Brief Overview of ἀπόκρισις (G612: Apókrisis)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apókrisis

Root Words: Derived from ἀπό (apo), meaning “from” or “away from,” and κρίνω (krinō), meaning “to judge” or “to decide.” Thus, ἀπόκρισις means “a response” or “an answer.”

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Primary Meanings:

• A response or answer to a question or situation.
• A formal or considered reply, often in a judicial or rhetorical context.
• The act of giving an answer or judgment.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπόκρισις as “a response” or “an answer,” particularly referring to a formal or structured reply. It is used in contexts where a considered answer or judgment is provided, often in legal or rhetorical situations.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπόκρισις as “a response” or “an answer.” It focuses on the term’s application in formal settings where a reply is given to questions or inquiries.

Vines: According to Vines’ Expository Dictionary, ἀπόκρισις means “a response” or “an answer,” highlighting its use in providing formal replies or judgments.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπόκρισις as “a response” or “an answer,” noting its use in classical Greek to describe formal replies or judgments.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπόκρισις as “a response” or “an answer,” focusing on its role as a formal or considered reply.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Aristotle (Rhetoric, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses related terms to describe formal responses or answers in rhetorical arguments, illustrating the concept of structured replies.

Plato (Republic, 4th century BCE): Plato employs similar terms in philosophical dialogues, where responses and answers are central to the discussion and philosophical inquiry.

Demosthenes (Olynthiacs, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes uses related terms in political speeches to discuss formal responses or judgments, reflecting their importance in public discourse.

4. Summary:

The Greek word ἀπόκρισις (Apókrisis) means “a response” or “an answer.” It refers to a formal or considered reply to a question or situation, often used in judicial, rhetorical, or philosophical contexts. In classical Greek literature, it describes the act of giving a structured response or judgment, highlighting its role in various formal and intellectual settings. The term conveys the idea of providing a thoughtful answer or reply, illustrating its application in historical and literary contexts.