Lexical Summary dialogismos: Reasoning, thought, argument, debate, doubt Original Word: διαλογισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance imagination, reasoning. From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate -- dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought. see GREEK dialogizomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1261 dialogismós (from 1260 /dialogízomai, "back-and-forth reasoning") – reasoning that is self-based and therefore confused – especially as it contributes to reinforcing others in discussion to remain in their initial prejudice. See 1260 (dialogizomai). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dialogizomai Definition a reasoning NASB Translation argument (1), disputing (1), dissension (1), doubts (1), motives (1), opinions (1), reasonings (2), speculations (1), thoughts (3), what...were thinking (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1261: διαλογισμόςδιαλογισμός, διαλογισμοῦ, ὁ (διαλογίζομαι), the Sept. for מַחֲשָׁבָה and Chaldean רַעְיון, in Greek writings from Plato down, the thinking of a man deliberating with himself; hence, 1. a thought, inward reasoning: Luke 2:35; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Luke 9:46; Romans 14:1 (yet some bring this under 2); the reasoning of those who think themselves to be wise, Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 3:20; an opinion: κριταί διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν, judges with evil thoughts, i. e. who follow perverse opinions, reprehensible principles, James 2:4 (cf. Winers Grammar, 187 (176)); purpose, design: Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21. 2. a deliberating, questioning, about what is true: Luke 24:38; when in reference to what ought to be done, hesitation, doubting: χωρίς γογγυσμῶν καί διαλογισμῶν, Philippians 2:14 (`γογγυσμῶν is the moral, διαλογισμῶν the intellectual rebellion against God' Lightfoot); χωρίς ὀργῆς καί διαλογισμοῦ, 1 Timothy 2:8; (in the last two passages others still advocate the rendering disputing; yet cf. Meyer on Philippians the passage cited). Strong’s Greek 1261 (dialogismos) encompasses the inner process of reasoning, reflection, or deliberation, whether honest inquiry or self-justifying disputation. In the New Testament it most often exposes the hidden courtroom of the heart where thoughts rise, contend, and pronounce judgment (Romans 2:15). The term may appear neutrally (pondering, Luke 2:35) but is usually shaded negatively—doubting, arguing, or scheming against God’s will (Matthew 15:19). Old Testament Roots and Septuagint Echoes Though dialogismos itself is rare in the Septuagint, its cognate verb dialogizomai regularly renders Hebrew words for internal calculation (ḥāšǎb) and murmuring rebellion (lēḡînâ). This backdrop links the word with Israel’s wilderness “grumbling” and the prophets’ critique of corrupt counsel (Isaiah 55:7). The New Testament writers therefore inherit a conceptual field in which reasoning may honor God or, when infected by unbelief, foment disobedience. Occurrences in the Gospels: Revealing Hearts 1. Diagnostic exposure 2. Ethical instruction 3. Prophetic sword Pauline and Catholic Epistles: Reforming the Mind 1. Darkened reasoning 2. Community harmony 3. Impartial mercy 4. Worship posture Theological Significance Dialogismos exposes the moral quality of thought before God. Scripture ties it to four core doctrines: • Anthropology: The heart is the control center where reasoning and desire are inseparable (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:19). Historical Interpretation Early church fathers applied these texts pastorally. Chrysostom urged believers to “sweep unseemly reasonings from the soul as one cleanses leaven from dough,” while Augustine contrasted curiositas (vain speculation) with humble faith seeking understanding. Monastic traditions developed practices of “nepsis” (watchfulness) to guard thoughts. Implications for Congregational Life 1. Teaching ministries must couple doctrinal clarity with formation of godly reasoning, equipping believers to discern truth from plausible error (Ephesians 4:14). Pastoral Counsel and Spiritual Discipline • Self-examination: Psalm 139:23-24 invites the Spirit to search dialogismos, exposing hidden motives. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1261 spotlights the battlefield of the mind. Across its fourteen New Testament uses, dialogismos is a mirror held to the inner life—sometimes reflecting faith’s struggle, often uncovering prideful dispute. The gospel answers not by suppressing thought but by redeeming it, bringing every reasoning captive to obey Christ, so that individual hearts and corporate bodies may display the wisdom that is “first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:19 N-NMPGRK: καρδίας ἐξέρχονται διαλογισμοὶ πονηροί φόνοι NAS: evil thoughts, murders, KJV: evil thoughts, murders, INT: heart come forth thoughts evil murders Mark 7:21 N-NMP Luke 2:35 N-NMP Luke 5:22 N-AMP Luke 6:8 N-AMP Luke 9:46 N-NMS Luke 9:47 N-AMS Luke 24:38 N-NMP Romans 1:21 N-DMP Romans 14:1 N-GMP 1 Corinthians 3:20 N-AMP Philippians 2:14 N-GMP 1 Timothy 2:8 N-GMP James 2:4 N-GMP Strong's Greek 1261 |
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