Δημηγορέω (dēmēgoréō), pronounced day-may-go-REH-o, is a verb that originates from the Greek words δῆμος (dēmos), meaning “people,” and ἀγορεύω (agoreuō), meaning “to speak in an assembly” or “to address.” Therefore, the term dēmēgoréō literally translates to “to address the people” or “to speak in a public assembly.” It is a compound verb and primarily refers to the act of delivering a public speech, especially in a political or assembly setting.

Part of Speech: Verb

Primary Meanings:

• To deliver a public address or speech, especially in the context of political or civic assemblies.
• To engage in public discourse or rhetoric, often in the context of influencing public opinion or decision-making in a democratic assembly.

Scripture References

As of my last update, the word δημηγορέω (dēmēgoréō) does not appear in the New Testament or in the Septuagint. This term is primarily associated with classical Greek literature and is not directly used in biblical texts.

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) describes dēmēgoréō as a verb that denotes the act of speaking or making a speech before an assembly. It often refers to political or legal settings where public speeches were made to influence decisions or to present arguments. BDAG emphasizes the term’s association with public oratory, particularly in the context of democratic or civic engagement in ancient Greece.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly identifies dēmēgoréō as a term used for public speaking, specifically in the context of addressing an assembly. Thayer’s notes that the term carries connotations of leadership and influence, as those who engaged in dēmēgoréō were often individuals of prominence or authority who sought to sway public opinion or legislative decisions.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon) provides a broader classical context, indicating that dēmēgoréō was a common term in ancient Greek political life. It was used to describe the act of addressing the dēmos (the people) in a formal setting, such as the Ekklesia (the assembly) of Athens, where citizens would gather to debate and vote on matters of state.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance does not list dēmēgoréō as it does not appear in the biblical text. However, its breakdown of the root words dēmos and agoreuō aligns with the meanings provided by other lexicons, underscoring the term’s connection to public discourse.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Thucydides: The historian Thucydides uses dēmēgoréō in his accounts of the Peloponnesian War, where he describes how various leaders would address the Athenian assembly to persuade them regarding war strategies and political decisions.
2. Demosthenes: The orator Demosthenes frequently engaged in dēmēgoréō during his speeches in the Athenian assembly, advocating for policies against the encroaching power of Philip of Macedon. His speeches are classic examples of the art of rhetoric and public persuasion.
3. Plutarch: In his biographies of prominent Greek and Roman figures, Plutarch references dēmēgoréō to describe the public speeches made by these individuals, highlighting their ability to influence the masses and direct the course of civic life.

Summary

Δημηγορέω (dēmēgoréō) is a Greek verb that encapsulates the essence of public speaking and rhetoric in the context of ancient Greek democratic assemblies. Derived from the roots δῆμος (dēmos) and ἀγορεύω (agoreuō), the term literally means “to speak to the people” and was primarily used to describe the act of addressing an assembly, particularly in political or civic settings. Although not found in the biblical text, the term is well-documented in classical Greek literature, where it is associated with the influential speeches of historical figures such as those chronicled by Thucydides, Demosthenes, and Plutarch. The word dēmēgoréō reflects the importance of oratory in ancient Greek culture, where the power of speech was a key component of leadership and governance.