Lexical Summary battalogeó: To babble, to speak vainly, to use empty repetitions Original Word: βατταλογέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance use vain repetitions. From Battos (a proverbial stammerer) and logos; to stutter, i.e. (by implication) to prate tediously -- use vain repetitions. see GREEK logos HELPS Word-studies 945 battologéō – properly, to blubber nonsensical repetitions; to chatter (be "long-winded"), using empty (vain) words (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom battos (stammerer) and logos Definition to stammer NASB Translation use meaningless repetition (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 945: βαττολογέωβαττολογέω (T WH βατταλογέω (with א B, see WH's Appendix, p. 152)), βαττολόγω: 1 aorist subjunctive βαττολογήσω; a. to stammer, and, since stammerers are accustomed to repeat the same sounds, b. to repeat the same things over and over, to use many and idle words, to babble, prate; so Matthew 6:7, where it is explained by ἐν τῇ πολυλογία, (Vulg.multumloqui; (A. V. to use vain repetitions)); cf. Tholuck at the passage Some suppose the word to be derived from Battus, a king of Cyrene, who is said to have stuttered (Herodotus 4, 155); others from Battus, an author of tedious and wordy poems; but comparing βατταρίζειν, which has the same meaning, and βάρβαρος (which see), it seems fax more probable that the word is onomatopoetic. (Simplicius, in Epictetus (ench. 30 at the end), p. 340, Schweigh edition.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the TermStrong’s Greek 945 appears only once in the New Testament and depicts speech that is empty, mechanical, or mindlessly repetitive. The single occurrence in Matthew 6:7 serves as a deliberate warning from Jesus regarding the way His followers are to approach God in prayer. Biblical Context: The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer Matthew 6:7–8 situates the word within Jesus’ broader teaching on authentic righteousness. Immediately before presenting the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus contrasts two opposing approaches: The warning against “babbling” underscores the relational nature of prayer; it is communion with a Father who already knows and cares, not a ritualistic technique to manipulate a reluctant deity. Contrast with Authentic Prayer 1. Substance over length: Jesus does not condemn lengthy prayers per se (Luke 6:12; Acts 1:14) but denounces verbosity devoid of heart engagement. Historical Insights: Pagan Prayer Practices in the First Century Greco-Roman religion commonly employed: Jewish contemporaries occasionally adopted similar habits, prompting rabbinic cautions against “vain repetitions” in the Amidah. Jesus’ admonition therefore addressed both Gentile and Jewish tendencies toward performance-oriented prayer. Development in Early Church Teaching Early Christian writers echoed the Lord’s injunction: The apostolic and patristic witness maintains the balance between structured prayers and Spirit-led spontaneity (Ephesians 6:18). Practical Ministry Implications 1. Corporate Worship: Liturgical elements gain value when congregants engage their hearts (Psalm 47:7). Homiletic and Discipleship Applications • Illustrate with 1 Kings 18:26-29 (prophets of Baal) versus Elijah’s simple petition (1 Kings 18:36-37). Related Biblical Themes and Passages • Sincerity in worship: Isaiah 29:13; John 4:23-24 Summary Strong’s Greek 945 serves as a singular yet powerful reminder that prayer is not a performance but a heartfelt conversation with the living God. In rejecting hollow repetition, Jesus directs His disciples toward reverent, thoughtful, and faith-filled communion that aligns with the character of the Father who already knows—and lovingly provides for—their needs. Forms and Transliterations βατταλογησητε βατταλογήσητε βαττολογήσητε βδέλλη battalogesete battalogēsēte battalogḗsete battalogḗsēteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |