Strong's Lexicon chréstologia: Smooth talk, flattering speech Original Word: χρηστολογία Word Origin: From χρηστός (chrēstos, meaning "useful" or "kind") and λόγος (logos, meaning "word" or "speech") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "chrēstologia," the concept of deceitful or flattering speech can be related to Hebrew terms such as חָלָק (chalak, meaning "smooth" or "flattering") and לָשׁוֹן (lashon, meaning "tongue" or "speech"). Usage: The term "chrēstologia" refers to speech that is smooth, flattering, or persuasive, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate. It is used in the New Testament to describe language that is superficially appealing but lacks sincerity or truthfulness. This type of speech is typically employed to mislead or to gain favor through deceitful means. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and oratory were highly valued skills. Public speakers and philosophers often used persuasive language to sway audiences. However, this also led to the potential for manipulation through eloquent but insincere speech. The early Christian community, aware of these cultural practices, was cautioned against being swayed by such rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of truth and sincerity in communication. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chréstos and legó Definition smooth speech NASB Translation smooth (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5542: χρηστολογίαχρηστολογία, χρηστολογίας, ἡ (from χρηστολόγος, and this from χρηστός, which see, and λέγω; cf. Julius Capitolinus in the life of Pertinax c. 13 "Omnes, qui libere fabulas conferebant, male Pertinaci loquebantur, χρηστολογον eum appellantes, qui bene loqueretur et male faceret), fair speaking, the smooth and plausible address which simulates goodness": Romans 16:18. (Eustathius, p. 1437, 27 (on Iliad 23, 598); ecclesiastical writings.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance good words. From a compound of chrestos and lego; fair speech, i.e. Plausibility -- good words. see GREEK chrestos see GREEK lego Forms and Transliterations χρηστολογιας χρηστολογίας chrestologias chrestologías chrēstologias chrēstologíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |