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G1426 · Greek · New Testament
δυσφημία
Dysphēmia
Noun, feminine
Ill report, slander, defamation

Definition

The Greek noun dysphēmia means a bad report, evil speech, or slander — the opposite of euphēmia (good report). It refers to the negative reputation or the defamatory speech that others direct against someone. In the New Testament it appears in Paul's list of apostolic hardships in 2 Corinthians 6.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul lists dysphēmia (ill report/slander) alongside euphēmia (good report) in 2 Corinthians 6:8, describing the paradoxical nature of apostolic ministry. The servant of God encounters both honor and dishonor, both praise and defamation, yet persists in commending himself by truthful speech and the power of God. This acceptance of both positive and negative reputation, grounded in identity in Christ, is the mark of authentic ministry.

Key Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 6:8 Through honor and dishonor, through slander (dysphēmia) and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true.
1 Corinthians 4:13 When slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
Romans 3:8 And why not do evil that good may come? — as some people slanderously charge us with saying.
1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

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External Resources

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