διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai)
dialogizomai
to discuss
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dialogizomai describes the internal process of reasoning or debating with oneself. It is not merely casual thought but involves weighing options, balancing accounts, or turning reasons over in the mind. In the Gospels, it frequently appears when characters are puzzled by Jesus’ actions or words, trying to make sense of what they see.
A striking example occurs in Mark 2:6-8, where the scribes sit in silence but engage in intense internal dialogue, questioning whether Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Jesus perceives this unspoken reasoning and addresses their thoughts directly. The word captures a moment of mental friction or calculation, often preceding a decision or a reaction.
Its root combines dia ("through") and logizomai ("to reckon"), suggesting a thorough examination of facts. Unlike simple belief or doubt, dialogizomai implies an active cognitive struggle to understand. Translators often render it as "questioned in their hearts" or "debated among themselves," highlighting the private nature of this mental activity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dialogizomai describes the quiet, internal debate we often have when faced with confusing situations. It is the mental weighing of options, where we try to make sense of events that do not immediately fit our expectations. In the Gospels, this term frequently appears when people struggle to understand Jesus’ actions or words, revealing a moment of hesitation before faith takes hold.
When you feel confused by circumstances, remember that your mind is actively seeking clarity. This internal process is not a failure of faith but a natural part of understanding God’s work in your life. Like the scribes who questioned Jesus’ authority or the disciples who worried about bread, we too can find ourselves reasoning through difficulties. The invitation is to bring these thoughts into the light, allowing Jesus to perceive and address our hidden questions with truth and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were reasoning4×
- reason you4×
- wondering1×
- were you discussing?1×
- were reasoning1×
- was pondering1×
- to reason1×
- reasoning1×
- he was reasoning1×
- are reasoning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διελογίζοντο5×
- διαλογίζεσθε4×
- διελογίζετο2×
- διελογίζεσθε;1×
- διαλογίζονται1×
- διαλογίζεσθαι1×
- διαλογιζόμενοι1×
- διαλογιζομένων1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 2:6
But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
This verse highlights the private nature of internal debate, showing how scribes weighed the implications of Jesus' authority without speaking aloud.
-
Luke 1:29
But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.
Mary's reaction demonstrates that even faithful individuals engage in careful consideration when encountering divine surprises.
-
Matthew 16:8
Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread?
Jesus directly addresses their internal reasoning, showing He understands the unspoken doubts that arise from material concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dialogizomai mean in the Bible?
How is dialogizomai different from simple doubt?
Why do people use this word in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.”
Matthew 16:8Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread?
Matthew 21:25The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say,…