ὁμιλέω (homileō)
homileō
to talk
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb homileō describes the act of being in company with others and engaging in conversation. Derived from a root meaning a crowd or gathering, it implies more than just exchanging words; it suggests active association and fellowship. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily within the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
Its usage highlights personal interaction rather than formal preaching. For instance, in Luke 24:14-15, the disciples on the road to Emmaus are described as homileō with Jesus while He walks alongside them, indicating a shared journey and dialogue. Similarly, Acts 24:26 notes that Felix spoke with Paul frequently, emphasizing the conversational nature of their meetings rather than a single judicial hearing.
Translators typically render this term as "talk," "converse," or "associate." The emphasis remains on the relational aspect of communication. Whether describing casual companionship or serious discussion, the word captures the essence of human connection through shared speech and presence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word homileō reminds us that faith is lived out in conversation. It describes the natural act of talking together, sharing thoughts, and walking alongside one another. In Luke 24, Jesus joins two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are talking about their confusion and sorrow when He draws near. This shows that God often meets us in our everyday discussions, not just in formal settings.
Acts 20:11 adds another layer to this idea. Paul talks with believers late into the night, even after breaking bread. His presence is not distant or brief. It is long, patient, and deeply relational. These moments of shared speech build community and strengthen trust among friends in Christ.
You do not need special training to share your faith. Simply being present and talking honestly with others can be a powerful way to reflect Jesus’ love. Whether you are comforting a friend or sharing hope during hard times, your words matter. God uses these ordinary conversations to bring comfort and connection to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were talking1×
- talking1×
- he was talking1×
- having talked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὡμίλουν1×
- ὡμίλει1×
- ὁμιλήσας1×
- ὁμιλεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:15
While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.
This verse shows Jesus actively joining a conversation already in progress, demonstrating His interest in our daily struggles and questions.
-
Acts 20:11
When he had gone up, had broken bread and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, he departed.
Paul’s long talk with the believers illustrates how sustained companionship and speech strengthen the church community over time.
-
Acts 24:26
Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him.
Felix’s repeated talks with Paul highlight that conversation can happen even when motives are mixed, showing the word’s neutral focus on the act of speaking.