ψιθυριστής (psithuristēs)
psithuristēs
gossip
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun psithuristēs refers to a whisperer or secret slanderer, capturing the image of someone who spreads rumors in hushed tones rather than open confrontation. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 1:30, where Paul lists it among the vices that characterize human rebellion against God.
The word’s root relates to the sound of whispering, evoking a sense of secrecy and malice. Unlike public accusation, this behavior relies on covert influence, damaging reputations through insidious talk. It stands as a distinct type of character flaw, highlighting how gossip can erode community trust from within.
Translators often render it as "gossip" or "whisperer," though the Greek term carries a sharper connotation of slander. This single occurrence underscores the seriousness with which early Christian teaching viewed destructive speech, framing it not as harmless chatter but as a deliberate act of harm against others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ψιθυριστής (psithuristēs) paints a vivid picture of someone who spreads rumors in hushed tones. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 1:30, where Paul lists it among the vices that characterize human rebellion against God. Unlike public accusation, this behavior relies on covert influence, damaging reputations through insidious talk.
For your faith, this serves as a gentle reminder to guard your speech. Gossip erodes community trust from within, and recognizing its harm is the first step toward healing relationships. By choosing honesty over secrecy, you contribute to a culture of integrity and respect, reflecting the love that Christ calls us to show others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gossips1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψιθυριστάς,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 1:29
being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
This verse lists psithuristēs among other vices, highlighting how secret slander contributes to a broader pattern of unrighteousness and broken relationships.