Brief Overview of διάλεκτος (G1258: diálektos)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διάλεκτος (diálektos) [dee-AH-lek-tos]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and λέγω (G3004: légō) meaning to say, to speak.

Word Breakdown:

• Person: N/A (Noun)
• Number: Singular
• Tense: N/A (Noun)
• Voice: N/A (Noun)
• Mood: N/A (Noun)

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διάλεκτος as a noun, meaning it does not carry person, tense, voice, or mood, which are attributes of verbs. However, its form can vary in number (singular or plural) based on its usage in sentences.

Primary Meanings

• A dialect or language peculiar to a particular region or group.
• The speech or manner of speaking associated with a specific locality.
• A mode of discourse or way of expressing oneself.
• In a broader sense, any form of communication or speech pattern.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διάλεκτος refers to a specific form of speech or dialect associated with a particular region or group of people. It highlights the variations in language that can occur across different communities.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:6, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:14

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διάλεκτος as a dialect or language specific to a certain group or region. It is used in the New Testament to describe the particular languages or speech patterns of different peoples.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:6, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:14

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• According to Vine’s, διάλεκτος means a language or dialect, particularly the native speech of a particular region or people. It is used in the New Testament to emphasize the diversity of languages spoken by different groups.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:6, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:14

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διάλεκτος as a form of speech or dialect, emphasizing the differences in language that can exist between various regions or communities. It can also refer to a mode of discourse or a specific way of speaking.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:6, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:14

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διάλεκτος as a derivative of διά (G1223: diá) and λέγω (G3004: légō), meaning a dialect or language. It is used in the New Testament to refer to the distinct languages spoken by different peoples.
• Scripture References: Acts 2:6, Acts 21:40, Acts 22:2, Acts 26:14

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: In Herodotus’ work, διάλεκτος is used to describe the various dialects spoken by different Greek tribes, illustrating the linguistic diversity of the ancient world.
• Plato, Cratylus: Plato uses διάλεκτος in a philosophical context to discuss the nature of language and how different dialects represent different ways of understanding and interpreting the world.
• Aristophanes, The Clouds: Aristophanes employs διάλεκτος in his plays to highlight the distinct speech patterns of characters from different regions, using dialect as a tool for both characterization and humor.

Summary

διάλεκτος (G1258: diálektos) is a Greek noun that primarily refers to a dialect or language specific to a particular region or group of people. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and λέγω (to say, to speak), διάλεκτος emphasizes the diversity of language and speech patterns that can exist within different communities. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the various languages spoken by different peoples, particularly in the context of the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Its usage in classical Greek literature reflects its broader application to discussions of language, discourse, and communication. Whether in historical, philosophical, or comedic contexts, διάλεκτος highlights the importance of language as a means of cultural identity and expression, making it a key term for understanding both ancient and biblical concepts of communication.