from πρός and λαλέω; to talk to, i.e. converse with:--speak to (with).
Transliteration:proslaléō
Pronunciation:pros-lal-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσλαλέω (proslaléō, `{{G4354}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros, `{{G4314}}`), meaning "to, toward, with," and the verb λαλέω (laléō, `{{G2980}}`), meaning "to speak, to talk." This composition inherently defines its core meaning: "to speak to," "to talk with," or "to address." The prefix πρός adds a crucial directional nuance, indicating that the act of speaking is specifically directed *towards* a person or group, implying an intentional engagement or communication with a recipient. It is not merely speaking in general, but speaking *to* someone, often with a purpose such as exhortation, explanation, or identification. Its semantic range thus encompasses direct verbal interaction, where the speaker's words are aimed at a particular audience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσλαλέω occurs exclusively in the book of Acts, highlighting its specific utility in describing direct communication within the nascent Christian movement.
* **[[Acts 13:43]]**: "And when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God." Here, Paul and Barnabas directly address the departing crowd, engaging them with words of exhortation to persevere in faith. The act of προσλαλέω signifies a personal appeal and spiritual encouragement.
* **[[Acts 18:9]]**: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace." This instance describes a divine communication, where the Lord directly addresses Paul, providing comfort and instruction. It underscores the intimate and personal nature of God's revelation to His servants.
* **[[Acts 21:39]]**: "But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people." Paul requests permission from the Roman commander to address the agitated crowd. This is a formal request to engage in direct public discourse, demonstrating Paul's desire to communicate his identity and message.
* **[[Acts 22:2]]**: "And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith," This verse describes Paul's strategic choice to address the Jewish crowd in their native language, highlighting the directed nature of his speech and its effect on the audience. The emphasis is on the language used *to* them.
* **[[Acts 26:25]]**: "But Paul said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness." Paul directly addresses Governor Festus, refuting the charge of madness and asserting the rationality and truthfulness of his testimony. This is a direct, earnest declaration made *to* an authority figure.
Across these occurrences, προσλαλέω consistently describes an intentional, direct verbal communication, often with a persuasive, instructive, or declarative purpose, and always with a clearly defined recipient.
### Related Words & Concepts
προσλαλέω is closely related to, yet distinct from, several other Greek terms for speech and communication.
* **λαλέω (laléō, `{{G2980}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to speak" or "to talk" in a general sense, without necessarily specifying a direct recipient or purpose. προσλαλέω adds the directional emphasis of πρός, making the speech specifically "to" or "with" someone.
* **λέγω (legō, `{{G3004}}`)**: Generally means "to say," "to tell," often focusing on the content of the message or the act of uttering words. While λέγω can imply a recipient, προσλαλέω more strongly emphasizes the direct address.
* **διαλέγομαι (dialegomai, `{{G1256}}`)**: "To discuss," "to reason with," "to dispute." This term implies a more interactive, back-and-forth dialogue or debate, whereas προσλαλέω can be a more unilateral address, though it can certainly initiate a dialogue.
* **ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai, `{{G626}}`)**: "To make a defense," "to speak in defense." While Paul's use of προσλαλέω in [[Acts 26:25]] is part of his defense, ἀπολογέομαι focuses on the *purpose* of the speech (defense), while προσλαλέω describes the *act* of speaking directly to someone.
* **Concepts**: Direct address, exhortation, persuasion, divine communication, public discourse, testimony. The word underscores the active, intentional nature of verbal communication in the early church's mission.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of προσλαλέω in Acts carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Revelation and Guidance**: In [[Acts 18:9]], the Lord προσλαλέω to Paul. This highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His servants and in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. God does not merely exist; He communicates directly and personally with His people, offering guidance, reassurance, and instruction. This underscores the relational aspect of faith, where the Creator speaks to His creation.
2. **The Nature of Apostolic Ministry**: The apostles and early believers frequently προσλαλέω to various audiences (Jews, proselytes, crowds, authorities). This emphasizes that the spread of the Gospel was fundamentally an act of direct, verbal proclamation and persuasion. It was not merely a passive witness but an active, intentional engagement through spoken words. This underscores the necessity of clear, directed communication in evangelism, discipleship, and defense of the faith.
3. **Intentionality in Communication**: The word stresses the intentionality behind the speech. Whether it's Paul exhorting believers, requesting permission to speak, or defending himself, the act of προσλαλέω signifies a deliberate effort to communicate a specific message to a specific recipient. This reflects the divine intentionality in revealing truth and the human intentionality in proclaiming it.
4. **The Power of the Spoken Word**: In a culture heavily reliant on oral communication, the act of προσλαλέω was potent. It was through direct address that hearts were stirred, minds were changed, and the early church grew. The efficacy of the Holy Spirit often manifested through the direct, Spirit-empowered speech of believers.
### Summary
προσλαλέω (proslaléō, `{{G4354}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to speak to" or "to converse with," emphasizing the direct and intentional nature of verbal communication towards a specific recipient. Its occurrences exclusively in the book of Acts highlight its role in describing crucial interactions: God speaking to Paul, and apostles like Paul and Barnabas speaking to crowds, individuals, and authorities. This word underscores the personal, directed quality of divine revelation and the active, purposeful nature of apostolic preaching, exhortation, and defense of the faith. It signifies that the spread of the Gospel was not a passive phenomenon but an active, verbal engagement, where words were deliberately aimed at changing hearts and minds, thereby revealing the power and necessity of direct, intentional communication in God's redemptive plan.
TRV