### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G1215 (dēmēgoréō) is a compound word derived from δῆμος (dēmos), meaning "people" or "the populace," and ἀγορά (agorá), referring to an "assembly place" or "marketplace." Etymologically, it signifies "to speak in the assembly of the people" or "to be a people-gatherer (for the purpose of speaking)." Its core meaning thus denotes the act of delivering a formal address or oration to a public assembly. This is not casual conversation but a structured, often persuasive, speech delivered before a gathered multitude. The semantic range of G1215 is narrow, focusing specifically on the public and formal nature of the address, implying a speaker who commands attention and seeks to influence the gathered populace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1215 (dēmēgoréō) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 12:21]]. This singular occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding its contextual nuance and theological weight.
In [[Acts 12:21]], the word describes the actions of King Herod Agrippa I: "On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, sat on his throne and began making an oration to them." The context preceding this verse details Herod's persecution of the early church, including the execution of James, the brother of John, and the imprisonment of Peter. The oration itself is delivered to the people of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to Caesarea to seek peace with Herod.
The narrative immediately following this verse is crucial: "The people kept crying out, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died" [[Acts 12:22-23]]. Here, Herod's *dēmēgoréō* is not merely a public speech but an act of self-exaltation, culminating in his acceptance of divine honors. The people's acclamation, attributing divine status to him, is met with swift and severe divine judgment because Herod failed to ascribe glory to God. The very act of making an oration, while outwardly neutral, becomes the precise occasion for Herod's prideful acceptance of worship, leading directly to his demise.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words relate to G1215 (dēmēgoréō) through their shared semantic domain of speech, assembly, or public life, though none carry its specific nuance of a formal public address to an assembly.
* `{{G2980}}` *laleō*: A general term for "to speak" or "to talk," often encompassing informal conversation or divine utterance.
* `{{G3004}}` *legō*: Another general verb meaning "to say" or "to speak," widely used in the New Testament.
* `{{G2036}}` *erō*: To "say" or "speak," often implying a direct statement.
* `{{G1218}}` *dēmos*: The root noun, meaning "the people" or "a crowd," emphasizing the audience of the oration.
* `{{G58}}` *agora*: The other root noun, referring to the "marketplace" or "public assembly place," highlighting the venue.
* `{{G3950}}` *parrēsia*: Signifies "boldness," "frankness," or "freedom of speech," which might characterize a *dēmēgoréō* but is not synonymous with the act itself.
* `{{G4483}}` *rhētor*: A "rhetorician" or "public speaker," describing the *person* who performs a *dēmēgoréō*.
In contrast to G1215, which describes human oratory, words like `{{G5513}}` *chrēmatizō* (to utter a divine oracle, to be divinely instructed) highlight the distinction between human speech and divine communication. The specific context of Herod's speech also places G1215 in contrast with genuine prophetic utterance or the proclamation of the Gospel, which always gives glory to God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G1215 (dēmēgoréō) in [[Acts 12:21]] carries profound theological significance, serving as a stark warning against human pride and the appropriation of divine glory. Herod Agrippa's public oration, described by this term, becomes the precise moment of his ultimate sin and subsequent divine judgment.
1. **Usurpation of Divine Glory:** Herod's *dēmēgoréō* culminates in the people's declaration, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" [[Acts 12:22]]. His failure to immediately reject this blasphemous praise, but rather to accept it, constitutes a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty and holiness. This act of claiming or accepting glory due only to the Creator is consistently condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., [[Isaiah 42:8]], [[Romans 1:21-23]]).
2. **Divine Judgment:** The immediate consequence of Herod's pride is divine judgment: "And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory" [[Acts 12:23]]. This demonstrates God's zealous guardianship of His own glory and His swift retribution against those who usurp it. The fate of Herod serves as a powerful theological lesson on the dangers of hubris, especially in those in positions of power.
3. **Contrast with True Worship:** The incident implicitly contrasts Herod's self-aggrandizing speech with the humble and God-centered worship advocated by Christianity. While human speech and leadership are necessary, they must always be exercised under God's authority and for His glory, not for personal exaltation. The *dēmēgoréō* of Herod stands in stark opposition to the *kērygma* (proclamation) of the apostles, which consistently directed praise and worship to God alone.
Thus, G1215, though a neutral term describing a public speech, is embedded in a narrative that transforms it into a poignant illustration of the perilous consequences of human pride and the absolute necessity of rendering all glory to God.
### Summary
The Greek word G1215 (dēmēgoréō) literally means "to make an oration to a public assembly," combining the concepts of "people" (dēmos) and "assembly place" (agorá). Its single appearance in the New Testament in [[Acts 12:21]] describes King Herod Agrippa I's public address. The critical context reveals that Herod's *dēmēgoréō* was marked by his acceptance of divine honors from the people, an act of profound pride and blasphemy. This failure to give glory to God resulted in immediate divine judgment, leading to his death. Therefore, while G1215 is semantically neutral, its sole biblical occurrence imbues it with significant theological weight, serving as a powerful cautionary tale against human hubris and the usurpation of glory due solely to God.
TRV