middle voice from a compound of ἀπό and λόγος; to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e. exculpate (self):--answer (for self), make defence, excuse (self), speak for self.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai), Strong's `{{G626}}`, is a compound formed from ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," and λόγος (logos), meaning "word," "reason," or "account." The use of the middle voice is significant, indicating an action performed by or for oneself. Thus, the core meaning of ἀπολογέομαι is "to speak in defense of oneself," "to give an account," or "to make a reasoned defense."
Its semantic range extends from a simple "answer for oneself" to a formal "making of a legal defense" or "exculpating oneself." It always implies a response to an accusation, a challenge, or a demand for explanation, aiming to justify one's actions, beliefs, or character. It is not an admission of guilt, but rather a presentation of one's case.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀπολογέομαι appears a number of times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and the book of Acts, often in contexts of legal proceedings or public questioning.
* **Instruction to Disciples:** Jesus instructs His disciples not to be anxious about how to ἀπολογέομαι (defend themselves) when brought before authorities, promising that the Holy Spirit will provide the words ([[Luke 12:11]], [[Luke 21:14]]). This highlights the divine enablement in times of persecution.
* **Paul's Defenses:** A significant number of occurrences are found in Acts, detailing Paul's various defenses before Roman officials and Jewish leaders.
* Before Felix: Paul ἀπελογεῖτο (made his defense) concerning the accusations laid against him by Tertullus ([[Acts 24:10]]).
* Before Festus: Paul again ἀπελογεῖτο (made his defense), asserting his innocence against charges of offending Jewish law or Caesar ([[Acts 25:8]]).
* Before Agrippa: Paul requests permission to ἀπολογεῖσθαι (make his defense) and proceeds to recount his conversion and apostolic mission ([[Acts 26:1-2]]). These accounts demonstrate ἀπολογέομαι as a formal, public presentation of one's case, often intertwined with sharing the gospel.
* **Other Contexts:**
* In [[Acts 19:33]], Alexander attempts to ἀπολογεῖσθαι (make a defense) to the riotous crowd in Ephesus, though he is not given the opportunity.
* [[Romans 2:15]] speaks of the Gentiles' conscience bearing witness, with their thoughts either accusing or ἀπολογουμένων (defending) them, illustrating an internal, moral accounting.
* [[2 Corinthians 12:19]] sees Paul stating that he is not ἀπολογούμεθα (making a defense) to the Corinthians, but speaking before God, indicating that his previous explanations were not about self-vindication but divine truth.
Across these occurrences, ἀπολογέομαι consistently describes the act of presenting a reasoned case, whether for one's actions, beliefs, or integrity, often under scrutiny or accusation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its noun form, ἀπολογία (apologia), `{{G627}}`, which means "a defense" or "a reasoned statement of defense." This noun is famously used in [[1 Peter 3:15]], where believers are exhorted to be ready to give an ἀπολογία for the hope that is in them. Other examples include Paul's ἀπολογία for the gospel ([[Philippians 1:7]], [[Philippians 1:16]]) and his defense against accusations ([[1 Corinthians 9:3]]).
Other related concepts include:
* λόγος (`{{G3056}}`): The foundational word for "reason," "speech," "account," which forms part of ἀπολογέομαι.
* μαρτυρέω (`{{G3140}}`): To bear witness or testify. While related to giving an account, ἀπολογέομαι specifically denotes a *defensive* account.
* κρίνω (`{{G2919}}`): To judge or discern. The act of ἀπολογέομαι often takes place within a context of judgment or evaluation.
* δικαιόω (`{{G1344}}`): To justify or declare righteous. The purpose of an ἀπολογέομαι is often to achieve vindication or justification.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπολογέομαι is profound, particularly for Christian discipleship and witness.
1. **Divine Empowerment in Witness:** Jesus' instructions in Luke 12 and 21 are foundational. Believers are not to fear or pre-meditate their defense, for the Holy Spirit will speak through them. This transforms a potentially terrifying human ordeal into an opportunity for divine testimony, underscoring God's sovereignty and active involvement in the lives of His people. The defense becomes less about human eloquence and more about divine truth being proclaimed.
2. **Courageous Confession:** The act of ἀπολογέομαι often occurs in hostile environments, demanding courage and conviction. Paul's defenses before Roman officials exemplify this, as he consistently used the opportunity not merely to clear his name but to articulate the truth of the gospel and his personal encounter with Christ. This demonstrates that a defense of self can simultaneously be a proclamation of Christ.
3. **Integrity and Truth:** The necessity to ἀπολογέομαι implies a commitment to living a life of integrity that can withstand scrutiny. While accusations may be false, the believer's response is rooted in truth, seeking to clarify misunderstandings and uphold the honor of Christ.
4. **The Apologetic Task:** While ἀπολογέομαι is a verb of personal defense, its close connection to ἀπολογία underscores the broader Christian task of "apologetics"—the reasoned defense of the Christian faith. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline, enabling believers to articulate the truth of the gospel convincingly and reverently.
### Summary
ἀπολογέομαι (`{{G626}}`) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to make a reasoned defense" or "to give an account of oneself," particularly in response to accusations or challenges. Found frequently in the New Testament, especially in accounts of Paul's trials, it highlights the believer's call to stand firm in their faith and articulate their position. Theologically, it emphasizes divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit in moments of public scrutiny, transforming personal defense into an opportunity for courageous witness to the truth of the gospel. It is intrinsically linked to the concept of ἀπολογία (`{{G627}}`), the reasoned defense of the Christian hope.
TRV