4354. proslaleó

Lexical Summary

proslaleó: To speak to, to converse with, to address

Original Word: προσλαλέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: proslaleó
Pronunciation: pros-lal-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-lal-eh'-o)
KJV: speak to (with)
NASB: speak, speaking
Word Origin: [from G4314 (πρός - against) and G2980 (λαλέω - speak)]

1. to talk to, i.e. converse with

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

speak to

From pros and laleo; to talk to, i.e. Converse with -- speak to (with).

see GREEK pros

see GREEK laleo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pros and laleó
Definition
to speak to
NASB Translation
speak (1), speaking (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4354: προσλαλέω

προσλαλέω, προσλάλω; 1 aorist infinitive προσλαλῆσαι; with τίνι, to speak to: Acts 13:43; namely, ὑμῖν (some say μοι (see παρακαλέω, I.)), Acts 28:20. (Wis. 13:17; Theophrastus, Plutarch, Lucian).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 4354 describes the act of turning toward someone in order to speak with personal engagement. The term carries the flavor of direct, face-to-face conversation that invites response and deepens relationship. Though it appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, both occurrences sit at key missional moments in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, illustrating the indispensability of personal dialogue alongside public proclamation.

Nuances of Personal Address

The compound verb combines a directional prefix meaning “toward” with a common verb for speaking. The resulting nuance is more than mere verbalization; it emphasizes purposeful approach, attentive presence, and relational connection. Whereas κηρύσσω highlights heralding and δημόσιος speaking, 4354 underscores the conversational, follow-up element that often seals truth to the heart.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Acts 13:43 — After Paul’s synagogue message in Pisidian Antioch, “many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” The personal conversation turns a stirring sermon into an enduring commitment.
2. Acts 28:20 — Under house arrest in Rome, Paul explains to the Jewish leaders, “For this reason I have called you to see you and to speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” Even in confinement, the apostle seeks a direct, hope-centered exchange.

Historical Setting

First-century synagogue gatherings typically allowed visiting teachers to present a reading and homily, after which earnest hearers might linger for further discussion. Paul and Barnabas capitalize on this pattern in Acts 13. Likewise, Roman custom permitted a prisoner under house arrest to summon local leaders; Paul employs that right in Acts 28, assuring them that his chains do not negate Israel’s hope fulfilled in Messiah.

Theological Significance

• Continuity of Grace — In Acts 13, the personal appeal “to continue in the grace of God” links the one-time hearing of the gospel with the ongoing life of faith, highlighting perseverance as evidence of genuine conversion.
• Centrality of Messianic Hope — In Acts 28, personal speech centers on “the hope of Israel,” demonstrating that Christian proclamation is the consummation, not the cancellation, of Old Testament expectation.
• Incarnational Communication — The term embodies the principle that truth is most powerfully conveyed when messenger and hearer stand face-to-face, mirroring the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Ministry Applications

1. Follow-Up Discipleship — Preaching should be paired with intentional, interpersonal conversation that answers questions, applies doctrine, and urges continuance in grace.
2. Prison and Persecution Contexts — Even restricted circumstances provide opportunities for direct testimony; chains cannot silence conversational witness.
3. Evangelism Strategy — Large-group proclamation opens doors, but lasting fruit often springs from smaller, personal dialogues anchored in Scripture.

Related Greek Ideas

• λαλέω — generic “to speak”; lacks the directional element of intentional approach.
• παρακαλέω — “to exhort, comfort”; often accompanies 4354, as in Acts 13:43, where speaking and exhorting function together.
• προσέρχομαι — “to come toward”; supplies the physical movement that frequently precedes προσλαλέω’s verbal engagement.

Practical Takeaways for the Church

• Cultivate space after sermons for personal conversation.
• Train leaders to blend doctrinal clarity with relational warmth.
• View hospitality, visitation, and small groups as arenas for προσλαλέω ministry, where believers and seekers alike can encounter the gospel in dialogue.
• Remember that every believer, not just apostles, can employ personal speech to reinforce grace and hope.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s 4354 surfaces only twice in the New Testament text, it models a timeless ministry rhythm: proclaim publicly, then draw near and speak personally. By embracing this pattern, today’s church honors the biblical witness and echoes the relational heart of the gospel itself.

Forms and Transliterations

προσλαλησαι προσλαλήσαι προσλαλῆσαι προσλαλουντες προσλαλούντες προσλαλοῦντες proslalesai proslalêsai proslalēsai proslalē̂sai proslalountes proslaloûntes

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 13:43 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: Βαρνάβᾳ οἵτινες προσλαλοῦντες αὐτοῖς ἔπειθον
NAS: who, speaking to them, were urging
KJV: who, speaking to them,
INT: Barnabas who speaking to them persuaded

Acts 28:20 V-ANA
GRK: ἰδεῖν καὶ προσλαλῆσαι ἕνεκεν γὰρ
NAS: to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing
KJV: [you], and to speak with [you]: because that
INT: to see and to speak to [you] because of indeed

Strong's Greek 4354
2 Occurrences

προσλαλῆσαι — 1 Occ.
προσλαλοῦντες — 1 Occ.