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προσλαλέω

proslaléō

G4354 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To speak to, address, or engage in conversation with someone, especially in a direct or explicit manner. The verb emphasizes the intention to initiate or maintain communication with another, typically suggesting an interpersonal exchange, rather than simply producing speech in general. It may, in certain contexts, carry the nuance of speaking positively, approaching, or entering discourse with someone.

Semantic Range

to speak to, to address (someone), to converse with, to talk with, to enter into communication with, to approach with speech

Root / Etymology

Compound of πρός (toward, to, with) and λαλέω (to speak, to talk). The sense arises from 'speaking toward' or addressing someone specifically.

Historical & Contextual Notes

προσλαλέω is a rare verb in ancient Greek, found primarily in later and Koine sources, including New Testament and Septuagint texts. It most commonly occurs in narratives where one approaches and speaks to another in a distinct or direct way—such as in the Gospels (Luke 7:40; Acts 10:28) where it entails Jesus or an apostle addressing an individual or group. The compound emphasizes the direct, intentional act of addressing another, not merely talking in general. In the Septuagint, the verb is used similarly, often reflecting or translating Hebrew verbs like דִּבֶּר (to speak), with an added nuance of address or initiative. Standard English translations often render it as 'speak to,' 'address,' or 'talk with,' but these may underplay the interpersonal, sometimes formal or direct aspect present in Greek. The verb is distinct from other speech verbs (e.g., λαλέω, λέγω) by its emphasis on the directed nature of the address.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρός and λαλέω; to talk to, i.e. converse with:--speak to (with).

Root Family

λαλ- (eklaléō) — to speak, to talk

Root λαλ- to speak, to address, to talk
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1583 ἐκλαλέω to speak out openly
G215 ἀλάλητος to unspeakable ones
G216 ἄλαλος mute
G2635 καταλαλέω slanders
G2636 καταλαλία malicious slanders

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4354-01 προσλαλῆσαι proslalesai V AOR ACT INF to speak to address to speak to 1
G4354-02 προσλαλοῦντες proslalountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL speaking addressing addressing 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4354-02 Acts 13:43 προσλαλοῦντες proslalountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL speaking addressing addressing
G4354-01 Acts 28:20 προσλαλῆσαι proslalesai V AOR ACT INF to speak to address to speak to
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