συνομιλέω

I talk with

Definition

The verb συνομιλέω means to talk with, converse with, or hold a conversation together. It carries the sense of engaging in mutual discourse, often implying a close or intimate exchange of words. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 10:27, it describes Peter conversing with Cornelius and his household, indicating a direct, personal dialogue. The prefix 'σύν' (with) emphasizes the communal, interactive nature of the speaking, distinguishing it from a monologue or one-sided address.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 10:27, where Peter 'talked with' (συνομιλῶν) Cornelius. The context is the pivotal moment when Peter, a Jewish apostle, enters the house of a Gentile centurion. The usage highlights a significant, cross-cultural conversation that leads to the Holy Spirit falling upon Gentiles, marking a major expansion of the early church. The word underscores the personal and relational interaction that facilitated this theological breakthrough.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (G4862), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb ὁμιλέω (G3656), meaning 'to be in company with, associate with, or converse.' ὁμιλέω itself comes from ὅμιλος (a crowd, assembly). Thus, συνομιλέω literally means 'to speak together with,' emphasizing companionship and mutual exchange in communication. It is a compound verb that intensifies the social and interactive aspect of conversation.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of the groundbreaking dialogue in Acts 10 between Peter and Cornelius. This conversation, divinely orchestrated through visions, breaks down Jewish-Gentile barriers and demonstrates God's inclusion of all peoples in the gospel. Understanding συνομιλέω enriches the reading of this passage by highlighting that God's revelation often comes through personal, cross-cultural conversation and relationship, foundational to the church's universal mission.

In the Greco-Roman world, conversation (ὁμιλία) was a valued social art, often associated with philosophical discourse and community building. For a Jew like Peter to 'talk with' a Gentile like Cornelius involved crossing significant religious and cultural boundaries, as strict Jews avoided close association with Gentiles to maintain ritual purity (Acts 10:28). The use of συνομιλέω here signals a deliberate, counter-cultural act of engagement that challenged existing social norms and expanded the community of faith.

λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — a more general term for 'to speak' or 'say,' without the inherent emphasis on mutual exchange. διαλέγομαι (dialegomai, G1256) — means 'to discuss, argue, or reason with,' often in a teaching or disputational context. ὁμιλέω (homileō, G3656) — the root verb, meaning 'to associate with or converse,' but lacking the intensive 'together' prefix (σύν).

Word Details

Scripture References