2637. katalalos

Lexicon

katalalos: Slanderer, backbiter

Original Word: καταλάλος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: katalalos
Pronunciation: kat-al'-al-os
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-al'-al-os)
Definition: Slanderer, backbiter
Meaning: slanderous, back-biting; subst: a railer, defamer.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

backbiter, slanderer

From kata and the base of laleo; talkative against, i.e. A slanderer -- backbiter.

see GREEK kata

see GREEK laleo

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 2637 katálalos – slanderous. See 2635 (katalaleō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from kata and the same as laleó
Definition
a defamer
NASB Translation
slanderers (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2637: κατάλαλος

κατάλαλος, καταλαλου, ὁ, a defamer, evil speaker (A. V. back-biters): Romans 1:30. (Found nowhere else (Hermas, sim. 6, 5, 5 [ET]; also as adjective 8, 7, 2 [ET]; 9, 26, 7 [ET]).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek verb καταλαλέω (katalaleō), which is a compound of κατά (kata, meaning "against" or "down") and λαλέω (laleō, meaning "to speak" or "to talk").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for καταλάλος, the concept of slander and malicious speech is addressed in several Hebrew terms, including:

- רָכִיל (rakil) • often translated as "slanderer" or "talebearer" (Proverbs 11:13; Leviticus 19:16).
- דִּבָּה (dibbah) • meaning "slander" or "bad report" (Numbers 13:32; Proverbs 10:18).

These Hebrew terms reflect similar concerns about the ethical implications of speech and the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness in communication.

Usage: The word καταλάλος is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who engage in harmful speech against others, often in a secretive or deceitful manner. It is associated with negative moral and ethical behavior, highlighting the destructive nature of slander.

Context: The Greek term καταλάλος appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the moral and spiritual dangers of slanderous speech. In Romans 1:30, the Apostle Paul includes καταλάλους in a list of vices that characterize those who have turned away from God. This passage underscores the severity of slander as a sin that disrupts community harmony and reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.

Romans 1:30 (BSB): "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents."

The use of καταλάλος in this context serves as a warning to believers about the corrosive effects of malicious speech. It is grouped with other serious offenses, indicating that slander is not merely a social faux pas but a significant moral failing. The term suggests a deliberate intent to harm others' reputations, often driven by envy, malice, or a desire for personal gain.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of slander is consistently condemned. The Old Testament also speaks against bearing false witness and spreading false reports (Exodus 20:16; Leviticus 19:16), aligning with the New Testament's stance on the issue. The destructive power of words is a recurring theme, and believers are called to use their speech to edify and build up rather than to tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

Forms and Transliterations

καταλαλους καταλάλους katalalous katalálous

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 1:30 Adj-AMP
GRK: καταλάλους θεοστυγεῖς ὑβριστάς
NAS: slanderers, haters of God, insolent,
KJV: Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
INT: slanderers hateful to God insolent

Strong's Greek 2637
1 Occurrence

καταλάλους — 1 Occ.