ἐκλαλέω

Pronunciation Guide: ek-lal-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1583: ἐκλαλέω (eklaleo) refers to the act of divulging, declaring, or speaking out information that was previously private or restricted. It combines the intensity of “out from” (ἐκ) with the act of speaking (λαλέω), creating a powerful concept of deliberately revealing what was once concealed. The word carries connotations of official disclosure or authoritative declaration, especially in contexts involving sensitive information.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἐκ (ek, “out from, thoroughly”) + λαλέω (laleo, “to speak, talk”)
• Used primarily in narrative sections
• Appears in contexts of official or authoritative communication
• Root λαλέω is common in regular speech and conversation contexts
• Rare word in the New Testament (appears only once)

ἐκλαλέω Morphology:

• ἐκλαλέω (present active infinitive) – to divulge, to speak out
• ἐκλαλήσῃ (aorist subjunctive 3rd person singular) – he might divulge, he might speak out
• ἐκλαλῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have divulged, to have spoken out
• ἐκλαλήσας (aorist active participle nominative masculine singular) – having divulged, having spoken out

Origin & History

The compound verb ἐκλαλέω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature where it maintained the consistent meaning of “speaking out” or “divulging” information. Xenophon, in his “Hellenica” (3.2.14), uses the term to describe the disclosure of military intelligence. The prefix ἐκ- intensifies the base verb λαλέω, emphasizing the outward movement or thorough expression of speech.

In the Septuagint, while the specific form ἐκλαλέω is rare, related compounds with λαλέω appear frequently when describing divine revelation or prophetic utterance. The Jewish historian Josephus employs similar terminology in “Jewish Antiquities” (15.5.2) when referring to the disclosure of sensitive political information. This historical usage establishes a pattern of the word being connected to significant, sometimes confidential, communications that are deliberately made known.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To speak out or divulge something previously concealed
• To declare officially or authoritatively
• To reveal information that was meant to be kept private
• To thoroughly express or communicate something important

ἐκλαλέω Translation Options:

• “To divulge” – Captures the sense of revealing previously private information, most appropriate in contexts involving secrets or confidential matters
• “To speak out” – Emphasizes the public nature of the declaration, suitable when information moves from private to public sphere
• “To disclose fully” – Highlights the completeness of the revelation, appropriate when the prefix ἐκ- carries the sense of thoroughness
• “To declare openly” – Conveys both the verbal action and the public nature of the disclosure, fitting for official pronouncements

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐκλαλέω appears only once in Acts 23:22, where it describes the Roman commander’s instruction to a young man not to “tell anyone” about their private conversation regarding a plot against Paul. This singular usage highlights the word’s connection to sensitive information that has security implications. The context involves military authority, political intrigue, and the protection of confidential intelligence – all fitting the word’s inherent meaning of controlled disclosure.

Though rare in biblical Greek, the concept represented by ἐκλαλέω appears thematically throughout Scripture in passages where divine secrets are revealed, confidential information is disclosed, or witnesses are called to speak out. The prefix ἐκ- and root λαλέω both appear frequently in other compound words throughout the New Testament, particularly in contexts of proclamation and testimony.

• “So the commander let the young man depart, charging him, ‘Tell [ἐκλαλέω] no one that you have revealed these things to me.’” Acts 23:22

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of controlled disclosure was particularly significant in military and political contexts. The Roman military system, which forms the backdrop for the Acts 23:22 usage, maintained elaborate protocols for handling sensitive information. Military commanders like Claudius Lysias (the tribune in Acts 23) were trained to manage intelligence carefully, with severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure of strategic information.

Jewish culture similarly valued discretion in communication, particularly regarding matters of the Torah and mystical teachings. The rabbinical tradition maintained the concept of “sod” (secret or mystery) as one of the four levels of textual interpretation, with certain teachings reserved only for those spiritually mature enough to receive them. This cultural context illuminates why the specific instruction not to “ἐκλαλέω” would carry significant weight for both Jewish and Roman audiences in the narrative, representing not merely a casual request for silence but an official command with recognized authority.

Theological Significance

The concept embodied in ἐκλαλέω reflects the profound theological principle of divine revelation. Throughout Scripture, יהוה (Yahweh) is portrayed as a God who deliberately discloses His will and nature to humanity—speaking out what would otherwise remain hidden. From the creation narrative where God speaks the world into existence to the incarnation where “the Word became flesh,” divine disclosure stands as a foundational aspect of יהוה’s character and His relationship with His people.

