Bible Dictionaries
Oration

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

The word occurs in the NT only in connexion with Herod Agrippa, who, at Caesarea, ‘made an oration’ (δημηγορέω) from the throne (or judgment-seat [Revised Version margin]) to the embassy from Tyre and Sidon (Acts 12:21). It refers to set speeches made in public assemblies, but sometimes it is employed in a derogatory sense for speeches of the demagogic order. There is a curious use of the word in the Septuagint , Proverbs 30:31 (Proverbs 28:27)-βασιλεὺς δημηγορῶν ἐν ἔθνει. It was not an unusual thing for kings and princes to make orations in public assembly.

John Reid.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Oration'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hdn/​o/oration.html. 1906-1918.