from ἐκ and ὁμολογέω; to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully:--confess, profess, promise.
Transliteration:exomologéō
Pronunciation:ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word exomologéō (`{{G1843}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb ὁμολογέω (homologéō, `{{G3670}}`), which means "to speak the same," "to agree," "to confess," or "to acknowledge." The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the meaning of the root verb, suggesting a full, open, public, or definitive confession or acknowledgment.
The semantic range of exomologéō in the New Testament encompasses several nuances:
* **Confession of Sins:** To openly and fully acknowledge one's transgressions, often with an implication of repentance. This is a speaking *out* of inner guilt.
* **Confession of Praise or Thanksgiving:** To express full and open praise, gratitude, or adoration to God. This is an acknowledgment of His character, deeds, or benefits.
* **Confession of Faith or Allegiance:** To publicly declare one's belief, loyalty, or submission, particularly to divine truth or authority.
* **Agreement or Promise:** In some contexts, it can denote a full agreement or a solemn promise, though this is less common in the New Testament than the other two primary senses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Exomologéō appears 10 times in the New Testament, with distinct applications:
* **Confession of Sins:**
* In the accounts of John the Baptist's ministry, people came to be baptized "confessing their sins" ([[Matthew 3:6]], [[Mark 1:5]]). This signifies a public and explicit acknowledgment of wrongdoing as a prerequisite for repentance and baptism.
* Similarly, in Ephesus, after witnessing Paul's ministry, many who had practiced magic "came confessing and disclosing their practices" ([[Acts 19:18]]). This demonstrates a turning away from former ways through open admission.
* [[James 5:16]] exhorts believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Here, the open confession within the community is linked to spiritual and physical healing, fostering reconciliation and mutual support.
* **Confession of Praise/Thanksgiving:**
* Jesus uses exomologéō when addressing the Father: "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children" ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]). This is not a confession of sin, but a profound expression of grateful acknowledgment and adoration for God's sovereign wisdom and gracious revelation.
* [[Romans 14:11]], quoting [[Isaiah 45:23]], states, "For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'" This prophecy speaks of a universal acknowledgment of God's ultimate sovereignty and authority, whether willingly or under compulsion.
* The climactic use is in [[Philippians 2:11]]: "and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This is the ultimate and universal declaration of Christ's supreme lordship, an open acknowledgment that brings glory to God.
* **Promise/Agreement:**
* The only instance where exomologéō carries the sense of a promise or agreement, rather than confession or praise, is in [[Luke 22:6]], where Judas "promised" (or "agreed") to betray Jesus. This particular usage highlights the solemnity of the agreement, even when it is for an evil purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὁμολογέω (homologéō) `{{G3670}}`**: The root word, meaning "to confess," "to acknowledge," or "to profess." Exomologéō intensifies this, emphasizing the public, full, or open nature of the confession. While homologéō can be used for general confession, exomologéō implies a more thorough or outward declaration.
* **ἀρνέομαι (arneomai) `{{G720}}`**: The antonym, meaning "to deny" or "to refuse." The contrast between confessing and denying is crucial in biblical theology (e.g., denying Christ).
* **Repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia `{{G3341}}`)**: Confession of sins using exomologéō is an integral and outward component of true repentance, demonstrating a change of mind and heart.
* **Praise and Worship (αἶνος, ainos `{{G136}}`; ἔπαινος, epainos `{{G1868}}`)**: When exomologéō is used for praise, it denotes a profound act of worship, an open declaration of God's worthiness and character.
* **Faith (πίστις, pistis `{{G4102}}`)**: The public confession of faith, particularly in Christ's lordship, is a manifestation of inward belief and allegiance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of exomologéō is profound and multifaceted:
* **Authenticity and Transparency:** The "ex-" prefix underscores the necessity of an *outward* and *full* expression. True confession, whether of sin or praise, is not merely internal; it demands articulation and public declaration. This speaks to the biblical emphasis on transparency and honesty before God and the community.
* **Reconciliation and Healing:** In the context of sin, exomologéō is presented as a crucial step towards divine forgiveness and communal reconciliation. The open acknowledgment of sin facilitates spiritual healing, restoration, and the experience of grace within the body of Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Response:** When used in praise, exomologéō highlights the appropriate human response to God's revelation and ultimate authority. It is an act of humble adoration, acknowledging God's wisdom, justice, and redemptive work. It anticipates the universal acknowledgment of His reign.
* **The Lordship of Christ:** The pinnacle of exomologéō is the universal confession that "Jesus Christ is Lord" ([[Philippians 2:11]]). This is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound declaration of allegiance, signifying Christ's ultimate victory, authority, and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is a fundamental tenet of Christian faith and worship.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** Whether confessing sin, offering praise, or declaring allegiance, exomologéō often implies a deeper engagement within a covenantal relationship with God, where open communication and faithfulness are paramount.
### Summary
The Greek word exomologéō (`{{G1843}}`) is a robust verb signifying a full, open, and public acknowledgment or confession. Rooted in ὁμολογέω (`{{G3670}}`) and intensified by the prefix ἐκ, it carries significant weight in the New Testament. Its primary applications include the sincere and public *confession of sins*, which is vital for repentance and healing within the community ([[Matthew 3:6]], [[James 5:16]]). It is also prominently used for the joyful and open *confession of praise or thanksgiving to God*, acknowledging His character, wisdom, and works ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]). Ultimately, exomologéō culminates in the eschatological and universal *confession of Jesus Christ as Lord*, a profound declaration of ultimate allegiance and divine sovereignty ([[Philippians 2:11]]). Thus, exomologéō is more than a simple utterance; it represents a profound, outward expression of an inward reality, whether it be repentance, adoration, or ultimate submission to divine authority.
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