Definition and Meaning:
The term "eloquent" refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively. In a biblical context, eloquence is often associated with the power of speech to convey God's truth, inspire faith, and lead others. It is a gift that can be used for both divine purposes and personal influence.

Biblical References and Examples:

1. Moses:
Despite being one of the most significant leaders in the Bible, Moses initially doubted his own eloquence. In Exodus 4:10 , Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant—for I am slow of speech and tongue." God reassured Moses that He would be with him and teach him what to say, highlighting that divine support can compensate for human limitations in eloquence.

2. Aaron:
God appointed Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman. In Exodus 4:14-16 , God said, "Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well... You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do." Aaron's role as a speaker underscores the importance of eloquence in leadership and communication of God's commands.

3. Paul:
The Apostle Paul, known for his profound theological insights and missionary work, acknowledged the limitations of human eloquence in conveying the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 , Paul states, "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God... My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power." Paul emphasizes that the power of the Gospel lies not in human eloquence but in the Spirit's work.

4. Apollos:
Apollos is described as an eloquent man in Acts 18:24 : "Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the Scriptures." Apollos' eloquence, combined with his knowledge of the Scriptures, made him an effective teacher and preacher, illustrating how eloquence can be a valuable tool in ministry when grounded in biblical truth.

5. Jesus Christ:
Jesus is the ultimate example of divine eloquence. His teachings, parables, and discourses captivated audiences and conveyed profound truths. In Luke 4:22 , it is recorded, "All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips." Jesus' eloquence was marked by authority, grace, and truth, setting a standard for all who seek to communicate God's message.

The Role of Eloquence in Ministry:
Eloquence in the Bible is often seen as a gift that can be used to edify the church, spread the Gospel, and glorify God. However, it is also clear that eloquence alone is insufficient without the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The effectiveness of eloquence in ministry is ultimately determined by its alignment with God's truth and its reliance on His power.

Warnings Against Misuse:
The Bible also warns against the misuse of eloquence for personal gain or deception. In Romans 16:18 , Paul cautions, "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." This serves as a reminder that eloquence should be used with integrity and humility, always pointing back to God rather than self.

Conclusion:
While eloquence is a valuable gift, its true worth is realized when it is used in service to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in biblical truth.1. (a.) Able to express strong emotions or forcible arguments in an impassioned, effective manner; as, an eloquent speaker or preacher.

2. (a.) Adapted to express strong emotion or to state facts arguments with fluency and power; as, an eloquent address or statement; an eloquent appeal to a jury.

ELOQUENT

el'-o-kwent:

"Moses said. I am not eloquent" ('ish debharim, "a man of words" (Exodus 4:10)); but Aaron could "speak well." In Isaiah 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American) bin, "intelligent," is rendered "skilful (enchanter)," the King James Version "eloquent (orator)." Apollos was "an eloquent man" (logios, "full of words" (Acts 18:24, the King James Version margin, "a learned man")).

3052. logios -- learned, eloquent
... learned, eloquent. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: logios Phonetic Spelling:
(log'-ee-os) Short Definition: eloquent Definition: eloquent, gifted ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3052.htm - 6k566. Imri -- perhaps "tall" or "eloquent," an Israelite name
... 565b, 566. Imri. 567 . perhaps "tall" or "eloquent," an Israelite name.
Transliteration: Imri Phonetic Spelling: (im-ree') Short Definition: Imri. ...
/hebrew/566.htm - 6k

1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 1), dealings (2), decree (2), deed (2), deeds (3), defect* (1), desires (1), dispute
(5), disputes (1), doings (1), duty (1), edict (1), eloquent* (1), event (3 ...
/hebrew/1697.htm - 8k

995. bin -- to discern
... attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel,.
A primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish ...
/hebrew/995.htm - 7k

376. ish -- man
... 1), each his man (1), each man (1), each man (37), each man's (3), each one (37),
each one by another (1), each person (1), each* (5), eloquent* (1), every (1 ...
/hebrew/376.htm - 7k

An Eloquent Catalogue
... AN ELOQUENT CATALOGUE. 'There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called
Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/an eloquent catalogue.htm

It is Permissible for a Preacher to Deliver to the People what Has ...
... Book IV. Chapter 29."It is Permissible for a Preacher to Deliver to the People
What Has Been Written by a More Eloquent Man Than Himself. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 29 it is permissible for.htm

"You have Assembled, My Pious and Eloquent Friends, to Hear Me...
... Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus. Chapter II. "You have assembled, my pious
and eloquent friends, to hear me? "You have assembled ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ii you have assembled.htm

Accordingly a Great Orator Has Truly Said that "An Eloquent Man ...
... Book 4 Chapter 27. Accordingly a great orator has truly said that "an eloquent
man must speak so? 27. Accordingly a great orator ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 27 accordingly a great.htm

The Proper Age and the Proper Means for Acquiring Rhetorical Skill ...
... For men of quick intellect and glowing temperament find it easier to become eloquent
by reading and listening to eloquent speakers than by following rules for ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 3 the proper age and.htm

Wisdom of More Importance than Eloquence to the Christian Teacher.
... But we must beware of the man who abounds in eloquent nonsense, and so much the
more if the hearer is pleased with what is not worth listening to, and thinks ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 5 wisdom of more importance.htm

And, Therefore, as Infants Cannot Learn to Speak Except by ...
... And, therefore, as infants cannot learn to speak except by learning words and phrases
from those who do speak, why should not men become eloquent without being ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 5 and therefore as.htm

But the Theories and Rules on this Subject to Which...
... For men of quick intellect and glowing temperament find it easier to become eloquent
by reading and listening to eloquent speakers than by following rules for ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 4 but the theories.htm

The Study of Words
... which in the opinion of all orators is the most difficult part of our work, for
M. Antonius says that he has seen many good speakers, but none eloquent. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the study of words.htm

Threefold Division of the Various Styles of Speech.
... And when he does this with elegance and propriety, he may justly be called eloquent,
even though he do not carry with him the assent of his hearer. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 17 threefold division of the.htm

Eloquent (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Able to express strong emotions or forcible arguments in an impassioned,
effective manner; as, an eloquent speaker or preacher. ...ELOQUENT. ...
/e/eloquent.htm - 8k

Orator (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A public speaker; one who delivers an oration; especially, one distinguished
for his skill and power as a public speaker; one who is eloquent. ...
/o/orator.htm - 9k

Apollos (11 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A Jew "born at Alexandria," a man well versed
in the Scriptures and eloquent (Acts 18:24; RV, "learned"). ...
/a/apollos.htm - 16k

Eloth (3 Occurrences)

/e/eloth.htm - 9k

Ortion
... or'-a-ter, o-ra'-shun: The word "orator" occurs twice: (1) As the King James Version
rendering of lachash; only Isaiah 3:3, "the eloquent orator," the King ...
/o/ortion.htm - 8k

Omar (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Eloquent, the son of Eliphaz, who was Esau's eldest
son (Genesis 36:11-15). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OMAR. ...
/o/omar.htm - 7k

Oh (164 Occurrences)
... Exodus 4:10 Moses said to Yahweh, "Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now,
nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of ...
/o/oh.htm - 34k

Finger (35 Occurrences)
... ger (Hebrew and Aramaic 'etsba`; daktulos): The fingers are to the Oriental essential
in conversation; their language is frequently very eloquent and expressive ...
/f/finger.htm - 22k

Thorough (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an
eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. (See NIV). ...
/t/thorough.htm - 9k

Recently (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 4:10 Moses said to Yahweh, "Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now,
nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of ...
/r/recently.htm - 9k

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