Speaking down (καταλαλιὰς)

Lalia (λαλιά) refers to the manner in which a person speaks. It is closely related to logos (λόγος), which generally means “word,” though lalia more specifically denotes the characteristics or mannerisms of spoken expression.

Peter’s manner of speech exposed him as a follower of the Messiah (Matthew 26:73). The Samaritans who came to investigate the testimony of the woman claiming the Messiah was at Jacob’s well did not believe because of her words alone, but because they heard Jesus’ manner of speech for themselves (John 4:42). The leaders of Israel could not experientially know Jesus’ speech because they were unable to listen to His words. This was because they were out from their father the devil and could not handle the truth (John 8:43).