Understanding ἀνθομολογέομαι (anthomologeomai) Strong’s G437: The Sacred Art of Giving Thanks and Praise to God with Public Declaration

Pronunciation Guide: anth-ho-mo-lo-GEH-oh-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G437: A compound Greek verb expressing the act of making a public declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God, often in response to His revealed truth or miraculous works. It carries the connotation of a reciprocal or responding confession of gratitude, specifically in acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and mighty deeds. The word implies both a personal and corporate dimension of praise.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from three elements: ἀντί (anti, “in return”), ὁμοῦ (homou, “together”), and λέγω (lego, “to speak”)
• Middle/passive deponent verb – active in meaning but middle/passive in form
• Primary usage in narrative and worship contexts
• Rare in New Testament (only once) but more common in Septuagint
• Related to the concept of public confession and declaration

ἀνθομολογέομαι Morphology:

• ἀνθωμολογεῖτο (imperfect indicative middle 3rd person singular) – was giving thanks/praise
• ἀνθομολογήσομαι (future indicative middle 1st person singular) – I will give thanks/praise
• ἀνθομολογεῖσθαι (present infinitive middle) – to give thanks/praise

Origin & History

The term ἀνθομολογέομαι emerges from classical Greek usage where it originally carried the meaning of mutual agreement or reciprocal confession. In the works of Xenophon’s “Memorabilia,” the word appears in contexts of mutual acknowledgment between parties.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the word takes on a distinctly religious character, particularly in the Psalms, where it becomes associated with liturgical praise and public thanksgiving. The translation team of the LXX chose this term to render Hebrew words related to praise (ידה, yadah) and confession (תודה, todah), indicating its evolution into a technical term for religious devotion.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Homilies on Luke,” emphasized the word’s connection to both personal devotion and public witness, seeing it as an expression of authentic spiritual response to divine revelation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Public declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God
• Reciprocal confession or acknowledgment of divine truth
• Corporate expression of gratitude in worship
• Responsive celebration of God’s faithfulness

ἀνθομολογέομαι Translation Options:

• “Give thanks openly” – Emphasizes the public nature of the declaration
• “Praise in return” – Highlights the reciprocal aspect of the word
• “Make confession of praise” – Captures both the declarative and worship elements
• “Give thanks with acknowledgment” – Reflects the compound nature of recognition and gratitude

Biblical Usage

The term appears most notably in Luke 2:38, where Anna the prophetess responds to seeing the infant Messiah. Her response exemplifies the word’s full meaning – a public declaration of praise emerging from personal revelation and prophetic insight.

In the Septuagint, the word appears frequently in contexts of corporate worship and individual testimony, particularly in the Psalms and historical narratives. This broader usage helps illuminate its significance in Luke’s account.

• “And coming in that instant she gave thanks [ἀνθωμολογεῖτο] to the Lord” Luke 2:38
• “I will praise [ἀνθομολογήσομαί] You among much people” Psalm 35:18 (LXX)
• “Give thanks [ἀνθομολογεῖσθε] to the Lord” Psalm 105:1 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish worship, the concept of public thanksgiving was deeply connected to the todah offering – a peace offering given in gratitude for God’s deliverance or blessing. The use of ἀνθομολογέομαι in the Septuagint often corresponds to contexts where such offerings were presented, suggesting a rich connection between verbal praise and sacrificial worship.

The presence of Anna in the Temple courts when she offers her ἀνθομολογέομαι is significant, as the Temple was the center of Jewish worship and prophecy. Her declaration would have carried special weight given her reputation as a prophetess and her location in this sacred space.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνθομολογέομαι in Luke 2:38 represents a pivotal moment in redemptive history where private revelation meets public proclamation. Anna’s response to seeing the infant Messiah embodies the proper response to divine revelation – immediate, public, and overwhelming gratitude expressed in praise.

The compound nature of the word reflects the dynamic relationship between God’s initiative and human response in worship. Just as God first reveals Himself, we respond with praise; just as He gives grace, we return thanksgiving. This pattern of divine action and human reaction is fundamental to biblical worship.

The word’s connection to both individual and corporate aspects of praise reminds us that true worship always has both personal and communal dimensions. When we encounter God’s truth or experience His grace, our natural response should be both intimate gratitude and public testimony.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀνθομολογέομαι, we recognize that authentic encounters with God should lead to public declaration. Like Anna, who couldn’t keep silent about the Messiah, our personal experiences with God should overflow into testimony that builds up the faith community.

In practical terms, this means moving beyond private devotion to public declaration of God’s goodness. Whether in corporate worship, small group settings, or daily interactions, we are called to respond to God’s revelation with visible, audible praise that invites others to join in celebrating His faithfulness.

Related Words

• ὁμολογέω (homologeo) – to confess, declare, praise – Shares the root idea of speaking or declaring but without the reciprocal element. See G3670
• εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteo) – to give thanks – Focuses more on gratitude without the public declaration aspect. See G2168
• αἰνέω (aineo) – to praise – Emphasizes the aspect of praise without the specific reciprocal nature. See G134
• εὐλογέω (eulogeo) – to bless, praise – Carries the idea of speaking well of someone but lacks the responsive element. See G2127

Did you Know?

• The word ἀνθομολογέομαι appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the body’s positive response to treatment, suggesting a beautiful parallel to our spiritual response to God’s healing work in our lives.
• In modern Greek Orthodox liturgy, forms of this word are still used during the Divine Liturgy, particularly at moments when the congregation responds to the priest’s proclamations, preserving its ancient connection to responsive worship.
• The prefix ἀντί in ἀνθομολογέομαι shares the same root as the English word “anthem,” which originally meant a reciprocal song sung by alternating choirs – a fascinating connection to the word’s emphasis on responsive praise.

Remember This

ἀνθομολογέομαι embodies the beautiful cycle of revelation and response – when God reveals His truth and glory, our natural response should be public, passionate praise that invites others to join in celebrating His faithfulness.