Original Word: רָכִיל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: rakiyl
Pronunciation: rah-KEEL
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-keel')
NASB: slanderer, talebearer, slanderous
Word Origin: [from H7402 (רָכַל - traders) a scandal-monger (as travelling about)]

1. slander, carry tales, talebearer

slander, carry tales, talebearer

From rakal a scandal-monger (as travelling about) -- slander, carry tales, talebearer.

see HEBREW rakal

Word Origin
from rakal
Definition
slander
NASB Translation
slanderer (3), slanderous (1), talebearer (2).

רָכִיל noun [masculine] slander, > tale-bearer, in-former; — always ׳ר absolute; — יַהֲלֹךְ ׳ר Jeremiah 9:3, ׳תֵּלֵךְ ר Leviticus 9:16 (H), ׳הוֺלֵךְ ר Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 20:19, all of going about in slander, as slander (Ges^{§ 118q}); ׳הֹלְבֵי ר Jeremiah 6:28 goers of slander (slanderous persons) (compare הָלַךְ); ׳אַנְשֵׁי ר Ezekiel 22:9 men of slander, informers.

Semantic Range and Conceptual Background

The term denotes a person who traffics in information with malicious intent—one who circulates rumors, exposes secrets, or foments distrust. While often translated “slanderer,” “gossip,” or “talebearer,” the underlying idea is not mere speech but speech weaponized against covenant community, motivated by self-interest or malice.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Leviticus 19:16 condemns the behavior outright: “You must not go about spreading slander among your people; do not jeopardize the life of your neighbor”. The prohibition appears in a chapter devoted to loving one’s neighbor, placing talebearing alongside theft, injustice, and hatred.
2. Proverbs 11:13 contrasts the slanderer with the trustworthy: “A gossip reveals a secret, but a faithful spirit conceals a matter”.
3. Proverbs 20:19 warns against association with such a person because proximity invites complicity.
4. Jeremiah 6:28 and 9:4 widen the charge to the nation; slanderers are listed with rebels, bronzes, and iron, depicting a society corroded by duplicity.
5. Ezekiel 22:9 places the offense amid bloodshed and idolatry, underscoring its gravity in the breakdown of communal righteousness.

Historical and Cultural Context

In an honor-shame culture, reputation equates to social capital. Slander imperils livelihood, inheritance, and marital prospects. Courts depended on truthful testimony; markets on honest dealings; families on loyal speech. Talebearing therefore threatened the fabric of Israel’s tribal society as decisively as theft or violence. The Mosaic legislation links it to endangerment of life, recognizing that false reports could lead to judicial miscarriage or blood vengeance.

Theological and Ethical Implications

1. Image of God: Humanity’s speech is designed to mirror the Creator’s truthful word. Corrupt speech distorts that image.
2. Covenant Loyalty: Love for neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) cannot coexist with whisper campaigns. To malign another covenant member is to oppose God’s declared love for that person.
3. Communal Holiness: Both Prophets and Wisdom literature treat slander as symptomatic of broader unfaithfulness. Where gossip thrives, justice and mercy decay.

New Testament Parallels

Romans 1:29, 2 Corinthians 12:20, and 1 Peter 2:1 echo the Old Testament by listing “slander” alongside envy, deceit, and malice—sins that fracture the body of Christ. James 4:11 brings the Levitical principle into the church age: “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.” The continuity underscores the unchanging divine standard regarding speech.

Applications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Pastoral Oversight: Leaders must guard against informal networks where reputations are traded. Matthew 18:15–17 supplies a constructive alternative—private correction aiming at restoration.
• Church Discipline: Persistent slander is disqualifying for office (1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3) and, if unrepented, subject to exclusion for the protection of the flock.
• Counseling and Reconciliation: Encourage confessing harmful speech and making restitution (Proverbs 28:13). Forgiveness is extended, but trust may require demonstrated change.
• Formation of Speech: Catechesis should include positive instruction—“speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)—not merely prohibitions.

Warnings and Promises

Old and New Testaments align: reckless words invite divine judgment, but restrained tongues receive blessing (Proverbs 13:3). True community flourishes where secrets are safe, reputations are guarded, and speech is seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).

רָ֭כִיל רָכִ֑יל רָכִ֖יל רָכִ֛יל רָכִ֥יל רָכִיל֙ רכיל rā·ḵîl raChil rāḵîlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts