The Greek verb laleo means to speak, talk, or say — often emphasizing the act of speaking itself rather than its content (contrasting with lego, G3004, which emphasizes the content of speech). Laleo is used for ordinary conversation, the voice of God, prophetic utterance, and speaking in tongues.
Laleo is one of the most frequently used verbs in the New Testament. Its pervasive use reflects the centrality of speech and communication in biblical theology. God speaks (laleo), and creation comes into existence; God speaks through the prophets; Jesus speaks with authority that astonishes the crowds; the Holy Spirit speaks through believers. The contrast with silence is significant — in Revelation, heaven falls silent for half an hour (8:1), making the subsequent sounds more powerful. Paul's instructions about speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14) use laleo extensively, emphasizing that all Spirit-inspired speech must be orderly and intelligible to build up the body of Christ.