Lexical Summary phluareó: To talk nonsense, to prate, to gossip Original Word: φλυαρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disparageFrom phluaros; to be a babbler or trifler, i.e. (by implication) to berate idly or mischievously -- prate against. see GREEK phluaros HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5396 phlyaréō (from 5397 /phlýaros, "to bubble up, boil over") – overflowing with speech "that is fluent but empty" (WS, 562). It is used only in 3 Jn 10. See 5397 (phlyaros). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phluaros Definition to talk nonsense NASB Translation unjustly accusing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5396: φλυαρέωφλυαρέω, φλυάρω; (φλύαρος, which see); to utter nonsense, talk idly, prate (Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Plutarch, others); to bring forward idle accusations, make empty charges, Xenophon, Hell. 6, 3, 12; joined with βλασφημεῖν, Isocrates 5, 33: τινα λόγοις πονηροῖς, to accuse one falsely with malicious words, 3 John 1:10 (A. V. prating against etc.). Topical Lexicon Lexical Note The verb translated “slander” or “bring malicious charges” in 3 John 1:10 conveys the idea of indulging in empty talk that harms another’s reputation. It is speech that is both groundless and injurious. Biblical Occurrence 3 John 1:10 – “For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and even stops those who want to do so, and puts them out of the church.” Context in 3 John John’s brief letter contrasts the hospitality of Gaius with the arrogance of Diotrephes. Diotrephes rejects apostolic authority, refuses to receive traveling gospel workers, and publicly maligns John. The single use of this verb underscores the seriousness with which the apostle views malicious speech when it undermines church order and unity. Historical Background In the house—church setting of the late first century, itinerant teachers depended on believers’ hospitality. By “prating against us,” Diotrephes isolated his community from apostolic oversight, setting up a rival authority structure. John’s intent to confront such behavior highlights the apostolic duty to protect orthodoxy and fellowship. Theological Significance 1. Authority of the Apostles: Slander against apostolic witnesses endangers doctrinal purity. Relation to Wider Scriptural Teaching • Proverbs 10:18; 16:28—warn against sowing discord through speech. Pastoral and Ministerial Application • Church Discipline: Leaders must address slander promptly to preserve doctrinal and relational health. Practical Exhortations 1. Guard the pulpit and platform from unverified accusations. Patristic Testimony Early commentators such as Chrysostom viewed the slander of Diotrephes as evidence of pride unchecked by accountability, illustrating the perennial need for humble submission to apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture. Summary The lone New Testament appearance of this verb in 3 John 1:10 amplifies the destructive potential of malicious chatter in the church. By spotlighting Diotrephes’s behavior, the apostle John calls every generation to guard the tongue, honor legitimate authority, and maintain the unity and witness of the believing community. Forms and Transliterations φλυαρων φλυαρών φλυαρῶν phluaron phluarōn phlyaron phlyarôn phlyarōn phlyarō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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