Brief Overview of διαλαλέω (G1255: dialaléō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαλαλέω (dialaléō) [dee-ah-lah-LEH-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and λαλέω (G2980: laléō) meaning to speak, to talk.

Word Breakdown:

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• Person: First person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαλαλέω in its present active indicative form. However, this breakdown can differ depending on the word’s use in different contexts within a sentence, where it may appear in various persons, numbers, tenses, voices, or moods.

Primary Meanings

• To talk or converse with someone.
• To speak or communicate thoroughly or repeatedly.
• To discuss or report something in detail.
• To make something widely known by speaking.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαλαλέω refers to the act of speaking or conversing, often implying detailed or repeated communication. The term can also suggest making something widely known or discussed through conversation.
• Scripture References: Acts 20:7, Luke 1:65

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαλαλέω as to speak or converse, particularly with an emphasis on thorough or detailed communication. It can also mean to spread information by speaking.
• Scripture References: Acts 20:7, Luke 1:65

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s notes that διαλαλέω carries the connotation of speaking in a manner that thoroughly communicates or disseminates information. It may involve discussion or the spread of news by word of mouth.
• Scripture References: Acts 20:7, Luke 1:65

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαλαλέω as to talk or converse, particularly in the sense of making something known or public through speech. The word is used in both personal conversation and public discourse.
• Scripture References: Acts 20:7, Luke 1:65

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαλαλέω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and λαλέω (G2980: laléō), meaning to talk or converse, especially with the intent of spreading information or making something known through conversation.
• Scripture References: Acts 20:7, Luke 1:65

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαλαλέω in contexts where detailed conversations or discussions are necessary for relaying information or making decisions, reflecting its use in thorough communication.
• Plato, Phaedrus: In Plato’s dialogues, διαλαλέω is employed in the context of philosophical discussions, where deep and repeated conversations are essential for the exploration of ideas and concepts.
• Xenophon, Memorabilia: Xenophon uses διαλαλέω in the context of Socratic dialogue, emphasizing the importance of conversation and detailed discussion in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Summary

διαλαλέω (G1255: dialaléō) is a Greek verb that fundamentally means to talk, converse, or communicate, often with an emphasis on thorough or detailed discussion. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and λαλέω (to speak, to talk), the term carries the connotation of making something known through repeated or detailed conversation. In the New Testament, διαλαλέω is used to describe both ordinary conversation and the act of spreading information or making something widely known. Its usage in classical Greek literature, particularly in philosophical and historical contexts, underscores its significance in communication, whether in personal dialogue or public discourse. The term highlights the importance of speech in conveying ideas, sharing information, and engaging in meaningful discussion, making it a key concept in understanding ancient Greek communication and rhetoric.