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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like ὁμολογουμένως (homologoumenos) is crucial for deepening our comprehension of key theological concepts. This term appears in 1 Timothy 3:16, a passage that focuses on the confession of faith in the mystery of godliness. The word offers insight into the nature of agreement or acknowledgment, especially when it comes to verbal expressions of belief. Its use in the New Testament highlights the importance of collective and personal acknowledgment of truth, a theme central to both faith and ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμολογουμένως (homologoumenos), pronounced ho-mo-lo-gou’-me-nos.

Etymology: This word is derived from the Greek root ὁμο- (homo), meaning “same,” and λέγω (lego), meaning “to speak.” Together, they convey the idea of speaking the same thing or agreeing verbally, typically in the context of a public acknowledgment or confession.

Part of Speech: ὁμολογουμένως is an adverb, used to modify verbs, emphasizing how an action, particularly verbal expression, is performed in agreement or acknowledgment.

Defining Meanings

1. In agreement or acknowledgment: The primary meaning of ὁμολογουμένως is to describe an action or statement made in agreement or as an acknowledgment. It indicates a commonality of expression, often in relation to shared beliefs or confessions.

2. Affirmative confession: In theological contexts, the word emphasizes the importance of confessing faith or truth affirmatively, usually in the public domain.

3. Public declaration: It also carries the connotation of publicly agreeing on something important, which is essential for communal faith practices and confessions of faith.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ὁμολογέω (homologeo) [ho-mo-lo-geh’-o]: A verb meaning “to confess” or “to agree,” often used to describe the act of confessing faith. While ὁμολογέω focuses on the action of verbal agreement, ὁμολογουμένως emphasizes the manner in which that agreement is expressed.

2. ὁμολογία (homología) [ho-mo-lo-gee’-ah]: A noun that refers to “confession” or “acknowledgment.” It is a related term, but ὁμολογουμένως highlights how the confession is made, specifically with affirmation and agreement.

3. ὁμοιόω (homoioo) [ho-moy-o’-o]: A verb meaning “to be like” or “to resemble,” which differs in focus from ὁμολογουμένως as it speaks more about likeness or comparison rather than verbal acknowledgment.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, ὁμολογουμένως does not inflect for case, number, or gender. It functions to modify verbs and provide context for how an action is performed, specifically in terms of agreement or acknowledgment. It typically occurs in contexts where verbal expressions of truth or faith are involved.

For a beginners guide to reading Greek, click here.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s note that ὁμολογουμένως refers to a confessed acknowledgment or agreement, typically regarding a doctrinal or theological truth. In 1 Timothy 3:16, it is used to emphasize the public acknowledgment of the “mystery of godliness”—an essential element of early Christian faith. The term reinforces the communal aspect of confession, highlighting both individual and corporate expressions of belief. This term often appears in contexts where unity in faith is stressed, underscoring the necessity for believers to affirm shared truths.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Timothy 3:16: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

2. Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

3. Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Plato Phaedrus “And it is agreed (ὁμολογουμένως) that love is the highest pursuit of life.”

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “Virtue, it is acknowledged (ὁμολογουμένως), leads to happiness.”

Septuagint Psalms “Let the peoples praise (ὁμολογουμένως) you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.”

Noteworthy Summary

In summary, ὁμολογουμένως plays a crucial role in shaping how believers in the New Testament express their faith, particularly in communal settings. This word underscores the significance of collective confession, a central theme in early Christian communities. By exploring its meanings, morphology, and usage, we gain a deeper understanding of its theological implications in the New Testament and beyond.

Did You Know?

1. The word ὁμολογουμένως is closely tied to the early Christian practice of confessing faith publicly before baptism.

2. In classical Greek, the term was used not only in religious contexts but also in legal and philosophical discussions to indicate agreed-upon truths.

3. This term highlights the importance of unity in belief, making it a cornerstone for understanding the role of confession in Christian worship.