δημηγορ-έω G1215
to address a public assembly, deliver a formal speech; often with connotations of popular oratory
This verb describes formal public speaking, particularly to assemblies or crowds. In Acts 12:21, Herod Agrippa delivers an official address from his throne. Classical usage often implied populist rhetoric or crowd-pleasing speeches, though the New Testament instance is more neutral—simply formal public address. The Spanish 'arengaba' (was haranguing) and French 'haranguer' both suggest the rhetorical intensity often associated with this term.
Senses
1. sense 1 — To deliver a formal public oration or address to an assembly. Herod's speech in Acts 12:21 represents official royal oratory. Classical writers distinguished this from private conversation or informal speech, emphasizing its public, often political character. The translations consistently recognize the formal, rhetorical nature of this communication. 1×
AR["خَطَبَ"]·ben["ভাষণ-দিলেন"]·DE["ἐδημηγόρει"]·EN["was-addressing"]·FR["haranguer"]·heb["נָשָׂא-נְאוּם"]·HI["भाषण-कर-रहा-था"]·ID["berpidato"]·IT["arringare"]·jav["sesorah"]·KO["연설했다"]·RU["произносил-речь"]·ES["arengaba"]·SW["aliwahutubia"]·TR["konuşuyordu"]·urd["تقریر-کرتا-تھا"]
Related Senses
H0559 1. say, speak, tell (5297×)G3004 1. say, tell, speak (2226×)H1696 1. speak, say, tell (Piel) (1105×)H7121 1. call, summon, name (575×)H6680 1. command, order, charge (483×)H6030b 1. answer, respond, reply (289×)G2980 1. speak, talk (277×)H5046 1. Hifil: to tell, report (237×)G0611 1. answer or respond verbally (232×)H1288 1. Piel: bless, invoke blessing (227×)H7650 1. swear, take an oath (Niphal) (154×)H3789 1. Qal passive participle: written, recorded (112×)H1984b 1. praise, laud (Piel) (111×)H7592 1. ask, inquire, question (96×)H3034 1. give thanks, praise (Hifil) (94×)G1321 1. teach, instruct actively (92×)H3789 2. Qal active: write, compose (89×)G1125 1. to write, compose (a letter or document) (84×)H5046 2. Hifil: to declare, proclaim (79×)H7892a 1. song, musical composition (78×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
δημηγορ-έω, practise speaking in the assembly, Refs 5th c.BC+:—passive, τὰ δεδημηγορημένα public speeches, Refs __II especially make popular speeches, use clap-trap, ταῦτα δημηγορεῖς Refs 5th c.BC+; δ. πρὸς χάριν, πρὸς ἡδονήν, Refs 2nd c.AD+