δημηγορέω (dēmēgoreō)
dēmēgoreō
to give a speech
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dēmēgoreō describes the act of addressing a public assembly or making a formal speech to a crowd. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Acts 12:21, where King Herod puts on royal robes and delivers an oration to the people of Tyre and Sidon. The term captures the specific action of speaking before a gathered multitude rather than engaging in private conversation.
Its meaning comes from its roots: dēmos (the people) and agoreuō (to speak in the assembly). This etymology highlights that the word is inherently public and political, referring to official discourse in a civic setting. While similar to general terms for speaking, it emphasizes the formal nature of addressing a group, as seen in Herod’s attempt to win favor through rhetoric.
Although the word itself does not carry inherent theological weight, its single occurrence illustrates the tension between human political performance and divine sovereignty. Herod’s speech is interrupted by an angel, showing that public acclaim is fleeting compared to God’s authority. The term serves as a reminder that while leaders may command attention through oratory, ultimate power rests elsewhere.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dēmēgoreō appears only once in the New Testament, describing King Herod putting on royal robes to deliver a formal address to the people of Tyre and Sidon (Acts 12:21). This rare term captures the specific act of speaking before a public assembly, highlighting the tension between human political performance and divine sovereignty. Herod’s attempt to win favor through rhetoric is abruptly interrupted by an angel, showing that public acclaim is fleeting compared to God’s authority.
For your faith, this word serves as a gentle reminder that while leaders may command attention through oratory, ultimate power rests elsewhere. It invites us to look beyond the surface of human praise and recognize that true security comes from trusting in God's enduring presence rather than the applause of crowds.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was making an address1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδημηγόρει1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:21
On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.
This occurrence matters because it illustrates the contrast between Herod's public performance and divine intervention, showing that human authority is subject to God's sovereignty.