### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2980 (laléō) fundamentally denotes the act of "to talk," "to utter words," or "to speak." Its base definition highlights the physical production of sound and the articulation of language. As a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb, laléō often emphasizes the *process* or *act* of speaking, the sound produced, or the *fact* of vocalization, rather than necessarily the specific content or logical coherence of what is said. This nuance distinguishes it from `{{G3004}}` (legō), which tends to focus more on the reasoned content, declaration, or meaning of the utterance. While laléō can encompass simple conversation, it also extends to public discourse, divine communication, and even, in rare instances, the sounds of animals or inanimate objects. Its primary emphasis in the New Testament, however, remains on human and divine speech.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2980 (laléō) is widely used throughout the New Testament, illustrating its versatility across various contexts:
* **Human Speech:** It describes ordinary conversation, such as Jesus' warning about "every idle word that men shall speak" ([[Matthew 12:36]]). It also frequently refers to public proclamation and teaching, as when Peter and John were granted boldness "to speak your word with all boldness" ([[Acts 4:29]]), or when Philip and others "preached the word of the Lord" ([[Acts 8:25]]). The act of whispering or speaking discreetly is also captured, as in "no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews" ([[John 7:13]]).
* **Divine Speech:** laléō is crucial in describing God's communication. The author of Hebrews states, "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([[Hebrews 1:1-2]]). Jesus himself frequently affirmed, "I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things" ([[John 8:28]]), emphasizing the divine source of His words.
* **Miraculous Speech:** A prominent usage of laléō is found in the context of the gift of tongues. On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples "began to speak with other tongues" ([[Acts 2:4]]), and Paul explains that "he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God" ([[1 Corinthians 14:2]]). This highlights a divinely enabled form of utterance.
* **Non-Human Speech:** While less common, laléō can refer to non-human vocalizations, such as when Balaam's "donkey spoke with a human voice" ([[2 Peter 2:16]]).
In summary, laléō captures the dynamic act of speaking, whether it is a simple human exchange, a profound divine pronouncement, or a supernatural manifestation. Its usage often draws attention to the *event* of speaking or the *source* of the utterance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G3004}}` (legō): This is the most important comparative term. While both mean "to speak," legō typically emphasizes the *content*, *meaning*, or *declaration* of what is said, often implying a more reasoned or propositional statement. laléō, by contrast, focuses on the *act* of speaking, the *utterance* itself, or the *sound* produced. One might laléō (utter sounds) without legō (conveying clear meaning), or legō (convey meaning) through laléō (uttering words).
* `{{G5346}}` (phēmi): "To say," "to assert," "to declare." This verb often carries a sense of authoritative declaration or affirmation.
* `{{G2983}}` (lalia): The noun form of laléō, meaning "speech," "talk," or "a saying." It refers to the product of speaking.
* `{{G3056}}` (logos): "Word," "reason," "discourse." logos is a much broader term, encompassing the underlying concept, message, or even the divine Word (Christ). laléō is the *action* of uttering a logos.
* `{{G2784}}` (kēryssō): "To proclaim," "to preach." This term is more specific to public, authoritative proclamation, often with the sense of a herald's announcement. laléō can be the general act of speaking that facilitates kēryssō.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of G2980 (laléō) is profound, touching upon core doctrines of revelation, ministry, and Christian living:
* **Divine Revelation:** laléō is central to understanding how God reveals Himself. God "speaks" (laléō) His truth, not only through the prophets of old but definitively through His Son, Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 1:1-2]]). This underscores God's active, personal, and communicative nature, initiating relationship with humanity through His spoken Word.
* **The Ministry of Jesus:** Jesus' earthly ministry was characterized by His "speaking" (laléō) words of life, authority, and truth. His utterances were not merely human words but divine pronouncements that brought healing, challenged sin, and revealed the Father's will.
* **Prophetic and Apostolic Utterance:** Prophets "spoke" (laléō) for God, acting as His mouthpieces. Similarly, the apostles and early believers were commissioned to "speak" (laléō) the Gospel, proclaiming the good news of Christ to the world. This highlights the indispensable role of verbal communication in the spread of God's message.
* **The Gift of Tongues:** In the New Testament, laléō is the primary verb used to describe the miraculous gift of speaking in tongues. This Spirit-empowered utterance, whether in known human languages or in unknown spiritual languages, signifies a direct, often unmediated, form of communication with God or a sign for unbelievers.
* **Christian Witness and Edification:** Believers are called to "speak" (laléō) the truth in love, to "speak" (laléō) to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and to "speak" (laléō) boldly about their faith. This emphasizes the vital role of verbal communication in evangelism, discipleship, and the mutual building up of the body of Christ.
* **Ethical Responsibility of Speech:** The New Testament also uses laléō to caution against the misuse of speech. Jesus' warning about "every idle word" ([[Matthew 12:36]]) underscores the moral accountability for all our utterances, reminding us that words have power and consequences.
### Summary
G2980 (laléō) is a significant Greek verb that denotes the act of speaking or uttering words. While distinct from `{{G3004}}` (legō) in its emphasis on the *process* and *act* of vocalization rather than solely the content, laléō nonetheless encompasses a broad semantic range, from everyday conversation to profound divine revelation. Theologically, it is central to understanding God's active communication with humanity through His prophets and, supremely, through His Son. It highlights the Spirit-empowered speech of believers, including the gift of tongues, and underscores the ethical responsibility inherent in all human utterance. laléō thus serves as a foundational term for exploring the power, purpose, and profound implications of spoken words in biblical theology.
TRV