### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diálektos**, represented by `{{G1258}}`, refers to a **language** or **tongue**. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, always within the book of Acts. The term signifies a specific "mode of discourse" or "dialect" associated with a particular group of people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1258}}` is used to describe understandable, specific languages. On the day of Pentecost, a multitude came together and was confounded because "every man heard them speak in his own **language**" [[Acts 2:6]]. This event highlighted the supernatural ability of the disciples to communicate across linguistic divides, with each person hearing in "our own **tongue**, wherein we were born" [[Acts 2:8]]. The term is also used when Paul addresses a crowd in Jerusalem; his choice to speak "in the Hebrew **tongue**" resulted in "a great silence" [[Acts 21:40]]. Similarly, a field near Jerusalem was named Aceldama "in their proper **tongue**" [[Acts 1:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a specific language:
* `{{G1446}}` **Hebraḯs** (Hebrew): This word specifies the exact **language** being spoken. It is used to describe the **tongue** `{{G1258}}` that Paul used to address the crowd in Jerusalem ([[Acts 21:40]], [[Acts 22:2]]) and the **tongue** he heard on the road to Damascus [[Acts 26:14]].
* `{{G191}}` **akoúō** (to hear): This word is essential to the function of a **language**, as it denotes understanding. At Pentecost, every man could **hear** the disciples in his own tongue [[Acts 2:6]]. When Paul spoke in Hebrew, the crowd's willingness to **hear** increased their silence [[Acts 22:2]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to be born): This term links a person's native **language** to their origin. The crowd at Pentecost was amazed to hear the message in the very tongue in which they "were **born**" [[Acts 2:8]], emphasizing the personal and deep-seated nature of one's own dialect.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1258}}` is significant, particularly in the book of Acts.
* **Miraculous Proclamation:** The use of different languages at Pentecost illustrates God's intention for the gospel to be understood by all peoples. The miracle was not a single universal language, but the speaking of many specific languages simultaneously so that every man could **hear** in his own **language** `{{G1258}}` [[Acts 2:6]].
* **Identifiable Communication:** The word emphasizes clarity and cultural connection. When Paul spoke in the Hebrew **tongue** `{{G1446}}`, the people "kept the more silence" [[Acts 22:2]]. This shows that the gospel message is not abstract but is delivered in terms that are personal and recognizable.
* **Universal Scope, Personal Application:** The event at Pentecost, where people heard in the **tongue** wherein they were born `{{G1080}}` [[Acts 2:8]], signifies that God's salvation is for all nations, yet it meets each individual in their own specific context and identity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1258}}` is more than just a generic term for speech. It specifically denotes a "dialect" or "language" tied to a person's heritage and location. Its use in scripture, particularly in the book of Acts, underscores God's power to transcend human division to communicate His message directly and personally. It reveals that the gospel is meant for every people group, spoken in a **tongue** they can understand, from the naming of a field in Jerusalem [[Acts 1:19]] to the supernatural proclamation at Pentecost [[Acts 2:8]].
TRV