Bible Dictionaries
Slander

Holman Bible Dictionary

To speak critically of another person with the intent to hurt (Leviticus 19:16 ). In a court of law it means to falsely accuse another (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20 ). Jesus said, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36 ). This should cause each person to be very careful what they say about others (see Ephesians 4:31; 1 Peter 2:1 ). The Bible shows that slander is a mark of the unregenerate world (James 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:16 ). Jesus spoke of Satan as one who “does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NRSV). Diabolos can mean “slanderous” or “the slanderer” (the devil). See Devil, Satan, Evil, Demonic; Ethics .