καταλαλέω (katalaleō)
katalaleō
to slander
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katalaleō means to speak against someone with malicious intent, essentially describing the act of slander or backbiting. It is not merely casual gossip; it carries a strong sense of railing at or criminating another person, often damaging their reputation behind their back. The sources note that in the New Testament, this word typically takes a genitive object, specifying the person being targeted by these evil words.
Its usage is concentrated in two key epistles: James and 1 Peter. In James 4:11, it appears alongside the command not to judge a brother, linking slander directly to arrogance and a failure to respect fellow believers. Similarly, 1 Peter 2:12 warns Gentile critics who speak against Christians as evildoers, urging believers to respond with good deeds that silence such malicious talk.
The word combines the prefix kata-, implying downward or thorough action, with laleo, meaning "to speak." This structure emphasizes the destructive force of the speech. Translators usually render it as "slander" or "speak evil," capturing its serious ethical weight in the early Christian community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katalaleō describes speech that strikes down another person’s reputation through malicious intent. It is more than casual gossip; it is a deliberate act of slander that damages trust within the community. In James 4:11, we are warned not to speak against one another, as doing so places us in judgment over God’s law rather than walking in humility.
When facing false accusations, as Peter describes in 1 Peter 2:12, the call is not to retaliate with similar words but to maintain a clear conscience. Your good deeds can silence those who speak evil of you, turning hostility into an opportunity for others to see God’s light. This approach protects your peace and honors Christ.
Guarding your tongue is a profound act of love. By refusing to join in the gossip that tears down, you help build up the body of believers. Let your life speak louder than any rumor, pointing others to the grace that sustains you even when misunderstood.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you are spoken against1×
- they speak against1×
- speaks against1×
- speaking against1×
- do speak against1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταλαλῶν1×
- καταλαλοῦσιν1×
- καταλαλεῖτε1×
- καταλαλεῖσθε1×
- καταλαλεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:11
Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
This verse links slander directly to arrogance, showing that speaking against a brother is an act of judging God's law rather than submitting to it.
-
I Peter 2:12
having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good works and glorify God in the day of visitation.
Here the word describes false accusations from outsiders, urging believers to respond with good works that may lead critics to glorify God.
-
I Peter 3:16
having a good conscience. Thus, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.
This occurrence highlights maintaining a good conscience while being spoken against, ensuring that those who curse your conduct are put to shame by your integrity.