διάλεκτος (G1258) — Greek Lexicon

διάλεκτος

diálektos

G1258 noun

SILEX Entry

Root διαλέγ- to converse, to speak, manner of speech

Definition

A distinctive form of spoken language; primarily refers to a particular language or spoken dialect characteristic of a specific group or region. In many contexts in the New Testament and contemporary literature, denotes a recognizable linguistic or regional speech variety, ranging from a general term for 'language' to the more specific sense of 'local dialect' or 'vernacular.' The term can be used broadly for any language as spoken, but often implies the variety recognized as characteristic of a people's identity or region.

Semantic Range

spoken language, dialect, vernacular, manner of speech, regional speech variety, native tongue

Root / Etymology

From the root διαλέγ- (dialog-) 'to converse, speak, discuss,' with the nominal ending -τος denoting a result or product. διάλεκτος originally signified 'the way of speaking' that is characteristic of a conversation or discourse; then by extension, the habitual manner of speech of a group, i.e., dialect or language. Cognate with the English 'dialect.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διάλεκτος was widely used for both 'language' and 'dialect,' though in later periods it increasingly described regional or ethnic varieties of Greek (e.g., Attic, Ionic, Doric dialects). In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, especially the New Testament and Acts, διάλεκτος refers either to the language of a particular ethno-linguistic group (e.g., Acts 1:19 'their own language') or to regional vernaculars (such as 'the Hebrew language' or 'the Aramaic dialect'). The term is not limited to Greek varieties but is also applied to non-Greek languages spoken in the Levant. Standard English translations often render διάλεκτος as 'language' or 'dialect,' but in contemporary Greek usage and in the Koine period, it could refer to either depending on context. Compared to γλῶσσα, which can mean 'language' in a broader or sometimes even metaphoric sense (as in 'tongue'), διάλεκτος more specifically points to spoken form as perceived by hearers, often with an emphasis on intelligibility or regional origin.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διαλέγομαι; a (mode of) discourse, i.e. "dialect":--language, tongue.

Root Family

διάλεκτος (dialektos) — spoken language, dialect, vernacular, manner of speech

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G1258-01`	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect	6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G1258-01`	Acts 1:19	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect
`G1258-01`	Acts 2:6	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect
`G1258-01`	Acts 2:8	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect
`G1258-01`	Acts 21:40	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect
`G1258-01`	Acts 22:2	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect
`G1258-01`	Acts 26:14	διαλέκτῳ	dialekto	`N DAT F SG`	language	in a dialect

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