Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia An orator, in biblical terms, refers to a person skilled in public speaking, often with the ability to persuade or move an audience through eloquence and rhetoric. The role of an orator is significant in both secular and religious contexts within the Bible, as effective communication was essential for leaders, prophets, and apostles to convey their messages.Biblical References: 1. Tertullus: One of the most direct references to an orator in the Bible is Tertullus, who is described as a skilled speaker. In Acts 24:1-2 , Tertullus is hired by the Jewish leaders to present their case against the Apostle Paul before the Roman governor Felix. The passage states, "Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul to the governor. When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: 'We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.'" 2. Moses: Although not explicitly called an orator, Moses is a central figure in the Bible who initially expressed concern about his speaking abilities. In Exodus 4:10 , Moses says 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." Despite his self-doubt, Moses became a powerful leader and communicator, delivering God's laws and guiding the Israelites. 3. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul, though not always considered a traditional orator, was a profound communicator of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 , Paul reflects on his approach to preaching: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power." Characteristics of a Biblical Orator: · Eloquence and Persuasion: A biblical orator is often characterized by their ability to speak persuasively and eloquently, as seen in the example of Tertullus. This skill is used to influence and sway audiences, whether in legal settings or public discourse. · Divine Empowerment: Many biblical figures who served as orators or communicators were empowered by God to deliver their messages. Despite personal limitations, such as Moses' self-professed lack of eloquence, God's empowerment enabled them to fulfill their roles effectively. · Focus on Truth: Unlike secular orators who may prioritize rhetoric over substance, biblical orators are often depicted as prioritizing the truth of God's message. Paul emphasizes this in his letters, focusing on the power of the Spirit rather than human wisdom. · Moral and Spiritual Authority: Biblical orators often speak with a sense of moral and spiritual authority, derived from their relationship with God. This authority lends weight to their words and commands respect from their audiences. In summary, the role of an orator in the Bible encompasses both the art of persuasive speech and the divine calling to communicate God's truth. Whether through formal rhetoric or simple proclamation, biblical orators are instrumental in advancing God's purposes and guiding His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Orator
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 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.2. (n.) In equity proceedings, one who prays for relief; a petitioner. 3. (n.) A plaintiff, or complainant, in a bill in chancery. 4. (n.) An officer who is the voice of the university upon all public occasions, who writes, reads, and records all letters of a public nature, presents, with an appropriate address, those persons on whom honorary degrees are to be conferred, and performs other like duties; -- called also public orator. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ORATOR; ORTIONor'-a-ter, o-ra'-shun: The word "orator" occurs twice: Greek 4489. rhetor -- a public speaker ... a public speaker. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: rhetor Phonetic Spelling: (hray'-tore) Short Definition: an orator Definition: an orator ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4489.htm - 6k 3052. logios -- learned, eloquent 1215. demegoreo -- to deliver a public address 2916. krithinos -- of barley Strong's Hebrew 3908. lachash -- a whispering, charming... prayer (1). charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer. From lachash; properly, a whisper, ie By implication, (in a good sense ... /hebrew/3908.htm - 6k Library Accordingly a Great Orator Has Truly Said that "An Eloquent Man ... And So Our Christian Orator, While He Says what is Just... The Aim of the Orator, According to Cicero, is to Teach, to ... Letter Lxx. To Magnus an Orator of Rome. In Every Style the Orator Should Aim at Perspicuity, Beauty, and ... The Christian Orator is Constantly Dealing with Great Matters. Eloquence of the Temperate Style, Also, Must, in the Case of the ... Passion and Persuasion Mr. Bernard Shaw Whether Theologians Should Take Note of the Circumstances of Human ... Thesaurus Orator (3 Occurrences)... presents, with an appropriate address, those persons on whom honorary degrees are to be conferred, and performs other like duties; -- called also public orator... /o/orator.htm - 9k Ortion Tertullus (2 Occurrences) Eloquent (4 Occurrences) Pulpit (1 Occurrence) Orchard (3 Occurrences) Oration (1 Occurrence) Live (3203 Occurrences) Informations (3 Occurrences) Informed (39 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about lawyers? | GotQuestions.orgWhy had the disciples in Ephesus not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)? | GotQuestions.org Who are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org Orator: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Orator (3 Occurrences)Acts 24:1 2 Corinthians 11:6 Isaiah 3:3 Subtopics Orator: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |