reasoning
dialogismos denotes inward thoughts or deliberations, often exposed as futile, evil, or contentious.
The term most often denotes thoughts or deliberations arising within people or held in the heart; the verses also portray such thinking as futile, evil, or a source of dispute. In a smaller set of contexts, it concerns contentious discussion or judgments over opinions.
Senses in use
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Inward thoughts and deliberations · dominant
In Luke 5:22 the plural accusative form is what Jesus knows and questions as taking place “in your hearts”; Luke 6:8 likewise places the plural in what he knows before addressing the man with the withered hand. The singular in Luke 9:46 is a deliberation about who might be greatest, and Luke 9:47 identifies it as “the reasoning of their heart”; Luke 24:38 similarly speaks of such thoughts arising in the heart.
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Faulty or evil-minded deliberation · common
In Mark 7:21 and Matthew 15:19, plural forms come from the heart in lists that include destructive acts; the APB renders the clauses “evil reasonings” and “evil thoughts.” Romans 1:21 describes people becoming futile in their deliberations, while 1 Corinthians 3:20 says the Lord knows the wise persons’ deliberations to be futile; James 2:4 places them in becoming judges of evil deliberations.
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Contentious discussion or disputed judgments · occasional
Philippians 2:14 sets the plural alongside grumbling in the instruction to do all things without such conduct, which the APB renders “disputing.” Romans 14:1 uses the plural in receiving a person weak in faith without disputes over opinions; 1 Timothy 2:8 contrasts prayer without anger or such deliberation.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the term as “reasonings,” “thoughts,” “disputing,” and “opinions” across these clauses. These variations reflect the surrounding verses rather than a fixed English equivalent.