Brief Overview of διαλογίζομαι (G1260: dialogízomai)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαλογίζομαι (dialogízomai) [dee-ah-loh-GEE-zoh-my]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and λογίζομαι (G3049: logízomai) meaning to reason, to consider, to reckon.

Word Breakdown:

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

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαλογίζομαι in its present middle 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 reason or consider something carefully.
• To ponder or deliberate over a matter.
• To engage in inner dialogue or mental reasoning.
• To question or dispute within oneself or with others.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαλογίζομαι refers to the process of reasoning, considering, or pondering something carefully. It can also imply engaging in inner dialogue or mental debate, often involving questioning or weighing options.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:7, Mark 2:6, Luke 5:21, Romans 1:21

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes διαλογίζομαι as involving reasoning, deliberation, or calculation. It suggests an inner process of thinking or debating, often with the goal of reaching a conclusion or understanding.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:7, Mark 2:6, Luke 5:21, Romans 1:21

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• According to Vine’s, διαλογίζομαι means to reason or consider, particularly in a reflective or contemplative manner. The term is often used in contexts where deep thought or mental questioning is involved.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:7, Mark 2:6, Luke 5:21, Romans 1:21

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαλογίζομαι as to think, reason, or calculate. It can also mean to debate or discuss within oneself or with others, highlighting the process of weighing different ideas or arguments.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:7, Mark 2:6, Luke 5:21, Romans 1:21

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαλογίζομαι as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and λογίζομαι (G3049: logízomai), meaning to reason or deliberate. It is often used to describe the process of inner reasoning or consideration, particularly in a reflective or questioning context.
• Scripture References: Matthew 16:7, Mark 2:6, Luke 5:21, Romans 1:21

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Republic: In Plato’s dialogues, διαλογίζομαι is used to describe the process of philosophical reasoning and dialogue, where participants engage in deep reflection and debate to uncover truths.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle employs διαλογίζομαι in the context of ethical deliberation, where individuals must carefully consider their actions and the moral implications of their choices.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαλογίζομαι to describe the deliberations of leaders and generals as they weigh their options and plan strategies, reflecting the term’s association with careful thought and decision-making.

Summary

διαλογίζομαι (G1260: dialogízomai) is a Greek verb that fundamentally means to reason, consider, or deliberate. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and λογίζομαι (to reason, to consider), the term emphasizes the process of careful thought, inner dialogue, or mental debate. In the New Testament, διαλογίζομαι is used to describe instances where individuals or groups engage in reasoning or questioning, often in the context of understanding Jesus’ teachings or grappling with doubts. Its usage in classical Greek literature highlights its broader application in philosophical, ethical, and strategic contexts, where reasoning and deliberation are crucial to decision-making. Whether in a reflective, contemplative, or argumentative context, διαλογίζομαι captures the essence of thoughtful consideration and the mental processes involved in reaching conclusions, making it a key term for understanding both ancient and modern concepts of reasoning and deliberation.