δυσφημία

evil report, defamation

Definition

δυσφημία (dysphēmia) refers to speech that brings harm, dishonor, or ill repute. Its core meaning is an 'evil report' or 'defamation'—words that slander, disparage, or spread a bad reputation about someone or something. In the New Testament, it is used to describe one of the false accusations or forms of verbal abuse that Paul and his companions endured in their ministry (2 Corinthians 6:8). The term encompasses both the act of speaking ill and the damaging content of the speech itself.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 6:8. Here, Paul lists 'through evil report and good report' (διὰ δυσφημίας καὶ εὐφημίας) as contrasting experiences of his apostolic ministry. It is used in a context of hardship and persecution, specifically referring to the slanderous accusations and malicious gossip spread against the apostle by his opponents. The pairing with its opposite, εὐφημία (good report), highlights the polar extremes of public perception he endured.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek prefix δυσ- (dys-), meaning 'bad,' 'hard,' or 'ill,' combined with φήμη (phēmē), meaning 'speech,' 'report,' or 'reputation.' Thus, it literally means 'bad speech' or 'ill report.' It is the direct antonym of εὐφημία (euphēmia, 'good report,' 'praise'), which is built from the prefix εὖ (eu-, 'good').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the reality of suffering for the gospel through verbal persecution. In 2 Corinthians 6:8, Paul includes δυσφημία as a form of dishonor he accepts for Christ's sake, demonstrating that a faithful ministry is often met with slander and false accusation. Understanding this term enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting that a believer's integrity and God's approval are not dependent on public opinion, whether good (εὐφημία) or evil (δυσφημία). It connects to the broader biblical theme of enduring unjust speech, as Christ Himself was 'spoken against' (Luke 2:34).

In the Greco-Roman world, public reputation (φήμη) was of paramount importance for social standing and honor. A 'bad report' (δυσφημία) could cause serious social and economic damage, excluding a person from respectable society. Paul's willingness to be defamed for the gospel was a radical counter-cultural stance, showing that a Christian's honor comes from God, not public opinion. This contrasts with modern settings where defamation is often seen primarily as a legal issue rather than a profound social and personal assault.

βλασφημία (blasphēmia, G988) — broader term for slander or blasphemy, often against God or sacred things. ψόγος (psogos, G5580) — blame, censure, or criticism. καταλαλιά (katalalia, G2636) — evil-speaking, backbiting, gossip.

Word Details

Scripture References