Strong's Lexicon apologeomai: To defend oneself, to make a defense, to give an account Original Word: ἀπολογέομαι Word Origin: From the Greek preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning "from") and the verb λόγος (logos, meaning "word" or "speech"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "apologeomai," the concept of making a defense or giving an account can be seen in Hebrew words like "ענה" (anah, meaning "to answer" or "to respond") and "צדק" (tsadaq, meaning "to justify" or "to declare righteous"). Usage: The verb "apologeomai" is used in the New Testament to describe the act of making a defense or giving an account of one's actions or beliefs. It often implies a reasoned argument or explanation, particularly in the context of defending the Christian faith or one's conduct. This term is foundational to the concept of "apologetics," which involves reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically the doctrine of the Christian faith. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the practice of making a defense was common in legal and philosophical contexts. Orators and philosophers were often required to defend their ideas and actions before public assemblies or courts. The early Christians, living in a pluralistic society with various religious and philosophical beliefs, frequently found themselves needing to explain and defend their faith against misunderstandings, accusations, and persecution. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 626 apologéomai – properly, to reason from solid proof (sound logic); to make a compelling defense with sound logic (argumentation). See 627 (apologia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and logos Definition to give an account of oneself, hence to defend oneself NASB Translation defend (1), defending (2), make a defense (1), make...defense (3), said in...defense (1), saying in...defense (1), speak in...defense (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 626: ἀπολογέομαιἀπολογέομαι, ἀπολογοῦμαι; imperfect ἀπελογουμην (Acts 26:1); 1 aorist ἀπελογησαμην; 1 aorist passive infinitive ἀπολογηθῆναι, in a reflexive sense (Luke 21:14); a deponent middle verb (from λόγος), properly, "to speak so as to absolve (ἀπό) oneself, talk oneself off" of a charge etc.; 1. to defend oneself, make one's defense: absolutely, Luke 21:14; Acts 26:1; followed by ὅτι, Acts 25:8; τί, to bring forward something in defense of oneself, Luke 12:11; Acts 26:24 (often so in Greek writings also); τά περί ἐμαυτοῦ ἀπολογοῦμαι either I bring forward what contributes to my defense (?), or I plead my own cause (R. V. make my defense), Acts 24:10; περί with the genitive of the thing and ἐπί with the genitive of person, concerning a thing before one's tribunal, Acts 26:2; with the dative of the person whom by my defense I strive to convince that I am innocent or upright, to defend or justify myself in one's eyes (A. V. unto), Acts 19:33; 2 Corinthians 12:19 (Plato, Prot., p. 859 a.; often in Lucian, Plutarch; (cf. Buttmann, 172 (149))). 2. to defend a person or a thing (so not infrequent in secular authors): Romans 2:15 (where according to the context the deeds of men must be understood as defended); τά περί ἐμοῦ, Acts 26:2 (but see under 1). Middle voice from a compound of apo and logos; to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e. Exculpate (self) -- answer (for self), make defence, excuse (self), speak for self. see GREEK apo see GREEK logos Englishman's Concordance Luke 12:11 V-ASM-2PGRK: ἢ τί ἀπολογήσησθε ἢ τί NAS: what you are to speak in your defense, or KJV: or what thing ye shall answer, or what INT: or what you shall reply in defense or what Luke 21:14 V-ANP Acts 19:33 V-PNM/P Acts 24:10 V-PIM/P-1S Acts 25:8 V-PPM/P-GMS Acts 26:1 V-IIM/P-3S Acts 26:2 V-PNM/P Acts 26:24 V-PPM/P-GMS Romans 2:15 V-PPM/P-GMP 2 Corinthians 12:19 V-PIM/P-1P Strong's Greek 626 |
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