לָשַׁן (la.shan)
la.shan
to slander
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb lashan means to use one’s tongue, specifically in the context of slander or malicious accusation. Its root connection to the word for "tongue" makes the imagery vivid: speech is not just a tool for communication here, but an instrument of harm. The lexicon sources note that this action appears in distinct grammatical forms, such as the Piel and Hiphil stems, which emphasize the act of slandering or formally accusing another person.
This word carries significant weight in wisdom literature and psalms, where it describes the destruction caused by gossip. It occurs in Psalm 101:5, describing the fate of those who slander their neighbors in secret, and in Proverbs 30:10, which warns against slandering a servant to their master. In these contexts, lashan is not merely casual chatter; it is a deliberate act that breaks trust and damages social bonds.
Translators typically render this term as "slander" or "backbite," capturing the specific intent to injure someone’s reputation through speech. The rarity of the word in Scripture—appearing only twice—underscores how seriously the biblical authors viewed the misuse of language. It serves as a stark reminder that words have power, and when used to tear down rather than build up, they become tools of injustice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word lashan describes a specific kind of harm: using speech as a weapon against someone’s reputation. It appears only twice in Scripture, which signals how seriously the biblical writers viewed this behavior. In Psalm 101:5, David declares he will not tolerate those who secretly slander their neighbors. This is not casual gossip; it is a deliberate act that breaks trust and damages community bonds.
Proverbs 30:10 offers another warning against slandering a servant to their master. The text highlights the social chaos this behavior creates, reminding us that words have real consequences. When we speak against others behind their backs, we undermine the very fabric of relationships that God intends for our good.
Understanding lashan invites us to examine our own speech habits. It challenges us to use our tongues for encouragement rather than destruction. By choosing integrity in what we say about others, we reflect a heart that values justice and peace over fleeting satisfaction or complaint.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you slander1×
- [one who] slanders1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּלְשֵׁ֣ן1×
- מְלָשְׁנִ֬י1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 101:5
I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is arrogant and conceited.
This verse establishes the moral boundary for leadership by showing David’s refusal to tolerate secret slander, linking malicious speech directly to arrogance.
-
Proverbs 30:10
“Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
Here the word illustrates the practical danger of slandering a servant, warning that such speech can lead to self-inflicted guilt and social repercussions.