GOSSIP. A gossip is one who repeats idle talk or rumors about others. Gossip need not be, but often is, malicious. The word is not found in the KJV, but is found in the RSV in both Testaments. In the OT it is the tr. of two Heb. words. (1) רָכִ֑יל, Proverbs 20:19 (KJV “talebearer”) warns against associating with gossips, who reveal secrets and speak foolishly. The same word is found in Leviticus 19:16, where the RSV trs. it “slanderer,” and in Proverbs 11:13, where the RSV renders it “talebearer.”

(2) דִּבָּה, H1804, found in Ezekiel 36:3 (KJV “infamy”), where the enemies of Israel are told that they will be punished for their sins against Israel, including “evil gossip.” The same Heb. word is found in other places in the OT, and is rendered “whisperer,” “evil report,” “ill report,” or “slanderer” (Gen 37:2; Num 13:32; 14:36, 37; Ps 31:13; Prov 10:18; Jer 20:10; Ezek 36:3).

In the NT the word appears three times, and in each case it is the rendering of a different Gr. word. (1) ψιθυριστής, G6031, (Rom 1:29 KJV “whisperers”); listed among the sins of which the heathen are guilty. (2) ψιθυρισμός, G6030, (2 Cor 12:20 KJV “whisperings”; among the sins which Paul feared existed in the Corinthian church. (3) φλύαρος, G5827, (1 Tim 5:13 KJV “tattlers”); a sin to which idle persons are susceptible.