Lexical Summary nirgan: Whisperer, Talebearer, Slanderer Original Word: נִרְגָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance talebearer, whisperer From an unused root meaning to roll to pieces; a slanderer -- talebearer, whisperer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as ragan, q.v. Topical Lexicon Term Overview The Hebrew noun נִרְגָּן describes a person who secretly whispers malignant stories—one who fosters division through tale-bearing, insinuation, or rumor. While the vocabulary is limited to four verses in Proverbs, the moral portrait it paints is broad, warning against any speech that corrodes fellowship. Occurrences in Proverbs • Proverbs 16:28: “A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Each text unites נִרְגָּן with imagery of fire, delicacies, and relational rupture, depicting gossip as both enticing and destructive. Literary Context Proverbs is Wisdom Literature, aimed at shaping godly character in everyday life. The four sayings function as observational maxims: they do not merely prohibit slander; they unveil its mechanics. The whisperer: 1. Incites conflict (16:28; 26:20). Thus נִרְגָּן is not loud rebellion but subtle sabotage, working through the ears to reach the heart. Moral and Theological Themes 1. Sanctity of fellowship: God created community to mirror His unity. Gossip fractures what God joins (Psalm 133:1). Parallel Concepts in Scripture Old Testament: Leviticus 19:16 forbids going about as a slanderer. Psalm 101:5 pledges judgment on secret slanderers. New Testament: Romans 1:29 lists “gossips” among marks of depravity; 2 Corinthians 12:20 warns of “gossip, arrogance, disorder”; 1 Timothy 5:13 cautions against idlers who become “gossips and busybodies.” The continuity reveals an unchanging divine ethic concerning speech. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Israel, honor and shame were communal. Reputation determined social standing, inheritance, and legal outcomes. Whispered accusations could jeopardize clan cohesion and covenant faithfulness. Elders at the city gate needed trustworthy testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15). The sages therefore expose נִרְגָּן because his craft undermines justice and solidarity essential for covenant life. Implications for Ministry Shepherds must guard congregational unity by: Pastoral counseling should diagnose gossip as a heart issue—often fueled by envy, insecurity, or pride—and direct offenders to repentance and reconciliatory action. Application for the Church Today 1. Digital whispers: Social media amplifies ancient pitfalls. Believers should verify, refrain, and pray before sharing. The Spirit, who unites the body of Christ, empowers believers to replace corrosive whispers with gracious words that “impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29), fulfilling the wisdom of Proverbs and the righteousness of the gospel. Forms and Transliterations וְ֝נִרְגָּ֗ seg type='small'>ן seg> ונרגן נִ֝רְגָּ֗ן נִ֭רְגָּן נרגן nir·gān nirGan nirgān Nirgon venirGan wə·nir·gān wənirgānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 16:28 HEB: יְשַׁלַּ֣ח מָד֑וֹן וְ֝נִרְגָּ֗ seg type='small'>ן seg> מַפְרִ֥יד אַלּֽוּף׃ KJV: strife: and a whisperer separateth INT: spreads strife whisperer separates intimate Proverbs 18:8 Proverbs 26:20 Proverbs 26:22 4 Occurrences |
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