The single New Testament usage in Acts provides a fascinating counterpoint to this divine pattern: while God consistently reveals truth for salvation, human authorities sometimes require concealment for protection. In the narrative, the Roman commander’s instruction not to “ἐκλαλέω” serves to protect Paul, the very apostle commissioned to “ἐκλαλέω” the gospel throughout the Gentile world. This juxtaposition highlights the sovereignty of God, who works through both revelation and temporary concealment to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that divine wisdom sometimes involves strategic timing in disclosure.

Personal Application

The concept of ἐκλαλέω challenges us to consider our own speech and the power of disclosure in our spiritual lives. When we share our testimony, we are essentially practicing a form of “ἐκλαλέω”—speaking out the previously hidden work of God in our lives. Just as the young man in Acts needed discernment about when to speak and when to remain silent, we too must seek wisdom about how and when to share sacred truths.

In prayer and community, we might ask: What has God revealed to me that should be “spoken out” for others’ benefit? What spiritual insights should remain private for a season? The balance of testimony and discretion reflects spiritual maturity, as we learn to be faithful stewards of both the “mysteries of God” entrusted to us and the personal stories of transformation that can impact others when shared at the right time and in the right way.

Related Words

• λαλέω (laleo, lal-EH-oh) – The base verb meaning “to speak or talk,” often referring to ordinary conversation rather than formal oratory. While ἐκλαλέω emphasizes disclosure of previously private information, λαλέω simply denotes the act of verbal communication without this added dimension. See G2980
• καταλαλέω (katalaleo, kat-al-al-EH-oh) – Means “to speak against” or “to slander,” sharing the root λαλέω but with the prefix κατά (“down”) instead of ἐκ. While ἐκλαλέω is neutral or positive regarding disclosure, καταλαλέω carries negative connotations of harmful speech directed against others. See G2635
• ἀπολαλέω (apolaleo, ap-ol-al-EH-oh) – Though rare in biblical literature, means “to speak off” or “to finish speaking,” sharing the same root but with the prefix ἀπό (“from, away”). Unlike ἐκλαλέω which emphasizes the outward movement of previously concealed information, ἀπολαλέω focuses on concluding speech. See G553
• ἐκφέρω (ekphero, ek-FER-oh) – Means “to bring out” or “to carry forth,” sharing the same prefix ἐκ but with the verb φέρω (“to carry”) instead of λαλέω. Both words convey outward movement, but ἐκλαλέω specifically relates to verbal disclosure while ἐκφέρω refers to physical transportation. See G1627
• ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalupto, ap-ok-al-OOP-to) – Means “to unveil” or “to reveal,” expressing a similar concept of disclosure but through the metaphor of removing a covering rather than speaking out. This term is more commonly used for divine revelation, while ἐκλαλέω appears in more ordinary human contexts. See G601

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek military contexts, unauthorized “ἐκλαλέω” (disclosure of strategic information) could be punishable by death? The Roman commander’s stern warning in Acts 23:22 carried significant weight in a world where military intelligence was crucial to maintaining security and order. The young man receiving this instruction would have understood the gravity of the situation immediately, recognizing that lives—including Paul’s—depended on his discretion.
• Did you know that the concept behind ἐκλαλέω relates to modern legal terminology regarding “disclosure” in court proceedings? Just as ancient Greek distinguished between general speech (λαλέω) and the specific act of divulging previously private information (ἐκλαλέω), modern legal systems maintain careful protocols about what information must be “disclosed” to various parties during litigation. Both contexts recognize that the controlled revelation of information carries significant consequences.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, derivatives of ἐκλαλέω have evolved to describe various forms of expression and disclosure? The contemporary Greek word “εκλαλητικός” (eklalitikos) refers to someone who is expressive or demonstrative in communication. This linguistic development demonstrates how the ancient concept of “speaking out” continues to influence language about communication styles and information sharing in Greek culture today.

Remember This

ἐκλαλέω embodies the sacred tension between disclosure and discretion—reminding us that godly wisdom involves not only knowing what to speak out, but when to speak it and when to remain silent.