1351. dilogos

Lexicon

dilogos: Double-tongued, deceitful

Original Word: δίλογος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: dilogos
Pronunciation: dee'-lo-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (dil'-og-os)
Definition: Double-tongued, deceitful
Meaning: double-tongued, deceitful.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

double-tongued.

From dis and logos; equivocal, i.e. Telling a different story -- double-tongued.

see GREEK dis

see GREEK logos

HELPS Word-studies

1351 dílogos (an adjective, derived from 1364 /dís, "twice" and 3004 /légō, "to speak to a conclusion") – properly, "double-saying," i.e. deceitful by saying one thing but meaning another – literally, "two-sayings" ("double-tongued," used only in 1 Tim 3:8).

1351 /dílogos ("double-speaking") describes someone leaving a deliberate misimpression – acting like a spiritual "weathervane" by reversing their position (taking different sides of an issue whenever it is convenient or expedient). This person is unstable (vacillating), "speaking out of both sides of their mouth."

[1351 /dílogos ("double-tongued") does "not occur in the LXX or in classical writers. It means saying one thing and meaning another, and making different representations to different people about the same thing" (WS, 1028).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from dis and logos
Definition
given to repetition, double-tongued
NASB Translation
double-tongued (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1351: δίλογος

δίλογος, διλογον (δίς and λέγω);

1. saying the same thing twice, repeating: Pollux 2, 118, p. 212, Hemst. edition; whence διλόγειν and διλογία, Xenophon, de re equ. 8, 2.

2. double-tongued, double in speech, saying one thing with one person, another with another (with intent to deceive): 1 Timothy 3:8.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek prefix "δι-" (di-), meaning "two" or "double," and "λόγος" (logos), meaning "word" or "speech."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δίλογος, the concept of deceitful or double-tongued speech can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas, such as:

- H8267 שֶׁקֶר (sheqer): Meaning falsehood or deceit.
- H4820 מִרְמָה (mirmah): Meaning deceit or treachery.
- H2505 חָלַק (chalaq): Meaning to be smooth or slippery, often used metaphorically for deceitful speech.

These Hebrew terms reflect the broader biblical condemnation of deceit and the call for integrity in communication, aligning with the New Testament's use of δίλογος.

Usage: The word δίλογος is used in the New Testament to describe a person who is not straightforward in their speech, often implying deceit or hypocrisy. It is specifically mentioned in the context of qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty.

Context: The term δίλογος appears in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 3:8, where it is used to describe one of the qualifications for deacons: "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money." (BSB)

In this context, δίλογος is a critical characteristic to avoid for those serving in church leadership. The emphasis is on the need for leaders to be consistent and truthful in their communication, reflecting a life of integrity and transparency. The use of δίλογος highlights the potential harm that can come from leaders who speak with duplicity, as it can lead to mistrust and division within the community.

The concept of being double-tongued is not only about outright lying but also includes the idea of saying different things to different people to gain favor or manipulate situations. This behavior is contrary to the Christian call to honesty and sincerity, as seen in other scriptural exhortations to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to let one's "Yes" be "Yes," and "No," "No" (Matthew 5:37).

The avoidance of δίλογος is part of a broader biblical ethic that values truthfulness and integrity, reflecting the character of God, who is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). In the New Testament, believers are called to emulate this divine attribute, ensuring that their words and actions align with the truth of the Gospel.

Forms and Transliterations

διλογους διλόγους dilogous dilógous

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 3:8 Adj-AMP
GRK: σεμνούς μὴ διλόγους μὴ οἴνῳ
NAS: [must be] men of dignity, not double-tongued, or
KJV: not doubletongued, not
INT: dignified not double-tongued not to wine

Strong's Greek 1351
1 Occurrence

διλόγους — 1 Occ.