Brief Overview of προσλαλέω (Strong’s G4354: proslaleō)

Strong’s G4354: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with laleō (to speak), meaning “to speak to, to converse with.” Used in Acts to describe pastoral and evangelistic conversations, particularly in contexts of personal ministry and persuasive gospel communication.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσλαλέω represents direct, personal communication with specific individuals or groups. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of apostolic ministry where personal conversation leads to spiritual instruction and encouragement. The compound structure emphasizes both the directional nature and personal quality of the communication. Early church fathers often used this term to describe pastoral dialogue and evangelistic engagement. Today, it continues to illustrate the importance of personal, direct communication in ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσλαλέω, proslaleō, pros-la-LEH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘LEH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• λαλέω (laleō) – root verb meaning “to speak”
  The combination indicates directed speech or conversation.

D – Defining Meanings

• To speak to
• To converse with
• To address personally

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to λαλέω, creating the concept of speaking directly to someone with purpose.

Translation Options:

• “to speak to” – emphasizes direction
• “to converse with” – captures interaction
• “to address” – reflects formal aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai, dee-a-LEG-oh-mai) – to reason with
  See G1256
• λαλέω (laleō, la-LEH-oh) – to speak, without direction
  See G2980
• προσφωνέω (prosphōneō, pros-fo-NEH-oh) – to call to
  See G4377

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσλαλέω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist, Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle, Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar/Progressive

The active voice emphasizes direct engagement in conversation.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in personal ministry. Thayer’s notes its directional nature. LSJ provides evidence of its use in formal address. Vine’s connects it to pastoral communication. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting speech direction. LEH notes its use in dialogue contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of personal communication.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes [προσλαλοῦντες] followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43

Additional References:
Acts 28:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσλαλέω beautifully captures the personal nature of gospel ministry. Just as Paul and others engaged in direct, personal communication to share Christ, we too are called to personal engagement in sharing the good news. The gospel spreads through intentional, personal conversation that points people to Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used specifically in contexts of evangelistic follow-up
2. Emphasizes personal rather than public proclamation
3. Often appears in scenes of pastoral care and guidance

Strong’s G4354: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with laleō (to speak), meaning “to speak to, to converse with.” Used in Acts to describe pastoral and evangelistic conversations, particularly in contexts of personal ministry and persuasive gospel communication.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: conversation, speaking, communication, evangelism, pastoral-care, personal-ministry, compound-verb, Acts, Paul, apostolic-ministry, dialogue, personal-evangelism, ministry-conversation, gospel-communication, pastoral-dialogue​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​