Brief Overview of διαλογισμός (G1261: dialogismós)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαλογισμός (dialogismós) [dee-ah-loh-geez-MOS]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and λογισμός (G3053: logismós) meaning reasoning, calculation, thought.

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 διαλογισμός 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

• Reasoning or thought, particularly of a reflective or deliberative nature.
• The process of internal deliberation, often involving questioning or doubting.
• An opinion or conclusion arrived at through reasoning.
• A debate or dispute, particularly within oneself or among a group.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαλογισμός refers to the process of reasoning or deliberation, often with the connotation of internal debate or questioning. It can also imply an opinion or thought that has been formed through reasoning.
• Scripture References: Luke 5:22, Romans 1:21, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:8

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαλογισμός as a form of reasoning or thought, particularly when it involves inward deliberation or questioning. It can refer to both positive and negative forms of reasoning, including doubts or disputes.
• Scripture References: Luke 5:22, Romans 1:21, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:8

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• According to Vine’s, διαλογισμός signifies reasoning or thinking, especially in the context of deliberation or internal debate. The term is often used in the New Testament to describe thoughts that may lead to doubt or argument.
• Scripture References: Luke 5:22, Romans 1:21, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:8

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαλογισμός as the act of reasoning or calculating. It can also refer to a conclusion or opinion reached through deliberation, and is used in both positive and negative contexts in classical Greek literature.
• Scripture References: Luke 5:22, Romans 1:21, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:8

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαλογισμός as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and λογισμός (G3053: logismós), meaning reasoning, thought, or deliberation. It is often associated with inward reasoning or disputes, particularly those that involve questioning or doubting.
• Scripture References: Luke 5:22, Romans 1:21, Philippians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:8

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Republic: Plato uses διαλογισμός in his dialogues to describe the process of philosophical reasoning, where individuals engage in deep reflection and debate to explore ideas and reach conclusions.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle employs διαλογισμός to describe the process of moral reasoning, where individuals deliberate over ethical choices and the consequences of their actions.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαλογισμός to depict the deliberations of leaders as they weigh their options and decide on courses of action, emphasizing the role of reasoning in decision-making.

Summary

διαλογισμός (G1261: dialogismós) is a Greek noun that refers to reasoning, thought, or deliberation, often involving an internal debate or questioning process. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and λογισμός (reasoning, calculation), the term captures the essence of thoughtful consideration, whether it leads to positive reflection or to doubts and disputes. In the New Testament, διαλογισμός is frequently used to describe the thoughts or reasoning processes of individuals or groups, often in contexts where doubt, questioning, or internal conflict is present. Its usage in classical Greek literature highlights its broader application in philosophical, ethical, and strategic discussions, where reasoning and deliberation are crucial to understanding and decision-making. Overall, διαλογισμός is a key term for exploring the complexities of thought, reasoning, and internal dialogue in both ancient and modern contexts.