English · KJV
G3004

λέγω

légō /leg'-o/ Ask about this word
Roota primary verb
Meaningproperly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
KJV usageask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of légō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word légō, represented by G3004, is a primary verb used to relate information in words, often in a systematic or set discourse. It appears 1349 times across 1244 unique verses, establishing it as a key term for communication in scripture. Its meaning extends beyond simply "to say" and can encompass actions like asking, bidding, calling, describing, speaking, and telling.

While G3004 often introduces direct speech, it frequently implies a more deliberate and structured utterance than a mere vocalization. Its semantic range touches upon the very act of arranging thoughts into coherent expression, reflecting an underlying cognitive process of selection and articulation. This is particularly evident when the term is used to describe an individual's reasoned opinion or a stated conclusion, rather than an impulsive exclamation. The verb captures the speaker's conscious intent to communicate a specific message, whether it be a declaration, an inquiry, or an instruction.

G3004 can denote the function of speech within a given context, such as asking for information or issuing a command. It is not always about the content being new, but the act of verbalizing an established thought or expectation. For instance, when individuals "say" what they believe or question, G3004 highlights their intellectual engagement with a topic, moving beyond simple sounds to the formation of meaningful statements. This deliberate aspect distinguishes it from more general terms for "talking."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3004 is frequently used to introduce authoritative declarations from a divine source. The Lord uses it to establish his covenant and promises with Israel Hebrews 8:10. Jesus Christ employs the term to deliver foundational teachings, often with the preface "I say unto you" Matthew 5:44, and to reveal His divine nature, as in His declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" John 14:6. The Holy Spirit also communicates through this word, as noted in passages like Hebrews 3:7, where the author quotes what "the Holy Ghost saith."

G3004 also frequently marks the introduction of human dialogue and interaction, showcasing the dynamics of communication among people. It captures moments of questioning, debate, and the expression of diverse opinions within the New Testament narratives. For example, in the early church, the people were "amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?" Acts 2:7, and later, "What meaneth this?" Acts 2:12. This demonstrates G3004's role in conveying the spontaneous reactions and inquiries of crowds.

The word is also crucial for understanding the challenges to divine authority, as human characters "say" things that express doubt, opposition, or misunderstanding. The Jews, for instance, frequently questioned Jesus, "How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?" John 6:42, or "Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" John 8:48. This illustrates G3004's capacity to articulate human resistance or misinterpretation of divine truth, serving as a narrative device to highlight conflict and the need for discernment. Paul similarly uses G3004 to address contentions within the church, as when he states, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" 1 Corinthians 1:12, or "how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:12, demonstrating its use in conveying human factions and theological disputes.

Beyond direct speech, G3004 is employed to introduce the words of Scripture, thereby lending the ancient texts a living voice in the present context. The author of Hebrews repeatedly uses phrases like "he saith" or "it is said" to present Old Testament passages as still relevant and speaking God's truth to the New Testament audience, such as "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" Ephesians 4:8 or "The scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn" 1 Timothy 5:18. This usage underscores the enduring and active nature of God's written word, making it a continuous source of revelation and instruction.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the nuances of speech and communication:

  • G2980 laléō (to talk, i.e. utter words): This word, often used for extended talk, appears alongside G3004 when Jesus spake to the crowds, saying He is the light of the world John 8:12.
  • G2036 épō (to speak or say): This term is often used for a specific, definite statement or answer. It is used when Jesus said to the thief on the cross, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" Luke 23:43.
  • G2784 kērýssō (to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth): This word implies a formal proclamation, as when Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand Matthew 4:17.
  • G2046 eréō (to utter, i.e. speak or say): As an alternate for G2036, this verb is used when the King shall say to the righteous, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:40.
  • G3049 logízomai (to reckon, consider): This verb denotes the process of logical thought, calculation, or reasoning. While G3004 refers to the outward expression of words, G3049 often describes the internal mental "saying" or consideration that precedes or accompanies speech, highlighting the intellectual deliberation behind an utterance.
  • G3051 lógion (an oracle, a divine utterance): This noun refers specifically to divine pronouncements or sacred sayings. G3004 frequently serves as the verb by which these G3051 are introduced or recounted, emphasizing the authoritative and revealed nature of the spoken word.
  • G2981 laliá (speech, talk): As a noun derived from G2980 (laléō), G2981 refers to the act of speaking or the manner of speech itself. G3004 typically conveys the content or specific message within that broader G2981, distinguishing the substance of what is said from the general act of talking.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3004 is demonstrated in its use as the primary vehicle for divine revelation and command.

