βατταλογέω

βατταλογέω (βαττολογέω v.l.; s. Rdm. 44; Mlt-H. 272) 1 aor. subj. βατταλογήσω onomatopoetic word; to speak in a way that images the kind of speech pattern of one who stammers, use the same words again and again, speak without thinking (explained by πολυλογία) Mt 6:7; Lk 11:2 D. Except for writers dependent on the NT the word has been found only in Vi. Aesopi W 109, where Perry notes the v.l. βατολογέω for βαττολογέω (it is missing in the corresp. place ed. Eberhard I c. 26 p. 289, 9. But Vi. Aesopi G 50 P. has the noun βαττολογία=foolish talk, but in a different context), and in Simplicius (c. 530 A.D.), Comm. in Epict. p. 91, 23 in the spelling βαττολογέω=‘prate’. It is perh. a hybrid form, rendering Aram. אמר בטלהא=‘talk idly’ (B-D-F §40). Differently FBussby, ET 76, ’64, 26.—S. DELG s.v. βατταρίζω for discussion of this type of word. M-M.