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1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apologia

Root Words: The term ἀπολογία (apologia) is derived from ἀπό (apo, “away from”) and λόγος (logos, “speech” or “reason”).

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Primary Meanings:

• A formal defense or justification of one’s actions or beliefs.
• An explanation or reasoned reply in response to accusations or criticism.
• A speech or written work defending a particular position or doctrine.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπολογία as “a formal defense,” particularly in a legal or rhetorical context. It highlights its use in presenting a reasoned justification for one’s actions or beliefs. BDAG notes that the term can also imply a reasoned response or explanation in defense of a position.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπολογία as “a defense,” especially in the context of defending oneself or one’s views in a formal manner. It emphasizes the term’s application in making a reasoned and articulate defense.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines ἀπολογία as “a verbal defense,” focusing on its role in providing a reasoned and structured argument to justify or explain one’s actions or beliefs.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ outlines ἀπολογία as “a defense, a justification,” used in both legal and rhetorical contexts to describe a reasoned explanation or defense of one’s actions or views.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights ἀπολογία as “a defense” or “a reasoned reply,” particularly in contexts where one is defending their beliefs or actions.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Plato (Apology, 4th century BCE): In Plato’s “Apology,” Socrates’ speech is an example of ἀπολογία as he defends his philosophical stance and actions before the Athenian court.

Aristotle (Rhetoric, 4th century BCE): Aristotle discusses the concept of ἀπολογία in his work on rhetoric, focusing on its role in crafting a formal defense or justification in speech.

Demosthenes (Orations, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes employs ἀπολογία in his speeches to provide a reasoned defense of his political actions and decisions.

4. Summary:

ἀπολογία (apologia) refers to a formal defense or justification of one’s actions, beliefs, or positions. It involves presenting a reasoned explanation in response to criticism or accusation. In classical Greek literature, it is used in both legal and rhetorical contexts to denote a structured and reasoned defense. The term’s application ranges from philosophical defenses to political justifications, reflecting its significance in formal speech and writing. In the New Testament, ἀπολογία often pertains to defending one’s faith or beliefs, highlighting its role in articulate and reasoned responses.