### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb homiléō (`{{G3656}}`) is derived from the noun homilos (ὅμιλος), which signifies "a throng, crowd, or assembly." This etymological root is crucial, as it immediately grounds the word's meaning in the context of being in company or association with others. Therefore, the primary meaning of homiléō is "to be in company with."
By natural implication, when individuals are in company, they engage in conversation. Thus, homiléō extends to mean "to converse, talk, or commune." The emphasis is not merely on the act of speaking (as with laleō or legō), but on the sustained, interactive exchange of words within a shared social setting. It implies a dialogue, a mutual sharing of thoughts and ideas, rather than a monologue or a simple utterance. The nuance of "communing" captures the depth and relational aspect inherent in the word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word homiléō (`{{G3656}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its specific nuance of communal discourse:
* **Luke 24:14:** "And they talked together of all these things which had happened." Here, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus are deeply engaged in conversation about the recent, traumatic events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. The use of homiléō highlights the earnest and sustained nature of their discussion, reflecting a profound sharing of their perplexity and sorrow.
* **Luke 24:15:** "And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them." This verse reiterates the previous one, emphasizing that it was precisely *during* their communal "communing" (homiléō) and "reasoning" (suzēteō - `{{G4802}}`) that the resurrected Christ joined them. This context underscores the spiritual significance of shared theological discourse as a setting for divine encounter and revelation.
* **Acts 20:11:** "When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed." In Troas, after raising Eutychus, Paul returns to the upper room. The phrase "talked a long while" (homiléō) describes an extended period of teaching, exhortation, and fellowship with the believers. This was a prolonged, intimate interaction, characteristic of Paul's deep pastoral engagement and commitment to the spiritual formation of the church. The duration, "till break of day," emphasizes the depth and importance of the discourse.
* **Acts 24:26:** "He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him." Governor Felix frequently summoned Paul and "communed" (homiléō) with him. This indicates a series of ongoing conversations, likely involving Paul sharing the gospel and Felix, despite his ulterior motives (hoping for a bribe), engaging in regular interaction. The word here denotes a consistent, interactive dialogue, even if the intentions of the participants differed.
Across these contexts, homiléō consistently describes a sustained, interactive form of communication, often occurring in significant spiritual or relational settings.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words relate to verbal communication, but homiléō (`{{G3656}}`) possesses a distinct nuance:
* **Laleō (`{{G2980}}`):** A general verb meaning "to speak" or "to talk," often focusing on the utterance of sounds or words. Unlike homiléō, it does not inherently imply interaction or shared discourse.
* **Legō (`{{G3004}}`):** Means "to say," "to speak," or "to tell." Like laleō, it is a broad term for verbal communication and does not carry the inherent sense of communal interaction found in homiléō.
* **Sullaleō (`{{G4816}}`):** Literally "to speak with" (from sun meaning "with" and laleō). This compound verb is very close in meaning to homiléō, emphasizing the act of talking *together* or conversing. While sullaleō focuses directly on the shared act of speaking, homiléō might imply a broader sense of being in company that leads to conversation.
* **Dialegomai (`{{G1256}}`):):** To converse, dispute, reason, or discuss. This word often implies a more structured or argumentative form of discourse, such as debating or reasoning, as frequently seen in Paul's ministry (e.g., in synagogues). While homiléō can include reasoning, its primary focus is on the general act of communal conversation and fellowship.
* **Homilia (`{{G3657}}`):** The noun form directly related to homiléō, meaning "a discourse," "conversation," or "company." It highlights the social aspect of the verbal exchange and can refer to the act of conversing or the company in which one converses.
The common thread is verbal communication, but homiléō uniquely emphasizes the social context and the sustained, interactive nature of the conversation, often implying a sense of fellowship and shared experience.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of homiléō (`{{G3656}}`) carry profound theological significance, particularly in their portrayal of Christian community, revelation, and ministry:
1. **Divine Presence in Communal Discourse:** The most striking theological implication comes from Luke 24, where Jesus joins the disciples *while* they are "communing" about the events of His death and resurrection. This suggests that earnest, shared theological reflection and discourse among believers can create an environment uniquely conducive to Christ's presence and the opening of spiritual understanding. It underscores the importance of communal engagement with God's word and works as a pathway to deeper revelation.
2. **The Essence of Christian Fellowship and Teaching:** Paul's prolonged "talking" in Acts 20 exemplifies the depth of Christian fellowship and the vital role of sustained teaching within the church. It is not merely a transfer of information but an interactive process of discipleship, mutual encouragement, and spiritual formation through shared life and ongoing dialogue. This highlights the relational and incarnational nature of Christian ministry.
3. **Opportunity for Gospel Witness:** Even in the challenging context of Felix "communing" with Paul (Acts 24), homiléō describes the consistent interaction that provided Paul with opportunities to bear witness to the gospel. This illustrates that verbal interaction, even with those of differing motives, is a fundamental means of evangelism and testimony, demonstrating the power of consistent proclamation.
4. **Relational Nature of Faith:** The core meaning of homiléō—being in company and conversing—speaks to the inherently relational nature of the Christian faith. It is not a solitary pursuit but is lived out in community, where mutual sharing, encouragement, and the exposition of truth are paramount. It implies active, engaged participation in the life of the body of Christ, fostering spiritual growth and unity.
Thus, homiléō points to the sacred space created through shared conversation, where Christ meets His people, where truth is imparted, and where the life of faith is nurtured and expressed.
### Summary
The Greek word homiléō (`{{G3656}}`) fundamentally means "to be in company with" and, by extension, "to converse" or "to commune." Derived from homilos (a crowd), it emphasizes sustained, interactive communication within a social context. Its New Testament appearances are highly illustrative: in Luke 24, it depicts the earnest discourse of disciples leading to Christ's revelation; in Acts 20, it portrays Paul's extended teaching and fellowship with believers; and in Acts 24, it denotes repeated interactions that serve as opportunities for gospel witness. Homiléō therefore underscores the profound theological significance of communal conversation as a divine context for spiritual understanding, a vital means of pastoral care and discipleship, and a vehicle for gospel proclamation, highlighting the deeply relational and interactive nature of Christian faith and community.
TRV