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ψιθυρισμός

psithyrismós

G5587 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A low, murmured speech, especially secretive or furtive communication; in context, refers specifically to covert whispering with negative intent, such as rumor-mongering, backbiting, or malicious gossip. In moral or ethical contexts, it indicates the act or process of making harmful reports or slander in a concealed manner.

Semantic Range

whispering, murmuring, secret gossip, clandestine slander, backroom rumor-mongering

Root / Etymology

From ψιθυρίζω (to whisper, murmur, speak softly), itself echoic/onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of whispering. It is a noun of action from the verb ψιθυρίζω. Not related to ψεύδομαι (to lie) except potentially in effect (e.g., sharing false information), but not etymologically.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in earlier Greek (e.g., Polybius, Plutarch) referring to the act of whispering, often specifically in contexts of court intrigue, rumor, or secret communication. The term carries a negative connotation of clandestine slander or malicious gossip. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ψιθυρισμός consistently refers to unethical rumor-spreading or slander made quietly or in secret. English 'whispering' is narrower—ψιθυρισμός in Koine Greek always involves covert detraction rather than innocent quiet speech. Related words include ψιθυριστής (a whisperer, gossip) and ψιθυρίζω (to whisper in secret, to murmur). The nuance is specifically negative and socially corrosive, distinct from open slander (διαβολή) or public accusation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of (a whisper; by implication, a slander; probably akin to ψεύδομαι); whispering, i.e. secret detraction:--whispering.

Root Family

ψιθυρισμός (psithyrismos) — whispering, murmuring, secret gossip, covert slander

Root ψιθυρ- to whisper, to murmur

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5587-01 ψιθυρισμοί psithurismoi N NOM M PL gossip covert whisperings covert whisperings 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5587-01 2 Corinthians 12:20 ψιθυρισμοί psithurismoi N NOM M PL gossip covert whisperings covert whisperings
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