Brief Overview of πολυλογία (Strong’s G4180: polylogia)

Strong’s G4180: A compound noun combining πολύς (much) and λόγος (word), meaning “much speaking” or “wordiness.” In the New Testament, it specifically refers to empty, repetitive prayer characterized by many words rather than sincere devotion. The term critiques pagan prayer practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολυλογία represents excessive, repetitive speech, particularly in prayer. In its sole New Testament appearance, Jesus uses it to contrast pagan prayer practices with genuine Christian prayer. The early church understood this term as warning against meaningless repetition in favor of sincere, heartfelt communion with God. Today, it reminds believers that effective prayer depends not on quantity of words but on the heart’s authentic engagement with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολυλογία, polylogia, /pol-oo-log-ee’-ah/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + oo (vowel) + log (syllable) + ee (vowel) + ah (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Component 1: πολύς (polys) – “much/many”
• Component 2: λόγος (logos) – “word”
• Function: Creates a compound noun indicating excessive speech

D – Defining Meanings

• Much speaking
• Wordiness
• Verbosity
• Empty repetition
• Excessive talk

For compound words:
πολύς provides the sense of abundance, while λόγος contributes the concept of words/speech

Translation Options:

• Wordiness – Best captures the general concept
• Empty repetition – Emphasizes the futile aspect
• Verbosity – Highlights excessive nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βατταλογέω (battalogeō) /bat-tal-og-eh’-o/ – refers to babbling – See G945
• μακρολογέω (makrologeō) /mak-rol-og-eh’-o/ – refers to long speaking – See G3351
• φλυαρία (phlyaria) /floo-ar-ee’-ah/ – refers to empty talk – See G5397

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st declension

Examples:

• Nominative: πολυλογία
• Genitive: πολυλογίας
• Dative: πολυλογίᾳ
• Accusative: πολυλογίαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its critique of pagan prayer. Thayer’s notes its connection to vain repetition. LSJ traces its usage in classical rhetoric. Vine’s highlights its contrast with genuine prayer. Strong’s connects it to meaningless multiplication of words. Moulton and Milligan document its negative connotations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 6:7: “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words [πολυλογίᾳ].”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολυλογία reminds us that genuine prayer is about quality, not quantity. It proclaims the good news that God desires sincere communion rather than empty words, inviting us into authentic relationship through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολυλογία appears only once in the New Testament
2. It was commonly used to criticize sophistic rhetoric
3. The term influenced early Christian prayer practices

Strong’s G4180: A compound noun combining πολύς (much) and λόγος (word), meaning “much speaking” or “wordiness.” In the New Testament, it specifically refers to empty, repetitive prayer characterized by many words rather than sincere devotion. The term critiques pagan prayer practices.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: wordiness, much speaking, empty repetition, prayer, verbosity, vain repetition, genuine prayer, sincerity, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Matthew, prayer practice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​