Understanding ἀπόκρισις (apokrisis) Strong’s G612: The Divine Wisdom Behind Biblical Answers and Responses

Pronunciation Guide: ah-POK-ree-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G612: ἀπόκρισις refers to an answer or response, particularly one that demonstrates wisdom and understanding. It specifically denotes a formal or thoughtful reply, often in the context of responding to questions about spiritual matters or divine truth. This word carries connotations of a response that comes from deep comprehension and careful consideration.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, G611), meaning “to answer”
• Common in narrative and teaching passages
• Used in dialogues and formal discourse
• Frequently appears in wisdom literature and rabbinic discussions

ἀπόκρισις Morphology:

• ἀπόκρισις (nominative singular) – an answer
• ἀποκρίσεως (genitive singular) – of an answer
• ἀποκρίσει (dative singular) – to/with an answer
• ἀπόκρισιν (accusative singular) – the answer

Origin & History

The word ἀπόκρισις has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in philosophical dialogues. Plato frequently employed it in his works, particularly in “The Republic,” when depicting Socratic discussions. The term gained significance in the Hellenistic period through its usage in formal and legal contexts.

In the Septuagint, ἀπόκρισις appears in wisdom literature, notably in Proverbs and the deuterocanonical book of Sirach, where it often describes the wise responses of those who fear God. The Jewish historian Josephus also uses this term frequently in his works “Antiquities of the Jews” and “Against Apion” when describing formal responses in diplomatic and legal contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A formal or considered response to a question
• An answer that demonstrates wisdom and understanding
• A reply given in an official or authoritative context
• A response that reveals spiritual insight

ἀπόκρισις Translation Options:

• Answer (when emphasizing the formal nature of the response)
• Reply (when highlighting the interactive aspect)
• Response (when indicating thoughtful consideration)
• Answering (when focusing on the process of responding)

Biblical Usage

The most notable use of ἀπόκρισις appears in Luke 2:47, where it describes the young Messiah’s profound answers in the Temple, demonstrating His divine wisdom. This usage sets the tone for understanding the word’s significance in conveying responses that carry spiritual weight and divine insight.

The term appears in contexts where the response given is not merely a casual reply but carries significance for understanding God’s truth or demonstrating spiritual wisdom. This pattern reveals how biblical answers often serve as teaching moments that illuminate divine truth.

• “And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers [ἀπόκρισις].” Luke 2:47
• “They were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer [ἀπόκρισις], they became silent.” Luke 20:26
• “The officers answered, ‘Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.’ Then the Pharisees answered [ἀπόκρισις] them…” John 7:46-47

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the ability to give wise answers was highly valued and considered a mark of spiritual maturity. The rabbinic tradition of question-and-answer dialogue (pilpul) was a fundamental method of Torah study. Young students would learn by questioning their teachers and receiving carefully considered responses that would deepen their understanding of Scripture.

The scene of Jesus in the Temple at age twelve perfectly illustrates this cultural practice. His use of ἀπόκρισις demonstrates not just intelligence, but a profound grasp of Torah that amazed the religious teachers, highlighting how His answers transcended typical human wisdom.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόκρισις in describing Jesus’s interactions reveals a crucial aspect of His nature as the incarnate Word of God. His answers weren’t merely clever responses but demonstrated divine wisdom that confounded both religious leaders and secular authorities. This reveals how God’s wisdom often manifests through carefully considered responses rather than immediate, surface-level answers.

The term also highlights the interactive nature of divine revelation. God doesn’t merely issue commands but engages in dialogue with His people, providing answers that lead to deeper understanding and spiritual growth. This pattern is seen throughout Scripture, where divine answers often exceed the scope of the original question to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

Personal Application

When we face questions about our faith or life challenges, we should remember that godly answers require more than quick responses. Like Jesus’s use of ἀπόκρισις, our answers should flow from deep spiritual understanding and careful consideration of God’s truth. This encourages us to develop spiritual wisdom through study of Scripture and prayer.

This understanding can transform how we approach both asking and answering questions in our spiritual journey. Rather than seeking quick solutions, we can learn to value thoughtful, spiritually-informed responses that reflect God’s wisdom and lead to deeper understanding.

Related Words

• ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai) – to answer, reply (ah-po-KREE-no-my) – The verb form from which ἀπόκρισις derives, emphasizing the action of responding See G611
• λόγος (logos) – word, reason, account (LOG-os) – Often paired with ἀπόκρισις in contexts of meaningful discourse See G3056
• σοφία (sophia) – wisdom (so-FEE-ah) – Frequently associated with wise answers and responses See G4678
• γνῶσις (gnōsis) – knowledge (GNO-sis) – Related to the understanding demonstrated in answers See G1108

Did you Know?

• The Greek term ἀπόκρισις was so significant in ancient legal proceedings that official court scribes were called ἀποκρισιάριοι (apokrisiarioi), responsible for recording formal responses and verdicts.
• In modern Greek, the word still maintains its formal connotation and is used in diplomatic and legal contexts, particularly for official responses between government entities.
• The young Jesus’s use of ἀπόκρισις in the Temple at age twelve was extraordinary because this level of theological discourse was typically reserved for those who had completed decades of rabbinic training.

Remember This

ἀπόκρισις reminds us that true wisdom isn’t found in quick replies but in thoughtful responses grounded in divine understanding and careful consideration of God’s truth.