Lexical Summary dilogos: Double-tongued, deceitful Original Word: δίλογος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance double-tongued. From dis and logos; equivocal, i.e. Telling a different story -- double-tongued. see GREEK dis see GREEK logos HELPS Word-studies 1351 dílogos (an adjective, derived from 1364 /dís, "twice" and 3004 /légō, "to speak to a conclusion") – properly, "double-saying," i.e. deceitful by saying one thing but meaning another – literally, "two-sayings" ("double-tongued," used only in 1 Tim 3:8). 1351 /dílogos ("double-speaking") describes someone leaving a deliberate misimpression – acting like a spiritual "weathervane" by reversing their position (taking different sides of an issue whenever it is convenient or expedient). This person is unstable (vacillating), "speaking out of both sides of their mouth." [1351 /dílogos ("double-tongued") does "not occur in the LXX or in classical writers. It means saying one thing and meaning another, and making different representations to different people about the same thing" (WS, 1028).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dis and logos Definition given to repetition, double-tongued NASB Translation double-tongued (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1351: δίλογοςδίλογος, διλογον (δίς and λέγω); 1. saying the same thing twice, repeating: Pollux 2, 118, p. 212, Hemst. edition; whence διλόγειν and διλογία, Xenophon, de re equ. 8, 2. 2. double-tongued, double in speech, saying one thing with one person, another with another (with intent to deceive): 1 Timothy 3:8. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Context Strong’s Greek 1351 appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s list of qualifications for deacons: “Likewise, deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money” (1 Timothy 3:8). The term highlights a pattern of speech that is inconsistent or duplicitous—saying one thing to one person and another to someone else. In the context of church leadership, a single instance of such behavior could undermine trust, fracture fellowship, and tarnish the witness of the gospel. Theological Significance 1. Truth as a divine attribute. Scripture teaches that “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Because the character of God is perfectly truthful, His servants are called to reflect that same integrity. Historical Insights Early church writers consistently echoed Paul’s concern. The Didache exhorts believers to be “simple in speech” and Justin Martyr commends Christians who “say what they mean.” In a culture where client-patron relations often encouraged flattery and duplicity, the requirement that deacons be free of double speech set the church apart as a community of transparent relationships. Related Biblical Themes • Integrity in words: “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Applications for Ministry 1. Leadership credibility. Whether spoken from a pulpit or in private counsel, words must align with actions. Congregations quickly discern discrepancies. Practical Questions for Reflection • Do my private words match my public statements? Summary Strong’s Greek 1351 confronts the believer with the call to single-hearted speech that mirrors God’s own faithfulness. For deacons—and for every follower of Christ—renouncing double-tongued talk is not merely an ethical refinement; it is a gospel imperative that upholds the integrity of the church and magnifies the truth of the Lord we serve. Forms and Transliterations διλογους διλόγους dilogous dilógousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |