Bible Dictionaries

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

Backbiter, Backbiting

a "backbiter," and katalalia (2636), "backbiting," are formed from kata, "against," and laleo, "to speak." Katalalos is used in Romans 1:30 . Katalalia is translated "evil speaking" in 1 Peter 2:1 , "backbiting" in 2 Corinthians 12:20 .

Note: The corresponding verb katalaleo the RV translates "speak against," in its five occurrences, James 4:11 (three times); 1 Peter 2:12 , and 3:16; AV, "speak evil," in all the passages except 1 Peter 2:12 .