διαλαλέω (dialaleō)
dialaleō
to discuss
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dialaleō describes a process of talking with someone or discussing matters in detail. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of Luke, suggesting a specific narrative focus on interpersonal communication rather than public proclamation.
In Luke 6:11, the religious leaders consult one another privately about Jesus, using this word to depict their hushed deliberations. Conversely, Luke 1:65 uses it in the passive voice to describe how news of John the Baptist’s birth spread through the region, with people talking over the events among themselves.
Etymologically, the term combines dia ("through") and laleo ("to speak"), implying speech that passes from person to person or flows between individuals. This distinguishes it from simple declaration; it captures the dynamic of conversation, whether in private strategy or public rumor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word διαλαλέω (dialaleō) captures the quiet hum of human conversation. It is not a shout from a pulpit, but the murmur of people sharing news or weighing options with one another. In Luke 1:65, it describes how the story of John the Baptist’s birth spread through Judea, carried by neighbors talking in their hills and homes. This shows that faith often grows in the ordinary spaces of daily life, where stories are passed from friend to friend.
Yet this same word appears in Luke 6:11, where religious leaders whisper among themselves about how to harm Jesus. Here, conversation becomes a tool for secrecy and malice. The difference lies not in the words spoken, but in the hearts behind them. When we talk with others, we have a choice: to build up community with truth or to plot against it.
For your life, this means every conversation matters. Whether you are sharing good news about God’s work or discussing difficult choices, your words carry weight. Let your talks be marked by honesty and love, reflecting the light of Christ in the everyday moments where people gather and speak.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were discussing1×
- were being talked about1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διελάλουν1×
- διελαλεῖτο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:65
Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
This verse shows the word used positively as news of John’s birth spreads through personal conversation among neighbors.
-
Luke 6:11
But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus.
Here the word reveals how private discussions can turn into plots of hostility when hearts are filled with rage.