This week during the Acts Bible Cafe™ Study, we had a conversation about gossip. In our small groups, we discussed Bible verses about gossip. To expand our understanding, we need to look at the modern meaning of the word gossip. The modern dictionary defines gossip as casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true. As you can see from the modern definition, gossip will appear as casual conversation.
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Now, the Biblical interpretation of gossip in Hebrew, from Strongs Concordance (H7878) is to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder. In the Hebrew word (H5372) a gossip is referred to as a talebearer and he whispers, murmurs, and backbites.
When you read the New Testament, the original language moves to Greek. And so the Greek word for gossip (G2636) is backbiting. But here the definition expands to include defamation and evil speaking. Some Bibles will translate that as “slander.”
Bible Verses About Gossip
A study on Bible verses about gossip. We look at the Modern, Hebrew, and Greek language to understand and apply the Bible verses.
Here is a handy reference to find these Bible verses. Write down one or two of these gossip verses. Memorize them and carry them in your heart and mind. Someday when you are tempted by gossip, chew on the Word of Truth instead of the words of gossip.
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. (Psalm 41:6-7 NLT)
I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me. (Psalm 69:12 NLT)
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. (Proverbs 11:13 NIV)
A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (Proverbs 11:13 NLT)
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. (Proverbs 17:4 NLT)
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8 NIV)
More Bible Verses
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. (Proverbs 20:19 NIV)
A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. (Proverbs 20:19 NLT)
Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. (Proverbs 25:10 NLT)
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. (Proverbs 26:20 NIV)
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20 NIV)
They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13 NKJV)
Bible Copyrights For This Article
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
