Strong's Lexicon psithurismos: Whispering, gossip, secret slander Original Word: ψιθυρισμός Word Origin: Derived from the verb ψιθυρίζω (psithurizō), meaning "to whisper" or "to speak in a low voice." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent in Strong's Concordance, similar concepts can be found in words like רָכִיל (rakil), meaning "slander" or "gossip," as seen in Proverbs 20:19. Usage: The term "psithurismos" refers to the act of whispering, often with a negative connotation of gossip or secretive slander. It implies speaking in hushed tones to spread rumors or to malign others without their knowledge. In the New Testament, it is used to describe behaviors that are divisive and destructive within a community. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, as in many cultures, whispering and gossip were seen as socially disruptive behaviors. Such actions could undermine trust and unity within a community or group. The early Christian communities, striving for unity and love, would have been particularly sensitive to the dangers of gossip and slander, which could lead to division and conflict. HELPS Word-studies 5587 psithyrismós (from psithos, "whisper") – properly, a whispering to "quietly" spread malicious gossip; "whispering" that launches "secret attacks on a person's character" (Souter). [5587 (psithyrismós) is "an onomatopoetic word for the sibilant murmur of a snake charmer (Ecc 10:11)" (WP at 2 Cor 12:20).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom psithurizó (to whisper) Definition a whispering NASB Translation gossip (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5587: ψιθυρισμόςψιθυρισμός, ψιθυρισμου, ὁ (ψιθυρίζω, to whisper, speak into one's ear), a whispering, i. e. secret slandering, (Vulg.susurratio, German Ohrenbläserei): joined with καταλαλιά (cf. Romans 1:29(30)), 2 Corinthians 12:20; Clement of Rome, 30, 3 [ET]; 35, 5 [ET]. (Plutarch; the Sept. for לַחַשׁ, of the magical murmuring of a charmer of snakes, Ecclesiastes 10:11.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance whispering. From a derivative of psithos (a whisper; by implication, a slander; probably akin to pseudomai); whispering, i.e. Secret detraction -- whispering. see GREEK pseudomai Forms and Transliterations ψιθυρισμοι ψιθυρισμοί ψιθυρισμώ psithurismoi psithyrismoi psithyrismoíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |