"talk, speech; in NT matter of discourse, Jn. 4:42; 8:43; language, dialect, Mt. 26:73*"
Definition and meaning
talk, speech; in NT matter of discourse, Jn. 4:42; 8:43; language, dialect, Mt. 26:73*
In the original Greek the word is written: λαλιά
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of lalia (G2981) across the King James Bible.
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
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Common questions
Strong's G2981 (lalia) is a Greek word that means: talk, speech; in NT matter of discourse, Jn. 4:42; 8:43; language, dialect, Mt. 26:73* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word lalia (G2981) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2981 is lalia, a Greek word defined as: talk, speech; in NT matter of discourse, Jn. 4:42; 8:43; language, dialect, Mt. 26:73*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
lalia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.