relationships and unity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: gossip, slander, church unity, Paul’s epistles, sin, communication, fellowship, Christian behavior, church discipline, interpersonal relationships​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​