ψιθυρισμός (psithurismos)
psithurismos
gossip
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun psithurismos refers to whispering, specifically in the sense of secret slander or malicious gossip. Derived from a verb meaning "to whisper," it captures the intimate, hushed nature of speaking ill of someone behind their back. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul’s list of serious sins that can damage the church community (2 Corinthians 12:20).
Its usage highlights how destructive private speech can be to relationships. By choosing this specific term, Paul contrasts open, honest communication with the corrosive effect of hidden accusations and rumors. The imagery suggests a snake-charmer’s murmured enchantment, implying that such gossip has a hypnotic, harmful power over those who hear it.
Translators typically render psithurismos as "gossip" or "whispering," emphasizing the secretive quality of the act. This single occurrence serves as a stark warning against allowing private malice to undermine the unity and trust within the body of believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psithurismos describes a specific kind of harm: the hushed, secretive talk that undermines trust between people. It is not open disagreement, but rather the quiet spreading of rumors or complaints behind someone’s back. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul lists this alongside strife and jealousy as things that damage the church. He fears these hidden whispers can erode the unity believers are called to share.
For your daily life, this word reminds us that how we speak about others matters deeply. Secret complaints may feel harmless in the moment, but they carry a corrosive power that hurts relationships and divides communities. Instead of engaging in private criticism, we are invited to practice honesty and directness. When conflicts arise, bringing them into the light through open conversation protects both our character and our connections with others.
May you find strength in choosing words that build up rather than tear down. Let your communication reflect the integrity and love that Christ models for us, creating spaces where trust can grow and friendships remain strong.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gossip,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψιθυρισμοί,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,
Paul includes this term in a list of destructive behaviors to show how secretive speech undermines the unity and trust he desires for the Corinthian believers.