The Greek word dialaléō, represented by G1255, is derived from διά and λαλέω. It describes communication that moves throughout a group, defined as to talk throughout a company, i.e. converse or publish. Appearing 2 times in 2 unique verses, it is translated as commune or noise abroad, capturing two distinct modes of speech.
In its biblical usage, G1255 illustrates both private conspiracy and public proclamation. In one instance, it describes how the enemies of Jesus, "filled with madness" G454, communed one with another to decide what action they might take against him Luke 6:11. In contrast, it is also used to describe how the "sayings" G4487 concerning the birth of John the Baptist were noised abroad throughout the entire hill country of Judaea, causing fear G5401 to come upon all who lived there Luke 1:65.
Several related words help clarify the scope and nature of the communication described by G1255:
- G240 allḗlōn (one another): This pronoun is paired with G1255 to emphasize the reciprocal nature of the conversation, as when the scribes and Pharisees communed "one with another" Luke 6:11.
- G4487 rhēma (saying, word): This term identifies the content of what is being spread. In Luke 1:65, it is "these sayings" that were noised abroad, indicating the specific news or utterance being published.
- G3650 hólos (whole): This adjective highlights the comprehensive extent of the communication. The news was not just shared, but spread throughout the "whole" hill country, demonstrating the "abroad" aspect of the word's meaning Luke 1:65.
The theological significance of G1255 lies in its portrayal of the dual power of speech.
- Conspiratorial Communication: The word is used to show how speech can be a tool for those opposed to God's will. Those filled with "madness" G454 use it to commune amongst themselves to plot against Jesus Luke 6:11.
- Proclamation of Divine Acts: Conversely, G1255 describes the organic spread of news regarding God's work. The "sayings" G4487 about the miraculous events surrounding John the Baptist were noised abroad, demonstrating how divine intervention naturally becomes a topic of widespread discussion Luke 1:65.
- The Medium of Reputation: The term illustrates how information, whether hostile or wondrous, travels through a community. It can either be a secretive deliberation among a few or a public report that reaches an entire region.
In summary, G1255 is a specific term that goes beyond simple talking. It captures the dynamic of communication as it moves through a group of people. Whether used to describe the private plotting of enemies or the public reporting of miraculous events, dialaléō demonstrates how speech serves as a powerful vehicle for conspiracy and proclamation alike within the biblical narrative.
TRV