Battologia; or, Vain Repetition
Battologia; or, Vain Repetition
Bat-to-log-i-a, , vain repetitions. These are repetitions, of course, which are vain, meaningless, and senseless.
None of these is to be found in the word of God. Indeed, we are exhorted not to use them as the heathen do, who think that by using them in their prayers they shall be heard for their much speaking. The verb in Mat 6:7 is (battologee-seete) use not vain repetitions. The Holy Spirit therefore does not use them: so that we have no examples to give for this figure which man has named and so frequently uses.
Examples of mans use of Battologia may easily be found, e.g., 1Ki 18:26. Act 19:34, etc. Also in the Prayer Book.