  • Divine Proclamation: God's will and promises are conveyed directly through this word. The Lord saith, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" Romans 12:19, and "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh" Acts 2:17.
  • Christ's Authoritative Teaching: Jesus uses G3004 to issue commands that redefine moral and spiritual law, such as when He saith, "Love your enemies" Matthew 5:44, and to make profound statements of His identity John 8:58.
  • The Believer's Confession and Mandate: Believers are empowered to say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper" Hebrews 13:6. Furthermore, the unity of the church is expressed through the command that believers should all speak the same thing 1 Corinthians 1:10.
  • Human Accountability in Speech: G3004 highlights the responsibility accompanying human words, whether for good or ill. Individuals are held accountable for what they "say," as seen in admonitions against false claims or divisive speech. For instance, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar" 1 John 2:4, and "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" 1 Corinthians 12:3. This emphasizes the ethical and spiritual implications of verbalizing belief or truth.
  • Prophetic Declaration and Fulfillment: The word frequently introduces or refers to prophetic utterances, underscoring God's foreknowledge and the unfolding of His plan. Prophets "say" what God has revealed, and subsequent events are recognized as fulfilling what was "said." Jude, for example, recalls Enoch "prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints" Jude 1:14, and Paul references Moses and the prophets, "saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come" Acts 26:22. This demonstrates G3004's role in conveying the continuity of divine revelation across generations.
  • Discerning Truth and Falsehood: G3004 is used to articulate both truth and deception, compelling believers to discern the source and nature of what is being "said." False teachers "say" things that lead astray, while true apostles "speak the truth in Christ" 1 Timothy 2:7. The Spirit "speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" 1 Timothy 4:1, contrasting with Paul's exhortation to "consider what I say" 2 Timothy 2:7. This dual usage underscores the critical need for believers to test all words against divine revelation.

Summary

The Greek verb G3004, légō, stands as a foundational term for understanding communication in the New Testament, extending far beyond a simple act of speaking. It primarily signifies the systematic and deliberate articulation of information, often reflecting a structured thought process or conscious intent. This verb is the chosen vehicle for introducing authoritative declarations, whether from God the Father establishing covenants, Jesus Christ delivering foundational teachings and revealing His divine nature, or the Holy Spirit communicating with the church. Its prominence in scripture, appearing over a thousand times, underscores its critical role in conveying divine truth and command.

Beyond its function in divine revelation, G3004 intricately weaves through human interaction, capturing the full spectrum of dialogue, from earnest inquiry to outright opposition. It introduces the questions of disciples, the debates among adversaries, and the reasoned opinions of individuals, highlighting the cognitive and intentional aspects of verbal expression. Furthermore, G3004 frequently serves to quote or reference scripture, imbuing the ancient texts with a present, living voice that continues to speak God's will and promises to His people.

The theological weight of légō is profound, touching on themes of human accountability for speech, the unfolding of prophetic truth, and the vital need for spiritual discernment. It is the verb by which both truth and falsehood are expressed, compelling believers to carefully evaluate what is "said" in light of God's word. In this way, G3004 not only conveys the content of communication but also reveals its character, impact, and ultimate source, whether divine or human.

In essence, G3004 is indispensable for grasping the dynamic interplay between divine utterance and human reception, between revealed truth and its articulation, and between internal thought and external expression. It is a verb that defines the very architecture of biblical communication, marking moments of profound theological significance and practical instruction for Christian life and faith.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1,373 occurrences, inflected in 49 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it. These are this word’s own inflections, not words built from it — for those, see Related Words.

  • λέγει
  • λέγω
  • λέγων·
  • λέγοντες·
  • ἔλεγον
  • ἔλεγεν
  • λέγουσιν
  • λέγειν
  • λέγεις
  • λέγουσα·
  • λέγετε
  • λέγοντος·

Related Words

Related

Words formed from this one

1 entry in Strong’s name this word as its origin. These are its derivatives — a different relationship from the inflected forms above, which are this same word bent by grammar.

G3056 λόγος something said (including the thought)

Also mentioned in the study

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2980 λαλέω a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb G2036 ἔπω to speak or say (by word or writing) G2784 κηρύσσω to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) G2046 ἐρέω to utter, i.e. speak or say G3049 λογίζομαι to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) G3051 λόγιον an utterance (of God)

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 1244 verses across 25 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (269 verses); never once in the other 2.

269
Matthew
187
Mark
218
Luke
234
John
103
Acts
33
Romans
21
1 Corinthians
10
2 Corinthians
9
Galatians
6
Ephesians
2
Philippians
2
Colossians
2
1 Thessalonians
2
2 Thessalonians
4
1 Timothy
2
2 Timothy
1
Titus
2
Philemon
32
Hebrews
7
James
1
2 Peter
4
1 John
2
2 John
2
Jude
89
Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.