Understanding ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai) Strong’s G626: The Divine Defense That Transforms Fear Into Bold Witness

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-lo-GEH-oh-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G626: To make a formal defense or give an answer in one’s favor, particularly in a legal context. ἀπολογέομαι carries the weightier meaning of presenting a complete and well-reasoned defense of one’s position or actions, often under challenging circumstances. This word embodies the concept of speaking forth truth with divine enablement and conviction.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Middle/Passive Deponent)
• Compound word from ἀπό (from) + λόγος (word, reason, account)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in legal and apologetic contexts
• Appears in both classical and Koine Greek literature

ἀπολογέομαι Morphology:

• ἀπολογέομαι (present indicative) – I am making a defense
• ἀπολογήσομαι (future indicative) – I will make a defense
• ἀπολογήσησθε (aorist subjunctive) – you might make a defense
• ἀπολογηθῆναι (aorist infinitive) – to make a defense
• ἀπολογούμενος (present participle) – making a defense

Origin & History

The term ἀπολογέομαι has deep roots in classical Greek legal terminology. Plato frequently uses it in his “Apology,” where Socrates presents his defense before the Athenian court. In Xenophon’s “Memorabilia,” the word appears repeatedly in contexts of formal defense against accusations.

In the Septuagint, while less frequent, ἀπολογέομαι appears in contexts where individuals must defend themselves before authorities, such as in 2 Maccabees 13:26. The word gained particular significance in early Christian literature, with Justin Martyr’s “First Apology” and other early church fathers using it to describe the rational defense of the faith.

The transition from purely legal contexts to spiritual defense marks an important development in its usage, particularly in New Testament times where believers faced both legal and social pressures for their faith.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To make a formal defense in legal proceedings
• To give an account or explanation of one’s actions
• To speak in defense of truth or faith
• To respond to accusations with reasoned arguments

ἀπολογέομαι Translation Options:

• “To make a defense” – Best captures the formal, legal nuance
• “To give an answer” – Appropriate for less formal contexts
• “To speak in reply” – Useful for dialogue situations
• “To defend oneself” – Emphasizes the personal nature of the defense
• “To present a reasoned response” – Highlights the logical aspect

Biblical Usage

ἀπολογέομαι appears 10 times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts and Paul’s letters. Its first appearance in Luke 12:11 sets the tone for its usage in contexts of persecution and witness. Luke particularly employs this term to describe legal defenses of the faith, while Paul uses it both in legal contexts and in his epistles to describe his ministry defense.

The word carries a special significance in demonstrating how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to defend their faith in hostile environments. It often appears in contexts where human inadequacy meets divine enablement.

Key appearances include:

• “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense [ἀπολογέομαι]” Luke 12:11
• “Paul, having stretched out his hand, proceeded to make his defense [ἀπολογέομαι]” Acts 26:1
• “For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted [ἀπολογέομαι]” 1 Corinthians 4:4
• “See what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication [ἀπολογέομαι] of yourselves” 2 Corinthians 7:11

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the ability to present a formal defense was crucial in the legal system. Citizens accused of crimes would often hire professional rhetoricians to compose their defense speeches. This cultural context illuminates why the promise of Spirit-enabled defense in Luke 12:11 would have been particularly powerful to the original hearers.

The word’s connection to the Jewish legal system is also significant. In the Sanhedrin, accused individuals were given formal opportunity for defense, though in Jesus’ trial, this right was notably violated. This backdrop enriches our understanding of how early believers would have perceived the promise of divine help in their defensive speeches.

Theological Significance

ἀπολογέομαι represents a beautiful intersection of divine enablement and human responsibility. While believers are called to be prepared to give a defense for their hope (1 Peter 3:15), the New Testament consistently emphasizes that the Holy Spirit provides the wisdom and words needed in moments of persecution and questioning.

This word also connects to the broader theological theme of God’s vindication of His people. Just as Yahweh defended His servants in the Old Testament, the New Testament presents the Holy Spirit as the divine advocate who enables believers to stand firm in their testimony, transforming moments of trial into opportunities for powerful witness.

Personal Application

When facing opposition or questioning about our faith, we can take comfort in knowing that the same Spirit who empowered the early believers continues to work today. ἀπολογέομαι reminds us that we don’t need to fear confrontation or challenge, as God provides the wisdom and words we need in the moment.

This word challenges us to prepare ourselves through study and prayer, while ultimately relying on God’s enabling power rather than our own eloquence or wisdom. It encourages a balanced approach of diligent preparation and humble dependence on the Spirit.

Related Words

• ἀπολογία (apologia) – A speech in defense, a reasoned argument – Similar but noun form emphasizing the content of the defense. See G627
• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) – To reason, dispute – Related to reasoned discourse but without the legal connotation. See G1256
• πείθω (peitho) – To persuade – Focuses on the outcome rather than the process of defense. See G3982
• μαρτυρέω (martyreo) – To witness, testify – Often used in similar contexts but emphasizes testimony rather than defense. See G3140

Did you Know?

• The English word “apologetics” derives from ἀπολογέομαι, though its modern meaning of defending the faith systematically is broader than the New Testament usage.
• In ancient Athens, citizens accused of crimes were expected to deliver their own defense speeches, making the promise of Spirit-enabled defense particularly relevant to the early church.
• The famous second-century defense of Christianity by Justin Martyr, titled “Apologia,” takes its name from this word family, establishing a tradition of reasoned defense of the faith that continues today.

Remember This

ἀπολογέομαι reminds us that our strongest defense comes not from human wisdom but from the Holy Spirit’s enabling power, transforming moments of trial into opportunities for powerful witness.

Part of speech: Verb (Middle/Passive Deponent)

Tags: apologetics, defense, witness, persecution, Holy Spirit, testimony, legal terms, spiritual warfare, boldness, divine enablement, persecution, martyrdom, courage, speech, wisdom