καταλαλιά
evil-speaking, backbiting, detraction
Definition
Katalalia refers to harmful speech directed against others, specifically the act of speaking against someone behind their back. It encompasses slander, backbiting, and malicious gossip intended to damage a person's reputation. In the New Testament, it is consistently presented as a destructive behavior that disrupts Christian community, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:20 and 1 Peter 2:1, where it is listed among vices believers must put away.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in lists of sins that fracture fellowship. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul fears he will find katalalia among the Corinthians, indicating relational strife. In 1 Peter 2:1, believers are commanded to rid themselves of katalalia and other evils to grow in salvation. Its usage is exclusively ethical, condemning speech that harms community unity.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' and the root λαλιά (lalia), meaning 'speech' or 'talk.' Thus, it literally means 'speaking against' someone. It implies a hostile, accusatory form of communication, distinct from simple chatter.
Semantic Range
Katalalia is theologically significant as a sin against love and community. It directly opposes the New Testament commands for unity (Ephesians 4:29) and love that 'covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8). Understanding this Greek term highlights how destructive speech is treated as a serious spiritual poison that can corrupt the body of Christ, requiring active repentance and putting away (1 Peter 2:1).
In the Greco-Roman world, reputation (honor) was a paramount social value. Malicious speech that damaged someone's public standing was a severe social offense. For the early church, a community built on trust and brotherly love, such backbiting was especially corrosive, threatening its very witness and cohesion.
διαβολή (diabolē, G1228) — a more general term for slander or accusation, often with a legal connotation; ψιθυρισμός (psithyrismos, G5587) — whispering or secret gossip, often implying covert spreading of rumors.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →