Brief Overview of ἄλαλος (G216)

The Greek adjective ἄλαλος (alalos) means “speechless” or “mute.” It is derived from the combination of the prefix α- (a-, meaning “not”) and λάλος (lalos, meaning “talking” or “speaking”). This term is used to describe someone who is unable to speak or something that is characterized by silence or lack of verbal expression.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G216 ἄλαλος (alalos): According to Strong’s Concordance, ἄλαλος is defined as “speechless” or “mute.” It refers to someone who is unable to speak or something that is silent. The term emphasizes a lack of verbal ability or the absence of speech.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon describes ἄλαλος as “speechless” or “dumb.” The lexicon provides context for its use in the New Testament, highlighting instances where the term describes individuals who are physically incapable of speaking. Thayer’s Lexicon also notes that ἄλαλος can be used metaphorically to describe something or someone characterized by silence.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄλαλος as “speechless” or “dumb.” The lexicon illustrates its usage in classical texts to denote someone who cannot speak due to physical reasons or to describe situations characterized by silence. The term conveys the idea of being without speech or verbal expression.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• Although BDB primarily focuses on Hebrew terms, the understanding of ἄλαλος aligns with the general definition of “speechless” or “mute” as found in other Greek lexicons. It underscores the lack of verbal capability or expression.

In summary, ἄλαλος (alalos) is a Greek adjective meaning “speechless” or “mute,” referring to the inability to speak or a state of silence. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, and the LSJ Lexicon all provide consistent definitions, emphasizing the term’s application to individuals who cannot speak and situations characterized by silence.