Understanding the Meaning of Demegoreo in Greek

δημηγορέω means “to give a speech.” It appears in the narrative of Herod’s public address in Acts 12:21, where the action is set in a formal royal setting.

Root and Related Words

δημηγορέω is connected with two Greek elements: dēmos (δῆμος), “people” (Strong’s G1218), and agora (ἀγορά), “marketplace” (Strong’s G58). These associations place the verb in the sphere of public life, where words are spoken before an audience and in a setting marked by communal attention.

Occurrences

“On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.” (Acts 12:21)

Here δημηγορέω describes a deliberate, staged act of speaking. The surrounding details define the moment as public and ceremonial: it happens “on an appointed day,” and Herod prepares by dressing “in royal clothing” and taking his seat “on the throne.” The verb therefore functions as the culminating action of a sequence—he arranges the setting, assumes the posture of rule, and then addresses those before him. The phrase “to them” underscores that the speech is directed outward to an audience rather than being private conversation, and it presents the speaking itself as an event within the scene, not merely incidental words. In this verse, the verb captures the formal discharge of speech from a ruler in session, with the throne and clothing framing the address as an exercise performed in front of others.

Sense and Usage

The single attested use shows how “to give a speech” operates as a narrative verb for a public address. It is not presented as casual talk; it is a discrete act that follows preparation and assumes an audience. The appointed timing (“on an appointed day”) makes the speaking part of a scheduled occasion, and the physical staging (“sat on the throne”) makes the speech an extension of royal presentation. In this setting, giving a speech is treated as something done to others—an intentional verbal act aimed at listeners—rather than as mutual exchange. The verse’s compact sequence also highlights how the speech is embedded in visible symbols of authority: clothing, throne, and the formal moment all cooperate to frame the address as an outward performance of rule.

Imagery

Acts 12:21 attaches the act of giving a speech to concrete royal imagery: an appointed day, royal clothing, and a throne. The word therefore carries the picture of a public address delivered from a seat of power, where speaking is part of the visible ceremony of governance.

Sources: Lexical data from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and the Translators Brief Lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (STEPBible, CC BY). Occurrence data from the Translators Amalgamated Greek New Testament (STEPBible, CC BY). Scripture quotations from the World English Bible (public domain).