Bible Dictionary
ELOQUENT
Able to speak skillfully or persuasively. In Scripture the term describes Apollos, while Moses confessed that he was not eloquent or a man of words.
Definition
Eloquent describes skillful or effective speech. In biblical English it may refer to being a man of words, speaking well, or possessing learned and persuasive ability.
Biblical Usage
Moses said that he was not eloquent, describing himself as not being a man of words, while Aaron could speak well. Apollos is called an eloquent man; the word may also be rendered as learned. In Isaiah 3:3, the older rendering “eloquent” corresponds to a term understood in the revised version as intelligent or skillful.
Historical Background
The biblical usage reflects more than polished rhetoric: the underlying expressions can emphasize being full of words, learned, intelligent, or skillful.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>el'-o-kwent:</p><p>"Moses said .... I am not eloquent" ('ish debharim, "a man of words" (Ex 4:10)); but Aaron could "speak well." In Isa 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American) bin, "intelligent," is rendered "skilful (enchanter)," the King James Version "eloquent (orator)." Apollos was "an eloquent man" (logios, "full of words" (Ac 18:24, the King James Version margin, "a learned man")).</p>