προσλαλέω

I speak to

Definition

The verb προσλαλέω (proslaleō) means to speak to someone, to address, or to converse with. It implies a deliberate act of initiating or engaging in conversation, often with a sense of approach or turning toward the person being addressed. In its two New Testament occurrences, the word is used in the context of Paul addressing groups: in Acts 13:43, he speaks to a crowd of Gentiles after a synagogue service, urging them to continue in God's grace, and in Acts 28:20, he addresses the Jewish leaders in Rome to explain his situation. The prefix 'πρός' (toward) adds a nuance of directed, personal speech.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts, and both times describing the Apostle Paul initiating a significant conversation. In Acts 13:43, Paul and Barnabas προσλαλέω a group of devout converts after a synagogue service in Pisidian Antioch, marking a pivotal moment of outreach. In Acts 28:20, Paul uses the word to describe his reason for calling the local Jewish leaders in Rome to him—to speak to them and explain his imprisonment. The pattern shows its use for formal or purposeful address in missionary and apologetic contexts.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the preposition πρό (pros), meaning 'to, toward, or with reference to,' and the verb λαλέω (laleō), a common word meaning 'to speak, talk, or say.' The compound form emphasizes speech directed toward someone, hence 'to speak to' or 'address.' It is related to other λαλέω compounds but is relatively rare, highlighting specific instances of intentional verbal engagement.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, προσλαλέω is significant in the narrative of Acts as it marks key moments of gospel proclamation and explanation. In Acts 13:43, it signifies the direct address to Gentiles, underscoring the expansion of the gospel message. In Acts 28:20, it frames Paul's final recorded defense to the Jews in Rome, showing his ongoing commitment to testify first to his own people. Understanding this directed 'speaking to' enriches our view of Paul's intentional, relational approach in ministry and apologetics.

In the Greco-Roman world, formal address and rhetoric were highly valued. The use of προσλαλέω, with its prefix implying movement toward an audience, fits a context where a speaker, like Paul, would deliberately engage a group, often in a public or semi-public setting like a synagogue or a rented lodging. It conveys a respectful but purposeful initiation of dialogue, differing from casual chatter.

λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — a more general term for 'to speak' or 'talk,' without the specific directional nuance. λέγω (legō, G3004) — often means 'to say' or 'speak,' focusing on the content or statement rather than the act of addressing someone. ὁμιλέω (homileō, G3656) — means 'to converse with, talk with,' emphasizing mutual conversation rather than one-sided address.

Word Details

Scripture References