Lexical Summary eklaleó: To speak out, to declare, to divulge Original Word: ἐκλαλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tell. From ek and laleo; to divulge -- tell. see GREEK ek see GREEK laleo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and laleó Definition to speak out, divulge NASB Translation tell (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1583: ἐκλαλέωἐκλαλέω, ἐκλάλω: 1 aorist infinitive ἐκλαλῆσαι; to speak out, divulge: τίνι, followed by ὅτι, Acts 23:22. (Judith 11:9; Demosthenes, Philo, Dio Cassius, others.) Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceStrong’s Greek 1583 appears once in the New Testament at Acts 23:22. The Roman commander “dismissed the young man and ordered him, ‘Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.’” The verb conveys the act of withholding information—an intentional restraint of speech for a righteous or prudent purpose. Historical Setting The single occurrence sits in the drama surrounding Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem. More than forty Jewish zealots bound themselves under oath to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–14). Paul’s nephew learned of the plot and reported it to the Roman tribune. The commander’s directive not to “speak out” safeguarded the young man and ensured that the tribune could neutralize the conspiracy. Rome’s legal protection of Paul, a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25–29), would ultimately deliver him to testify in Caesarea, Rome, and before Caesar, fulfilling the Lord’s words, “Take courage, for as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Theology of Restrained Speech 1. Stewardship of Information Scripture celebrates both proclamation and discretion. While the gospel is to be heralded openly (Matthew 28:19–20), certain information requires wise stewardship (Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 25:9). In Acts 23:22 the tribune’s command models prudent concealment to protect life and advance God’s purposes. 2. Protection of the Righteous Concealing a matter for righteous ends aligns with numerous biblical precedents: Rahab hiding the spies (Joshua 2:4), Jonathan withholding Saul’s murderous intent from David (1 Samuel 19:2), and Obadiah safeguarding prophets from Jezebel (1 Kings 18:13). Each episode preserves God’s servants and furthers His redemptive plan. 3. Timing of Revelation Jesus frequently restrained disclosure until the appropriate moment (Matthew 16:20; Mark 1:44). The Father’s counsels unfold according to His timetable (John 16:12; Revelation 10:4). Acts 23:22 echoes this principle: silence now, proclamation later. Ethics of Confidentiality • Personal Safety: Discretion can save life and limb (Proverbs 13:3). Ministry Significance Pastoral counseling, missionary endeavors in hostile regions, and church leadership discussions often require confidentiality. Like Lysias, leaders weigh when silence serves the gospel. At the same time, silence must never shield sin (Matthew 18:15–17). The principle underlying Strong’s 1583 calls believers to guard speech in service of truth, justice, and love. Christ as the Model Jesus is “faithful and true” (Revelation 19:11). He revealed the Father (John 17:6) yet withheld certain matters until His disciples could bear them (John 16:12). His discernment guides believers who must decide when to speak and when to remain silent. Practical Application • Pray for discernment before sharing sensitive information. Conclusion The single occurrence of Strong’s Greek 1583 crystallizes a key biblical motif: righteous discretion. Acts 23:22 demonstrates how God weaves even whispered counsel into His sovereign plan, directing events so that His servants may bear witness “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Wise silence, governed by love and truth, remains an indispensable ministry virtue. Forms and Transliterations έκλαβε εκλάβοι εκλαβών εκλαλησαι εκλαλήσαι ἐκλαλῆσαι eklalesai eklalêsai eklalēsai eklalē̂saiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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