διαλέγομαι

dialégomai /dee-al-eg'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from διά and λέγω; to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation)
KJV usagedispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word dialégomai, represented by G1256, denotes a thorough and interactive form of speech. It appears 13 times in 13 unique verses. Derived from διά and λέγω, its base definition is to say thoroughly, indicating a process of discussion that can manifest as argument, exhortation, or reasoning. The various translations—dispute, preach, reason, and speak—highlight its dynamic nature in dialogue.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1256 is frequently associated with the ministry of the apostle Paul. He is described as reasoning in the synagogue with Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:4, Acts 18:19) and reasoning with them from the scriptures for three sabbath days Acts 17:2. The term is also translated as preached when Paul addressed the disciples at Troas Acts 20:7. Beyond preaching, it describes moments of contention, such as when the disciples disputed among themselves over who was the greatest Mark 9:34, or when Michael the archangel disputed with the devil Jude 1:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of dialogue, debate, and persuasion:

  • G1252 diakrínō (contend, make to differ, doubt): This word for contending or discriminating is used alongside G1256 in the account of Michael the archangel, who when contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses Jude 1:9.
  • G3982 peíthō (to convince, persuade, trust): This term often appears as the goal or result of reasoning. Paul is described as disputing G1256 and persuading concerning the kingdom of God Acts 19:8, and on another occasion he reasoned G1256 and persuaded both Jews and Greeks Acts 18:4.
  • G4623 siōpáō (to be dumb, hold peace): This word provides a direct contrast to speaking. After the disciples had disputed among themselves on the way, they held their peace when questioned by Jesus Mark 9:34.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1256 is found in its consistent use to describe the method of proclaiming and defending the faith.

  • Apostolic Evangelism: The word repeatedly characterizes the ministry of Paul, who engaged audiences by reasoning from the scriptures in synagogues and public places (Acts 17:2, Acts 17:17). This highlights a model of evangelism grounded in logical discussion and scriptural evidence.
  • Confronting Error: The act of disputing is often a response to hardness of heart or opposition. When some "spake evil of that way," Paul separated the disciples and began disputing daily Acts 19:9, showing this as a means to fortify believers and clarify truth amidst falsehood.
  • Foundation in Exhortation: The word is also used to describe divine communication. The exhortation in Hebrews speaketh to believers as to children, connecting the act of divine chastening with instructive dialogue from God Hebrews 12:5.

Summary

In summary, G1256 is more than just "to speak." It signifies a thorough, interactive dialogue intended to reason, persuade, or contend. From Paul's methodical reasoning in the synagogues to establish faith Acts 18:4 to the disciples' internal disputes Mark 9:34, the word captures the dynamic process of debate and discourse. It serves as a key term for understanding the apostolic method of engaging culture, defending truth, and instructing believers through reasoned argument.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Acts (10 verses).

1
Mark
10
Acts
1
Hebrews
1
Jude

Verse Explorer

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