3960. lashan

Lexicon

lashan: To slander, to accuse, to use the tongue against someone

Original Word: לָשַׁן
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: lashan
Pronunciation: lah-SHAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (law-shan')
Definition: To slander, to accuse, to use the tongue against someone
Meaning: to wag the tongue, to calumniate

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

accuse, slander

A primitive root; properly, to lick; but used only as a denominative from lashown; to wag the tongue, i.e. To calumniate -- accuse, slander.

see HEBREW lashown

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
denominative verb from lashon
Definition
to use the tongue, slander
NASB Translation
slander (1), slanders (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[לָשַׁן] verb denominative use the tongue, only specifically, slander; —

Po`el Participle מְלָו֯שְׁנִי בַּסֵּתֶד רֵעֵהוּ Psalm 101:5 (on form, compare Ges^{§ 90}, 3 Kö^{Lgb. i. § 26}).

Hiph`il Imperfect2masculine singular jussive ׳אַלתַּֿלְשֵׁן עֶבֶד וגו Proverbs 30:10.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G2635 (κατάλαλος, katalalos): This Greek term refers to a slanderer or one who speaks against others. It is used in the New Testament to describe those who engage in defamation or backbiting.
• G3860 (παραδίδωμι, paradidomi): While primarily meaning to deliver or hand over, this term can also imply betrayal or delivering someone over to false accusations, aligning with the concept of calumniation in certain contexts.

The biblical perspective on slander underscores the importance of guarding one's speech and maintaining integrity in communication, reflecting the broader ethical teachings found throughout Scripture.

Usage: The verb לָשַׁן (lashan) is used in the context of speaking ill or slandering someone. It conveys the act of maliciously wagging the tongue against another, often with the intent to harm their reputation.

Context: The Hebrew verb לָשַׁן (lashan) appears in the Old Testament with the primary meaning of slandering or speaking ill of someone. This term is rooted in the physical action of wagging the tongue, which metaphorically extends to the act of spreading false or damaging information about others. The act of calumniation is considered a serious offense in biblical texts, as it not only harms individuals but also disrupts community harmony and trust.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of slander is addressed in various passages, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of such behavior. For instance, in Psalm 101:5, the psalmist declares, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate." This verse highlights the divine disapproval of slander and the commitment to uphold justice and integrity.

The act of slandering is often associated with deceit and malice, contrasting with the biblical call for truthfulness and love among community members. The destructive power of the tongue is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, where the tongue's potential to harm is likened to a sharp weapon. The ethical teachings of the Bible consistently warn against the misuse of speech, urging believers to use their words to edify and build up rather than to tear down.

Forms and Transliterations

מְלָשְׁנִ֬י מלשני תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן תלשן mə·lā·šə·nî məlāšənî melasheNi tal·šên talšên talShen

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 101:5
HEB: [מְלֹושְׁנִי כ] (מְלָשְׁנִ֬י ק) בַסֵּ֨תֶר ׀
NAS: Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor,
KJV: Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour,
INT: accuse secretly his neighbor

Proverbs 30:10
HEB: אַל־ תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן עֶ֭בֶד אֶל־
NAS: Do not slander a slave to his master,
KJV: Accuse not a servant unto his master,
INT: not slander A slave about

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 3960
2 Occurrences

mə·lā·šə·nî — 1 Occ.
tal·šên — 1 Occ.