### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαλέγομαι (dialégomai), Strong's `{{G1256}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb λέγω (legō), meaning "to speak" or "to say." The middle voice inflection of διαλέγομαι emphasizes the subject's active participation in or benefit from the action.
At its core, διαλέγομαι signifies "to speak thoroughly" or "to speak through." This fundamental meaning expands into a rich semantic range encompassing:
1. **To discuss or converse:** Implies a back-and-forth exchange of ideas, a dialogue rather than a monologue.
2. **To reason with:** Suggests engaging someone intellectually, presenting arguments, and attempting to persuade through logical discourse.
3. **To dispute or debate:** Can denote a more formal or even contentious argument, where differing viewpoints are presented and challenged.
4. **To preach or teach through reasoning:** In the New Testament context, it often describes the method of evangelism that involves not just proclamation but also reasoned explanation and defense of the Gospel.
This word points to an interactive and often persuasive form of communication, where ideas are explored and convictions are established through careful articulation and engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of διαλέγομαι in the New Testament primarily illuminate the methods of early Christian proclamation and internal discussion. The apostle Paul frequently employs this verb, particularly in the book of Acts, to describe his evangelistic and teaching activities:
* In [[Acts 17:2]], Paul "reasoned" (διαλεγόμενος) with the Jews in Thessalonica from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise. This highlights a method of apologetic engagement rooted in scriptural exposition.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 17:17]], Paul "reasoned" (διελέγετο) in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks, and in the marketplace with anyone who happened to be there. This demonstrates his willingness to engage diverse audiences in reasoned discourse.
* The pattern continues in [[Acts 18:4]] and [[Acts 18:19]], where Paul "reasoned" (διελέγετο) in the synagogue at Corinth and Ephesus, seeking to persuade both Jews and Greeks.
* In [[Acts 19:8]], Paul courageously "reasoned" (διελέγετο) and persuaded concerning the kingdom of God for three months in the synagogue at Ephesus. When some became hardened, he withdrew and continued to "reason" (διαλεγόμενος) daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years ([[Acts 19:9]]). This points to sustained, intensive teaching and argumentation.
* The extended nature of such discourse is evident in [[Acts 20:7]], where Paul "preached" or "reasoned" (διελέγετο) with the believers in Troas until midnight, leading to the incident with Eutychus ([[Acts 20:9]]).
* The term can also describe judicial or formal reasoning, as when Paul "reasoned" (διαλεγομένου) before Felix concerning righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment ([[Acts 24:25]]), causing Felix to tremble.
* While often positive, the word can also denote a more contentious "disputing," as seen when Paul denies "disputing" (διαλεγόμενον) or stirring up a crowd in the temple ([[Acts 24:12]]).
* Beyond Paul's ministry, διαλέγομαι describes the disciples' internal "disputing" (διελογίζοντο) about who was greatest in [[Mark 9:34]], and the cosmic "dispute" (διελέγετο) between Michael the archangel and the devil over the body of Moses in [[Jude 1:9]]. These instances broaden the scope to include internal disagreements and even supernatural contention.
Across these contexts, διαλέγομαι consistently underscores an active, often verbal, engagement with ideas, whether for persuasion, instruction, or clarification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of διαλέγομαι is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* λέγω `{{G3004}}` ("to speak, say"): The base verb, to which διά adds the dimension of thoroughness or interaction.
* λογίζομαι `{{G3049}}` ("to reckon, consider, reason"): While διαλέγομαι focuses on external, verbal reasoning, λογίζομαι often describes internal thought processes.
* συζητέω `{{G4802}}` ("to discuss together, dispute"): This term often carries a stronger connotation of intense debate or even contention, sometimes with a negative nuance. διαλέγομαι can be less confrontational, focusing on reasoned discourse.
* ἀπολογέομαι `{{G626}}` ("to make a defense, apologize"): Closely related to the apologetic aspect of διαλέγομαι, particularly in Paul's reasoned defense of the Gospel.
* κηρύσσω `{{G2784}}` ("to preach, proclaim"): While διαλέγομαι involves speaking, it is distinct from mere proclamation. It implies a deeper, interactive engagement that goes beyond a simple announcement.
* The concept of "dialogue" (from διάλογος, a noun form related to διαλέγομαι) is central, emphasizing the two-way nature of communication. Other related concepts include "persuasion," "argumentation," and "instruction."
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of διαλέγομαι in the New Testament holds profound theological significance:
1. **Rationality of Faith:** The frequent appearance of διαλέγομαι in evangelistic contexts demonstrates that early Christian proclamation was not merely an authoritative declaration but also a reasoned presentation of truth. It underscores the belief that the Gospel is not irrational but can be defended and explained through logical argumentation, engaging the mind as well as the heart.
2. **Method of Evangelism:** This word reveals a key apostolic strategy for sharing the Gospel: engaging people where they were—in synagogues, marketplaces, and schools—and entering into intellectual discourse with them. It highlights the importance of addressing questions, refuting objections, and persuading through careful explanation of Scripture and Christian truth.
3. **Engagement with Culture:** The apostles, particularly Paul, did not shy away from the intellectual and philosophical currents of their day. They used reasoned discussion as a bridge to communicate the Gospel, demonstrating its relevance and truthfulness within diverse cultural and intellectual frameworks.
4. **Truth-Seeking and Clarification:** Whether in external evangelism or internal church discussions, διαλέγομαι points to the pursuit of truth through open exchange. It acknowledges that understanding often emerges from inquiry, debate, and the careful weighing of ideas, even among believers.
5. **Divine Example:** While not directly applied to God's speech, the concept of God "reasoning" with humanity (e.g., in [[Isaiah 1:18]], "Come now, let us reason together") resonates with the interactive nature of διαλέγομαι, suggesting a divine precedent for engaging human intellect.
### Summary
διαλέγομαι (dialégomai), Strong's `{{G1256}}`, describes a thorough and interactive form of speaking that encompasses discussion, reasoning, disputation, and persuasive argumentation. Its consistent use in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts, provides critical insight into the methods of early Christian evangelism and instruction. The apostles, notably Paul, frequently employed reasoned discourse in synagogues, public forums, and private settings to explain, defend, and persuade others concerning the Gospel. This word underscores the belief that Christian truth is not antithetical to reason but can be effectively communicated and understood through intellectual engagement. It highlights the dynamic nature of faith transmission, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful dialogue, addressing objections, and presenting a well-reasoned case for the Kingdom of God, whether to unbelievers or among the community of faith.
TRV