Brief Overview of συλλαλέω (Strong’s G4814: sullaleō)

Strong’s G4814: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λαλέω (to speak), meaning “to speak with” or “to talk together.” In biblical usage, it describes significant spiritual conversations, particularly appearing in the Transfiguration narratives where Moses and Elijah converse with Jesus.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συλλαλέω represents meaningful spiritual dialogue, particularly in contexts of divine revelation. As a compound word, it emphasizes the mutual nature of conversation. In Matthew 17:3, it describes the profound conversation between the Messiah and the representatives of the Law and Prophets (Moses and Elijah) at the Transfiguration. Early church fathers used this term to emphasize the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. Today, it reminds us of the ongoing dialogue between divine revelation and human response in our spiritual journey.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συλλαλέω, sullaleō, /sool-la-LEH-oh/
• Pronunciation: sool-la-LEH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• λαλέω (laleō): verb meaning “to speak”
• The combination emphasizes joint or mutual conversation

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To speak with someone
2. To converse together
3. To engage in dialogue
4. To discuss mutually

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
• λαλέω (laleō): conveys the act of speaking
  Together they express mutual verbal exchange

Translation Options:

1. “Talk with” – Emphasizes the mutual aspect
2. “Converse together” – Highlights the shared nature
3. “Speak with” – Captures the formal interaction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) /dee-ah-LEG-oh-my/ – focuses on reasoned discourse. See G1256
• συνομιλέω (sunomileō) /soon-oh-mee-LEH-oh/ – emphasizes friendly conversation. See G4926
• λαλέω (laleō) /la-LEH-oh/ – basic word for speaking. See G2980

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συλλαλῶ – I am speaking with
• Imperfect: συνελάλουν – they were speaking with
• Aorist Participle: συλλαλήσας – having spoken with

Cross-references:

• Noun: συλλαλία (sullalia)
• Adjective: συλλαλητικός (sullalētikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in significant conversations. Thayer’s notes its meaning of conferring or talking with. LSJ provides examples from dialogue contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in the Transfiguration narrative. Strong’s connects it to mutual conversation. LEH discusses its rare Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its use in everyday conversation contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 17:3 “And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, [talking with] {συλλαλέω} Him.”

Additional References:
Mark 9:4
Luke 9:30
Luke 22:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συλλαλέω demonstrates the profound nature of spiritual dialogue, especially as seen in the Transfiguration. It promotes the good news by showing how the Messiah fulfills and continues the divine conversation begun in the Law and Prophets, inviting us into this ongoing dialogue with God through His Word and Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in all three Synoptic Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration.
2. Early church writers used this term to describe mystical encounters with God.
3. The word emphasizes mutual exchange rather than one-sided proclamation.

Strong’s G4814: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λαλέω (to speak), meaning “to speak with” or “to talk together.” In biblical usage, it describes significant spiritual conversations, particularly appearing in the Transfiguration narratives where Moses and Elijah converse with Jesus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: conversation, dialogue, transfiguration, moses, elijah, jesus, spiritual-communication, divine-encounter, synoptic-gospels, revelation, prophecy, spiritual-dialogue​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​