διαλέγω (dialegō)
dialegō
to dispute
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dialegomai describes a process of careful discussion or debate. It comes from roots meaning "through" and "speak," suggesting a conversation that moves back and forth between people. In the New Testament, it appears thirteen times, mostly in the Book of Acts, to describe how early Christians engaged with others about their faith.
This word is not used for casual chat or simple instruction. It implies a reasoned exchange where ideas are weighed against one another. For example, Paul is described as using this kind of dialogue in the synagogue at Thessalonica, reasoning from the Scriptures to explain Jesus (Acts 17:2). The sources note it can also mean to argue or dispute, as seen when Paul debated with philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:17) or when he discussed righteousness with King Felix (Acts 24:25).
A key feature of dialegomai is its focus on the content of the conversation. It often involves explaining or proving a point, sometimes even correcting misunderstandings. The term appears in Hebrews 12:5 to describe God’s discipline as a form of fatherly advice and correction. This highlights that the word carries weight; it is not merely talking, but engaging with substance and purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dialegomai describes a conversation that moves back and forth, where ideas are weighed carefully rather than shouted over one another. In Acts, we see Paul using this method in synagogues and markets, not to win arguments, but to explain the Scriptures with clarity and respect. This approach invites us to engage others with patience, listening as much as speaking, and seeking truth together instead of simply proving a point.
Even when the discussion turns to difficult topics like judgment or self-control, as Paul did before Felix, the goal remains faithful witness rather than personal victory. Hebrews reminds us that God Himself speaks to us in this way, offering correction and advice as a loving father would. When we feel disciplined or corrected, we can remember that this is not rejection, but a sign of belonging to His family.
This kind of dialogue requires humility and courage. It asks us to trust that truth does not need force to stand, but flourishes in honest exchange. Whether you are discussing faith with a friend or reflecting on God’s word alone, dialegomai encourages a spirit of thoughtful engagement. May your conversations reflect this same care for substance and respect for the other person.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reasoning3×
- he was reasoning2×
- he reasoned2×
- was talking1×
- they had been discussing1×
- as is talking1×
- addresses:1×
- When reasoning1×
- He was reasoning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διελέγετο4×
- διελέξατο2×
- διαλεγόμενος2×
- διαλεγομένου2×
- διελέχθησαν1×
- διαλέγεται·1×
- διαλεγόμενον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:2
Paul, as was his custom, went in to them; and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
This verse shows Paul’s custom of reasoning from Scripture, highlighting how dialegomai serves as a method for explaining faith through careful exposition rather than emotional appeal.
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Acts 24:25
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
Here the word describes Paul discussing righteousness and judgment with Felix, demonstrating that dialegomai can address serious moral truths even in hostile or indifferent settings.
-
Hebrews 12:5
You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him;
This unique usage applies dialegomai to God’s discipline, showing that divine correction is framed as reasoned advice given with parental care rather than harsh condemnation.