ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA GRIEGA
Legō (G3004) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
λέγω (légō) is a core Greek verb meaning to say, speak, declare, tell, or mean — emphasizing the meaningful content of what is uttered.
Significado de la palabra
λέγω (légō) is one of the most frequent verbs in the Greek New Testament. At its root it conveys the idea of laying forth or relating something in words, with an emphasis on the substance and meaning of what is communicated rather than on the act of utterance itself. The lexicon entry notes its sense as to say, speak, affirm, or declare.
Beyond simple speaking, λέγω extends to mean to call, name, or designate something (as in Mark 10:18), and even to mean or signify in a given context. It can be used absolutely, with direct quotations introduced by ὅτι, with accusative-and-infinitive constructions, with a dative of person, and with various prepositions such as πρός, μετά, or περί.
The verb also covers unspoken communication such as thought or reasoning (λέγειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ), the speech of writing (2 Corinthians 8:8; Philippians 4:11), and the reported speech of Scripture itself, as in λέγει ἡ γραφή. Its wide semantic range makes it the default word for structured or considered discourse.
Uso en las Escrituras
In the Gospels λέγω frequently introduces direct speech. Matthew 1:20 uses λέγων to frame the angel's message to Joseph, and Matthew 1:22 uses λέγοντος to introduce a prophetic quotation being fulfilled. Such participial uses ('saying') are a standard way the evangelists attach spoken content to narrative. Matthew 2:13, 2:19, and 3:1 all show this same pattern of a heavenly messenger or preacher speaking.
Matthew 1:12 illustrates a related use, λεγόμενος ('who is called'), showing that λέγω functions not only for saying but for naming or designating a person. Across its roughly 1,950 total occurrences, λέγω carries the weight of virtually every sustained statement in the New Testament, whether by Jesus, prophets, Scripture itself, or ordinary speakers.
La palabra en detalle
- G3004 λέγω focuses on the meaningful content of speech rather than the mere act of utterance. In context it covers saying, declaring, calling/naming, and meaning. It serves as the standard verb for structured discourse and for introducing quotations, including the voice of Scripture itself (λέγει ἡ γραφή).
Versículos de ejemplo
- Matthew 1:12 Here λεγόμενος ('who is called') shows λέγω naming a person rather than reporting speech.
- Matthew 1:20 The participle λέγων introduces the angel's direct words to Joseph, a typical pattern for λέγω in narrative.
- Matthew 1:22 λέγοντος frames a prophetic saying being fulfilled, using λέγω to cite Scripture.
- Matthew 3:1 λέγων introduces John the Baptist's preaching, again as the standard verb for spoken proclamation.
Preguntas frecuentes
What does λέγω literally mean?
It means to lay forth or relate in words, emphasizing what is said and its meaning rather than the physical act of speaking.
How is λέγω different from other Greek verbs for speaking?
λέγω highlights the meaningful content of discourse and is used for sustained, structured speech. Other verbs focus more on the utterance itself, while λέγω stresses what is meant and how it corresponds to thought.
Does λέγω ever mean 'to mean' or 'to call'?
Yes. λέγω can signify or mean something in a given context, and it is also used to call or name a person.