דֳּפִי (do.phi)
do.phi
slander
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun dōfī refers to a specific defect or flaw, often translated as slander when describing speech. In Psalm 50:20, it describes the act of going about slandering one’s own brother. The word suggests that such speech is not merely false, but damaging—a blemish placed upon another person’s reputation.
Its root meaning points to a physical imperfection or spot, which is then applied metaphorically to words. By calling slander a "blemish," the text emphasizes the moral stain it leaves on the speaker and the harm it inflicts on the community. This usage highlights how destructive gossip is viewed as a corruption of social bonds.
Though rare in Scripture, appearing only once in the provided data, its impact is significant. It frames malicious speech not just as a lie, but as an active injury to another’s standing. This perspective encourages careful attention to how we speak about others, recognizing that words can leave lasting marks on relationships.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dōfī paints a vivid picture of how harmful words function. It originally described a physical blemish or spot on an object, but in Psalm 50:20, it is applied to speech that attacks a brother. This metaphor reminds us that slander does more than spread falsehoods; it leaves a moral stain on the speaker and damages the integrity of the community.
When we speak against others, we are not just sharing opinions. We are inflicting injury on someone’s reputation. Recognizing this helps us treat our words with greater care. It invites us to pause before speaking, ensuring that our conversations build up rather than tear down the people around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a fault1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דֹּֽפִי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 50:20
You sit and speak against your brother. You slander your own mother’s son.
This verse uniquely applies the term for a physical blemish to slander, framing malicious speech as an active injury to a brother's standing.