### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **polylogía**, represented by `{{G4180}}`, means **much speaking**, derived from a compound of words for "many" and "word." As a term for loquacity or prolixity, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, highlighting a very specific teaching moment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G4180}}` occurs in a direct instruction on prayer. In [[Matthew 6:7]], believers are cautioned against praying as the "heathen do," who **think** they will be heard for their **much speaking**. The term is used negatively to describe a quantitative and ultimately ineffective approach to prayer, which relies on the volume of words rather than sincere communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Matthew 6:7]] clarify the meaning of `{{G4180}}`:
* `{{G945}}` **battologéō** (use vain repetitions): Defined as to prate tediously, this word is used in parallel with `{{G4180}}` to describe the *type* of much speaking being condemned—not just long, but repetitive and meaningless [[Matthew 6:7]].
* `{{G1482}}` **ethnikós** (heathen): This term identifies the people whose prayer style should not be imitated. It refers to a Gentile or a national group outside the covenant community [[Matthew 6:7]].
* `{{G1380}}` **dokéō** (to think; to seem): This word reveals the flawed reasoning behind the practice. The heathen **think** their many words are effective, pointing to a belief based on appearance or supposition rather than truth [[Matthew 6:7]].
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray): This sets the scene for the discussion. `{{G4180}}` is a specific critique of a *way* to pray, contrasting it with the proper manner of prayer, which ought to be constant and sincere [[Luke 18:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4180}}` is concentrated in its sole appearance, offering a pointed critique of improper worship.
* **Heart over Volume:** The primary lesson is that God is not influenced by the quantity of words. The condemnation of "much speaking" is linked to the false belief that one can earn a hearing through verbal effort, a practice that is rebuked.
* **A Warning Against Paganism:** By associating **much speaking** with the heathen, the text draws a sharp distinction between true worship and pagan rituals, which often involved incantations or lengthy, repetitive formulas.
* **The Nature of Prayer:** The concept stands in contrast to the model of prayer that immediately follows [[Matthew 6:9]]. It defines what prayer is *not*—a performance-based activity—to better illuminate what it *is*: a relationship of sincere communion with a Father who knows what is needed.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4180}}` is a highly specific term whose single biblical use carries significant weight. It functions as a clear prohibition against a formulaic, verbose, and performance-oriented approach to prayer. Through its usage in [[Matthew 6:7]], it establishes that the value of prayer is not found in "much speaking" but in the sincere, faith-filled address to God.
TRV