### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διαλαλέω (dialaléō) `{{G1255}}` is a compound verb derived from the preposition διά (dia) `{{G1223}}` and the verb λαλέω (laleō) `{{G2980}}`. The preposition διά typically conveys a sense of passage *through*, *throughout*, or *among*, indicating distribution or permeation. The verb λαλέω signifies *to speak*, *to talk*, or *to utter sounds*.
Combined, διαλαλέω thus denotes a speaking that spreads or permeates within a given context. Its semantic range encompasses two primary nuances:
1. **To talk throughout a company; to converse or commune:** This refers to an interactive exchange of words among individuals within a group, suggesting discussion or deliberation.
2. **To publish or noise abroad:** This implies making information widely known, disseminating news, or proclaiming something publicly across a broader area.
These two senses highlight both intimate, internal communication and widespread, public dissemination, both of which are rooted in the concept of speech spreading through a medium or group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διαλαλέω (dialaléō) `{{G1255}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Luke's Gospel, and each instance beautifully illustrates one of its distinct semantic nuances:
1. **[[Luke 1:65]]: "And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea."**
In this context, διαλαλέω is translated as "noised abroad." It describes the widespread dissemination of the extraordinary events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist – the miraculous birth itself, Zechariah's muteness and subsequent speaking, and his prophetic utterance. The "sayings" (ῥήματα) here refer to the miraculous occurrences and the divine pronouncements associated with them. The use of διαλαλέω emphasizes that these events were not confined to a small circle but spread *throughout* the entire region of Judea's hill country, causing a profound sense of awe and fear (reverence) among the people. This usage aligns with the "publish" or "make known" aspect of the word's definition.
2. **[[Luke 6:11]]: "And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus."**
Here, διαλαλέω is rendered "communed." The context is the Pharisees' intense anger and frustration after Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. Their "madness" (ἀνοίας – irrationality, folly) drove them to engage in an internal discussion or deliberation among themselves. This "communing" was not a benevolent conversation but a hostile plotting, a back-and-forth exchange of ideas on how they might harm Jesus. This usage perfectly fits the "talk throughout a company" or "converse" aspect of the definition, highlighting an internal group discussion, albeit one with malicious intent.
These two occurrences demonstrate the versatility of διαλαλέω, capturing both the public declaration of divine acts and the private, often conspiratorial, deliberations of individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding διαλαλαλέω (dialaléō) `{{G1255}}` benefits from examining its root and related terms:
* **λαλέω (laleō) `{{G2980}}`:** The base verb, meaning "to speak" or "to talk." This is the fundamental act of verbal communication from which διαλαλέω derives its core meaning.
* **διά (dia) `{{G1223}}`:** The preposition "through," "by means of," or "among." Its presence in the compound signifies the pervasive or distributed nature of the speaking.
* **Other compounds of λαλέω:**
* συλλαλέω (syllaleō) `{{G4816}}`: "to speak with," "to converse." This word is a close semantic parallel to the "commune" sense of διαλαλέω, emphasizing joint conversation.
* καταλαλέω (katalaleō) `{{G2635}}`: "to speak against," "to slander."
* προλαλέω (prolaleō) `{{G4300}}`: "to speak beforehand."
* **Words for Spreading News/Proclamation:**
* διαφημίζω (diaphēmizō) `{{G1317}}`: "to spread abroad," "to make known," often concerning fame or reputation.
* κηρύσσω (kērussō) `{{G2784}}`: "to proclaim," "to preach," often with an authoritative or public declaration, particularly of the Gospel.
* ἀναγγέλλω (anaggellō) `{{G312}}`: "to report," "to announce," often a message or news.
* **Words for Conversation/Discussion:**
* ὁμιλέω (homileō) `{{G3656}}`: "to converse," "to associate with" through speech.
* συζητέω (syzēteō) `{{G4802}}`: "to discuss," "to dispute," implying a more argumentative or investigative conversation.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of διαλαλέω (dialaléō) `{{G1255}}` in Luke's Gospel, though few, carry significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Acts and Public Testimony:** In [[Luke 1:65]], the "noising abroad" of the events surrounding John's birth underscores a crucial theological principle: God's mighty works are not meant to be hidden. They are to be witnessed, spoken about, and spread, leading to a communal recognition of divine intervention. This public dissemination elicits fear (reverence) and wonder, preparing the way for the greater revelation of Jesus Christ. It highlights the human response to divine activity, which often involves verbal testimony and the sharing of experiences.
2. **The Nature of Human Response to Christ:** The two uses of διαλαλέω starkly contrast the human response to God's work. In [[Luke 1:65]], it describes a response of awe and wonder, leading to the spread of good news about God's power. In [[Luke 6:11]], it portrays the malicious deliberations of those filled with "madness" (ἀνοίας) and opposition to Jesus. This juxtaposition illustrates the two fundamental ways humanity can react to divine truth: with reverent acceptance and proclamation, or with hostile rejection and plotting.
3. **The Power of the Spoken Word:** διαλαλέω exemplifies the inherent power of speech. Words can be vehicles for truth, spreading the knowledge of God's redemptive work, or they can be instruments of darkness, used for conspiracy and opposition. This resonates with broader biblical themes concerning the tongue's capacity for both blessing and cursing, life and death. The word's dual application in Luke serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual implications of our verbal interactions, whether public or private.
### Summary
διαλαλέω (dialaléō) `{{G1255}}` is a Greek verb, appearing only twice in the New Testament within Luke's Gospel, that signifies the act of speaking or communicating *throughout* a group or region. Its core meaning encompasses two distinct yet related senses: to "commune" or converse within a company, and to "noise abroad" or publish information widely. In [[Luke 1:65]], it describes the widespread dissemination of the miraculous events surrounding John the Baptist's birth, highlighting the public acknowledgment of God's mighty acts. Conversely, in [[Luke 6:11]], it portrays the private, hostile deliberations of the Pharisees plotting against Jesus. Thus, διαλαλέω powerfully illustrates the dual capacity of human speech – to spread divine truth and evoke reverent awe, or to fuel malicious intent and opposition. It underscores the profound impact of spoken words, whether in public proclamation or private counsel, on the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and humanity's response to it.
TRV