1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apologeomai

Root Words: The word ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai) is derived from ἀπό (apo, “away from”) and λόγος (logos, “speech” or “reason”).

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Primary Meanings:

• To make a defense or to give a reasoned reply.
• To defend oneself or one’s position in a legal or formal context.
• To apologize or offer a defense, often implying a reasoned or logical explanation.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπολογέομαι as “to make a defense,” particularly in a legal or formal context, such as in court. It highlights its use in the New Testament, where it refers to giving a reasoned explanation or defense of one’s actions or beliefs. BDAG notes that it can also imply a form of apology, especially when one is defending their position.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀπολογέομαι as “to defend oneself,” especially in a legal or formal setting. It emphasizes the aspect of providing a reasoned defense or explanation, rather than simply apologizing.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes ἀπολογέομαι as “to give a verbal defense,” focusing on the context of speaking in one’s own defense, often before an authority or in a legal situation.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ outlines ἀπολογέομαι as “to speak in one’s own defense,” noting its application in legal or formal contexts. It also acknowledges the nuanced meaning of making an apology in a reasoned manner.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights ἀπολογέομαι as “to defend oneself or to make a defense,” particularly in contexts where one is providing a reasoned or formal explanation.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Plato (Apology, 4th century BCE): In Plato’s “Apology,” Socrates uses ἀπολογέομαι to describe his act of defending his philosophy and actions in front of the Athenian court.

Demosthenes (Orations, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes employs ἀπολογέομαι in his speeches to defend his political actions and decisions, showcasing its use in formal oratory and legal defense.

Aristotle (Rhetoric, 4th century BCE): Aristotle discusses ἀπολογέομαι in the context of rhetoric and legal arguments, emphasizing its role in providing a structured and reasoned defense.

4. Summary:

ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai) primarily means “to make a defense” or “to give a reasoned reply,” especially in legal or formal contexts. It involves defending oneself or one’s position with logical explanations. In classical literature, the term is associated with formal oratory and legal defense, illustrating its use in providing a reasoned argument or explanation. In the New Testament, it often refers to defending one’s faith or beliefs. The term’s nuanced meanings, encompassing both defense and apology, highlight its versatility in conveying reasoned speech or formal responses.