רָכִיל (ra.khil)
ra.khil
slander
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rakhiil refers to a slanderer or tale-bearer who spreads damaging rumors about others. It describes the person rather than just the act, highlighting the character trait of someone who seeks attention by sharing private or unverified information. This term appears frequently in wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, where it is paired with warnings about gossip and malicious speech.
Its root likely relates to the idea of "rolling" or "moving" one’s lips, suggesting a restless tongue that cannot keep secrets. The sources note its use in Leviticus 19:16, where it is linked to standing idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed, implying that spreading rumors can be as harmful as direct violence. In Jeremiah, the term appears in contexts of social unrest caused by false accusations.
Translators often render rakhiil as "slanderer" or "tale-bearer," though these English terms may not fully capture the Hebrew sense of a person whose very identity is tied to destructive speech. The word carries strong moral weight, portraying such behavior as a serious breach of community trust and divine law.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rakhiil describes a person whose restless tongue seeks attention by spreading unverified information. It is not merely gossip; it is slander that damages community trust and can even endanger lives, as seen in Leviticus. This Hebrew term highlights how destructive speech acts as a breach of divine law and neighborly love.
In Proverbs, we are warned against keeping company with those who reveal secrets. Their lips open wide not to build up, but to tear down. Recognizing this pattern helps us guard our own hearts and words, choosing instead to be keepers of confidence rather than spreaders of harm.
When you encounter such behavior, remember that your voice has power. You can choose silence or truth over rumor. This word invites you to reflect on how your speech builds bridges or burns them, encouraging a life marked by integrity and care for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a slanderer3×
- slander1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָכִיל֙1×
- רָכִ֖יל1×
- רָכִ֑יל1×
- רָ֭כִיל1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:16
“‘You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people. “‘You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh.
This verse links slander directly to endangering a neighbor’s life, showing the severe physical consequences of malicious speech.
-
Proverbs 20:19
He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
Here the slanderer is characterized by opening wide his lips, warning readers to avoid those who cannot keep secrets.
-
Jeremiah 6:28
They are all grievous rebels, going around to slander. They are bronze and iron. All of them deal corruptly.
The prophet describes a society gripped by rebellion where slander is a common tool of corruption and unrest.