κατάλαλος

slanderous, back-biting

Definition

The adjective κατάλαλος (katalalos) means 'slanderous' or 'back-biting,' describing a person who speaks against others with malicious intent. It denotes someone who spreads harmful, false, or defamatory reports, often in a secretive or treacherous manner. In its only New Testament occurrence, Romans 1:30, it is used substantively to label such a person as a 'slanderer' or 'defamer,' listed among the vices characteristic of a depraved mind that has rejected God.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 1:30. It appears in Paul's list of sins that flow from humanity's rejection of God, specifically within a catalog of vices describing corrupt social relationships and attitudes. Its placement among terms like 'haters of God,' 'insolent,' and 'inventors of evil' (Romans 1:30) shows it is considered a serious moral failure indicative of a fallen condition.

Etymology

Derived from κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'against,' and λαλέω (laleō), meaning 'to speak' or 'to talk.' Thus, it literally means 'speaking against' someone. The prefix intensifies the sense of hostile, damaging speech. It is related to the noun καταλαλιά (katalalia, G2636), which means 'slander' or 'evil-speaking,' found in 2 Corinthians 12:20 and 1 Peter 2:1.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it identifies slander not merely as a social faux pas but as a sin deeply rooted in a heart alienated from God. In Romans 1:30, it is part of the evidence for humanity's guilt and depravity, showing how corrupted relationships—including speech—are a consequence of idolatry. Understanding this Greek term highlights the biblical seriousness of malicious speech, linking it directly to one's spiritual state and relationship with God.

In the Greco-Roman world, public reputation (honor) was paramount. Slanderous speech (katalalia) was a powerful weapon used to destroy an opponent's social standing and was widely condemned in both Jewish and pagan ethical writings. The biblical condemnation, however, roots this vice not just in social disruption but in rebellion against God, giving it a deeper spiritual dimension.

διάβολος (diabolos, G1228) — primarily 'devil' or 'accuser,' often used for slanderers but with a stronger connotation of being a false accuser or malicious adversary. ψιθυριστής (psithyristēs, G5588) — a whisperer, one who spreads gossip or slander secretly (Romans 1:29).

Word Details

Scripture References