Lexical Summary apokrisis: Answer, response Original Word: ἀπόκρισις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance answer. From apokrinomai; a response -- answer. see GREEK apokrinomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apokrinomai Definition an answering NASB Translation answer (3), answers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 612: ἀπόκρισιςἀπόκρισις, ἀποκρισεως, ἡ (ἀποκρίνομαι, see ἀποκρίνω), a replying, an answer: Luke 2:47; Luke 20:26; John 1:22; John 19:9. (From (Theognis, 1167, Bekker edition, 345, Welck. edition, and) Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Thematic Scope Strong’s Greek 612 refers to a spoken reply, an articulated response that brings a matter to resolution. In Scripture the term marks decisive moments when truth is either revealed or resisted, underscoring the covenant principle that words both disclose the heart and carry moral weight (Proverbs 18:21). Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 2:47 – Those gathered in the temple marvel at the twelve-year-old Jesus: “And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers”. Christological Emphasis The first two occurrences highlight the unparalleled wisdom of Jesus. His childhood answers reveal innate, divine understanding; His later answer confounds seasoned theologians, fulfilling Isaiah 11:2. Conversely, John 19:9 shows deliberate silence—an “answer” of withholding—that aligns with Isaiah 53:7 and exposes human authority as powerless before divine purpose. Revelation and Authority An ἀπόκρισις is more than information; it is a verdict. John the Baptist’s required “answer” (John 1:22) certifies prophetic testimony for the covenant community, while Jesus’ answers self-authenticate His messianic authority (Luke 20:26). The pattern teaches that revelation demands response: once heaven speaks, neutrality becomes impossible (Hebrews 2:1-3). Silence as Judgment Pilate receives none. Scripture frames the silence not as evasion but as indictment. When prior revelation has been rejected, further answer is withheld (cf. Matthew 27:14). The withholding itself is a judicial act, anticipating Romans 1:24 where God “gave them up” because previous truth was suppressed. Historical and Cultural Context First-century Judaism prized dialogic learning; rabbinic circles debated Scripture through question and answer. Luke 2 depicts Jesus operating within this method yet transcending it. Greco-Roman courts, represented by Pilate, also depended on formal replies. The interplay of Jewish and Roman expectations in these passages emphasizes that Jesus embodies truth across cultures. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Catechesis: Believers are called to be ready “to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15), echoing the noun’s force—thoughtful, reasoned, and anchored in revealed truth. Intertextual Links The Septuagint employs cognate verbs when God answers prayer (e.g., Psalm 3:4), framing every New Testament ἀπόκρισις against the backdrop of divine responsiveness. Jesus’ answers thus function as the incarnate continuation of Yahweh’s covenant conversation. Summary Insights Strong’s 612 spotlights the moment of disclosure where truth confronts the listener. The noun’s sparse yet strategic appearances trace a trajectory: Jesus’ wisdom revealed, His identity certified, His authority vindicated, and His silence executing judgment. For the Church, the word summons responsible speech—answers that echo Scripture’s consistency and rely on its authority. Forms and Transliterations αποκρισει αποκρίσει ἀποκρίσει αποκρισεσιν αποκρίσεσιν ἀποκρίσεσιν αποκρισιν απόκρισιν ἀπόκρισιν απόκρισις αποκρυβήν apokrisei apokrísei apokrisesin apokrísesin apokrisin apókrisinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 2:47 N-DFPGRK: καὶ ταῖς ἀποκρίσεσιν αὐτοῦ NAS: at His understanding and His answers. KJV: understanding and answers. INT: and the answers of him Luke 20:26 N-DFS John 1:22 N-AFS John 19:9 N-AFS Strong's Greek 612 |
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