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G3656 · Greek · New Testament
ὁμιλέω
Homileō
Verb
To Talk With; To Converse; To Associate With

Definition

To speak together or converse — used for the Emmaus disciples talking with the risen Jesus and for Paul's extended teaching conversations.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Greek homileō (from homou, together + hileō, to speak) means to converse or talk with someone — the word from which 'homily' derives. It appears in Luke 24:14-15, where the two Emmaus disciples were 'talking together (hōmiloun)' about the crucifixion and resurrection when Jesus himself joined them and 'went with them.' Acts 20:11 records Paul 'talking (homilēsas) until daylight' after the raising of Eutychus. Acts 24:26 notes that Felix 'sent for Paul and talked (hōmilei) with him' frequently.

The homileō of Luke 24:14-15 is one of the most theologically rich details of the resurrection narratives. Two disciples, walking and conversing about the devastating events in Jerusalem, are joined by the risen Jesus — whom they do not recognize. Their homileō (conversation) about Jesus leads to an encounter with Jesus. He draws out their grief, opens the Scriptures (Luke 24:27), and only at the breaking of bread are their eyes opened. The pattern: conversation about Christ → encounter with Christ → Scripture opened → recognition. Every Christian homily, at its best, recreates this Emmaus road: the word spoken leads to the Word recognized.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 24:14 They were talking (hōmiloun) with each other about everything that had happened.
Luke 24:15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.
Acts 20:11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking (homilēsas) until daylight, he left.
Acts 24:26 He was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked (hōmilei) with him.
Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

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