Pronunciation Guide: an-al-og-ee'-ah

Basic Definition

Strong's G356: ἀναλογία (analogia) refers to a proportion, ratio, or corresponding relationship between two things. In biblical usage, it specifically describes the measure or proportion of faith given by God, suggesting a divinely established correlation between one's faith capacity and their spiritual function within the Body of the Messiah.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Words: ἀνά (ana, "up, throughout") + λόγος (logos, "word, reason")
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching and doctrinal passages

ἀναλογία Morphology:

• ἀναλογία (nominative singular) - proportion
• ἀναλογίας (genitive singular) - of proportion
• ἀναλογίᾳ (dative singular) - in/with proportion

Origin & History

The term ἀναλογία has a rich history in classical Greek, particularly in mathematics and philosophy. Plato used it in "The Republic" to describe proportional relationships in his theory of justice. Aristotle employed it extensively in his "Nicomachean Ethics" to explain moral virtue as a mean between extremes.

In the Hellenistic period, the concept gained prominence in mathematical and architectural writings. Vitruvius, the Roman architect, used the Latin equivalent "analogia" to describe the mathematical proportions that created aesthetic harmony in architecture, reflecting what he believed to be divine design principles.

The Septuagint translators occasionally used forms of this word family to translate Hebrew concepts of measurement and proportion, though the exact noun ἀναλογία does not appear in the Greek Old Testament.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A mathematical proportion or ratio between two quantities
• A corresponding relationship where one thing is comparable to another
• A measure or standard by which something is evaluated
• The harmonious relationship between parts of a whole

ἀναλογία Translation Options:

• "Proportion" - Emphasizes the mathematical and measurable aspect
• "Measure" - Highlights the standard or evaluative function
• "Corresponding relationship" - Captures the concept of correlation
• "Analogous relationship" - Reflects the comparative aspect

Biblical Usage

The word ἀναλογία appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 12:6, where Paul discusses the exercise of spiritual gifts "according to the proportion of faith." This usage suggests that God gives both the gift and the corresponding measure of faith necessary to exercise it properly.

This concept aligns with Paul's broader teaching about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:7, where he emphasizes that gifts are distributed according to God's sovereign wisdom and grace.

• "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion [ἀναλογία] of faith" Romans 12:6

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek mathematics and architecture, the concept of ἀναλογία was closely tied to the "golden ratio" (φ), a mathematical proportion found throughout nature that was considered to reflect divine design. The Greeks saw this ratio as evidence of divine order in creation, much as the Hebrews understood God's wisdom as being evident in the precise measurements of the Temple and its furnishings.

The Jewish concept of middot (measures) in rabbinic interpretation shares some conceptual overlap with ἀναλογία, as both involve understanding proportional relationships in divine revelation. The rabbis taught that Torah interpretation required understanding the proper "measure" or proportion of application, similar to how Paul teaches about exercising gifts according to the proportion of faith.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναλογία in Romans 12:6 reveals God's perfect wisdom in distributing spiritual gifts. It shows that He not only gives the gifts but also the corresponding measure of faith needed to exercise them properly. This demonstrates His complete provision and perfect design in building up the Body of the Messiah.

This concept also reflects God's character as a God of order and purpose. Just as He established mathematical proportions in creation that reflect His wisdom, He establishes spiritual proportions in His Body that reflect His perfect design for unity and mutual edification.

The principle of ἀναλογία teaches us about humility in ministry, reminding us that we should neither exceed nor diminish the measure of faith God has given us. This promotes harmony in the Body while preventing both pride and false humility.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναλογία should lead us to embrace both the gifts and the measure of faith God has given us. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or trying to operate beyond our faith capacity, we should focus on faithfully exercising our gifts within the proportion God has established.

This concept also encourages us to trust God's wisdom in how He has gifted us and others. When we accept and operate within our divinely appointed measure, we experience the joy and peace of functioning as God intended in His Body.

Related Words

• μέτρον (metron) - measure, limit, determined extent - Shows how God measures and apportions gifts according to His purpose See G3358
• λόγος (logos) - word, reason, account - Forms part of the compound word and relates to divine reasoning See G3056
• καταλογίζομαι (katalogizomai) - to count, reckon, consider - Shares the root concept of logical reckoning See G2661
• συλλογίζομαι (syllogizomai) - to reason together, compute - Related to logical calculation and proportion See G4817

Did you Know?

• The modern English word "analogy" derives directly from ἀναλογία, preserving its core meaning of corresponding relationships after more than two millennia of use.
• The concept of ἀναλογία was so important in ancient Greek mathematics that it formed the basis for the theory of proportions in Euclid's Elements, which remained the standard mathematics textbook until the 19th century.
• The rabbinical schools of the first century taught that there was an analogous relationship between the measurements of the earthly Temple and the heavenly sanctuary, reflecting the Hebrew understanding of earthly things being proportional to heavenly realities.

Remember This

ἀναλογία reveals God's perfect proportional design in both creation and spiritual gifts, reminding us that He gives both the gift and the exact measure of faith needed to exercise it for His glory.