Understanding ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai) Strong’s G611: The Divine Art of Responsive Communication in Biblical Dialogue

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-KREE-no-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G611: ἀποκρίνομαι is a middle/passive deponent verb meaning “to give an answer, to begin to speak, to respond.” It carries the nuance of a thoughtful, deliberate response rather than merely speaking. The word emphasizes the interactive nature of communication, suggesting careful consideration before responding.

Etymology and Morphology

• Middle/passive deponent verb
• Compound of ἀπό (from) and κρίνω (to judge, determine)
• Predominantly used in narrative and dialogue sections
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Primary usage in question-answer contexts

ἀποκρίνομαι Morphology:

• ἀποκρίνομαι (present indicative middle) – I answer
• ἀπεκρίθην (aorist passive) – I answered
• ἀποκριθείς (aorist passive participle) – having answered
• ἀποκρίθητι (aorist passive imperative) – answer!
• ἀποκρινόμενος (present middle participle) – answering

Origin & History

The word ἀποκρίνομαι emerged from classical Greek, where it initially meant “to separate from,” evolving from the root κρίνω (to judge or separate). In Plato’s “Republic” (Book IV), he uses it to describe the process of distinguishing and responding to philosophical questions. The transition to its primary meaning of “to answer” occurred during the Hellenistic period.

In the Septuagint, ἀποκρίνομαι became the standard translation for the Hebrew עָנָה (anah), marking a significant development in its semantic range. The Jewish historian Josephus frequently employs it in “Antiquities” when recording dialogues between historical figures, demonstrating its established role in formal discourse.

The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” use ἀποκρίνομαι to discuss divine-human dialogue, emphasizing the theological significance of responsive communication between God and humanity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To give an answer after careful consideration
• To begin speaking in response to a situation
• To reply officially or formally
• To respond to a divine calling or prompting

ἀποκρίνομαι Translation Options:

• “answered” – Best for straightforward dialogue contexts
• “responded” – Preferred when emphasizing thoughtful consideration
• “replied” – Useful for formal or official responses
• “began to speak” – Appropriate when initiating a response to a situation rather than a direct question
• “gave answer” – Emphasizes the deliberate nature of the response

Biblical Usage

ἀποκρίνομαι appears over 250 times in the New Testament, with significant concentration in the Gospels. Its first appearance in Matthew 3:15 captures a pivotal moment when Yeshua responds to John the Baptist, demonstrating the word’s use in theologically significant dialogue.

The word often introduces important theological declarations and teaching moments. In the Gospels, it frequently precedes Yeshua’s authoritative teachings and responses to challenges from religious leaders. The middle/passive form emphasizes the personal engagement of the speaker in the response.

Key verses featuring ἀποκρίνομαι:

• Matthew 3:15 – “But Jesus answered him…”
• John 5:19 – “Jesus answered and said to them…”
• Acts 3:12 – “Peter answered the people…”
• Luke 10:28 – “You have answered correctly…”
• Mark 15:5 – “But Jesus made no further answer…”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of answering carried significant weight beyond mere verbal response. The rabbinic tradition of “she’elot u’teshuvot” (questions and answers) demonstrates how responsive dialogue was central to Jewish learning and spiritual development. This cultural background illuminates why the Gospel writers frequently used ἀποκρίνομαι to record Yeshua’s teachings.

The formal nature of ἀποκρίνομαι in Greco-Roman judicial settings also adds depth to its usage in the New Testament, particularly in scenes where Yeshua faces questioning from religious and political authorities. The word carries connotations of official, authoritative response that would have been readily understood by both Jewish and Gentile readers.

Theological Significance

The frequent use of ἀποκρίνομαι in divine-human interactions throughout Scripture reveals God’s nature as a communicative, responsive Being. Unlike the silent idols of surrounding nations, יהוה (Yahweh) actively engages with His people through meaningful dialogue. This is particularly evident in the ministry of Yeshua, where His responses consistently reveal divine wisdom and truth.

The middle/passive form of the verb emphasizes personal involvement in the response, reflecting the incarnational nature of God’s communication with humanity. When Yeshua ἀποκρίνεται (responds), He does so not merely with words but with His whole being, demonstrating the perfect unity of divine truth and personal engagement.

This word also highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where genuine dialogue forms the basis of spiritual growth and understanding. The thoughtful, deliberate nature of ἀποκρίνομαι reminds us that God’s communication is never casual or arbitrary but always purposeful and transformative.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκρίνομαι challenges us to examine our own patterns of response, both to God and others. Are our answers thoughtful and deliberate, reflecting careful consideration of God’s truth? Do we engage in genuine dialogue that seeks understanding, or do we merely wait for our turn to speak?

This word invites us to develop a more intentional approach to spiritual communication. When we study Scripture, pray, or engage in spiritual conversations, we’re called to respond with the same thoughtful deliberation that characterized Yeshua’s interactions. This involves listening carefully, considering deeply, and responding in ways that reflect divine wisdom and truth.

Related Words

• λαλέω (laleo) – to speak, talk, say (focusing on the utterance itself) – See G2980
• λέγω (lego) – to say, speak (emphasizing the content) – See G3004
• φημί (phemi) – to declare, say (often in narrative) – See G5346
• ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophtheggomai) – to speak forth, declare (with authority) – See G669

Did you Know?

• The middle/passive form of ἀποκρίνομαι suggests that the speaker is not just producing words but is personally invested in the response, reflecting the Hebrew concept of answer (עָנָה) which involves the whole person.
• In Byzantine Greek, ἀποκρίνομαι developed specialized uses in legal contexts, particularly in ecclesiastical courts, where it denoted formal responses to theological inquiries.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀποκρίνομαι in formal contexts, especially in academic and legal settings, maintaining its connection to thoughtful, authoritative response.

Remember This

ἀποκρίνομαι reminds us that genuine spiritual communication involves not just speaking but responding with purpose, wisdom, and personal engagement in the divine dialogue.