### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word homología (G3671) is derived from the verb homologéō (G3670), which is a compound of homos (same) and legō (to speak). Literally, it signifies "speaking the same thing" or "agreement." As a noun, homología thus denotes an "acknowledgment," "confession," or "profession." It carries the semantic weight of a public, formal, and often solemn declaration of belief, allegiance, or a known truth. It is more than a private thought; it is an outward, articulated expression that brings one's words into alignment with an inner conviction or an objective reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Homología appears six times in the New Testament, consistently pointing to a significant declaration of faith or truth:
* **[[1 Timothy 6:12]]**: "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Here, the "good confession" (kalēn homología) likely refers to a public declaration of faith, perhaps at baptism or ordination, signifying a decisive commitment to Christ. It is a foundational act in the believer's life.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:13]]**: "I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate." This verse presents Jesus's own "good confession" (kalēn homología) before Pilate (cf. [[John 18:37]]) as the supreme exemplar. Jesus's unwavering affirmation of His divine kingship, even in the face of death, sets the ultimate standard for Christian confession.
* **[[Hebrews 3:1]]**: "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus." In this context, Jesus is both the content and the object of our homología. He is the one whom we confess, and He is the one who enables and embodies our confession as our High Priest.
* **[[Hebrews 4:14]]**: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." This verse exhorts believers to "hold fast" (kratōmen) their homología, emphasizing the need for perseverance and steadfastness in faith, especially in the face of trials or temptations to abandon one's allegiance to Christ.
* **[[Hebrews 10:23]]**: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Similar to [[Hebrews 4:14]], this reiterates the importance of maintaining one's homología, specifically linking it to "hope" (elpidos). It is a public declaration of future expectation grounded in God's unwavering faithfulness.
* **[[2 Corinthians 9:13]]**: "Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all." Here, homología is connected to "obedience to the gospel of Christ" (hupakoēs tēs homología tou Christou). This demonstrates that confession is not merely a verbal statement but is authenticated by a life of practical obedience and generous action, showing the ethical implications of one's declared faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **homologéō (G3670):** The verbal root of homología, meaning "to confess," "to acknowledge," or "to declare." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament for confessing sins ([[1 John 1:9]]), confessing Jesus as Lord ([[Romans 10:9]]), or confessing Christ before men ([[Matthew 10:32]]). The noun homología represents the *act* or *result* of this confession.
* **exomologéō (G1843):** A related verb, often implying a full and open confession, sometimes accompanied by praise or thanksgiving (e.g., [[Matthew 11:25]]). While sharing the core meaning of declaration, homología specifically highlights the public and often formal nature of the confession.
* **Faith (pistis `{{G4102}}`):** Confession is the outward, verbal manifestation of inward faith. One confesses what one truly believes.
* **Hope (elpis `{{G1680}}`):** As seen in [[Hebrews 10:23]], homología is intrinsically linked to the Christian's hope, particularly the hope of salvation and future glory.
* **Witness (martyria `{{G3141}}`, martys `{{G3144}}`):** The act of confession often occurs in the presence of others, thereby functioning as a testimony or witness to the truth of Christ. Jesus Himself made the "good confession" as a witness.
### Theological Significance
The concept of homología holds profound theological significance:
* **Public Identification with Christ:** Homología underscores the public and corporate dimension of Christian faith. It is a declared allegiance to Christ, making one's commitment known to the world and to the community of believers. This public identification is crucial for discipleship and fellowship.
* **Foundation of Christian Life:** The "good confession" is presented as a pivotal and foundational act for believers ([[1 Timothy 6:12]]). It marks a decisive turning point, a public commitment that shapes one's identity and trajectory in Christ.
* **Imitation of Christ's Example:** Jesus's own "good confession" before Pontius Pilate serves as the ultimate paradigm. His unwavering declaration of truth, even unto death, calls believers to a similar steadfastness and courage in their own confession, regardless of the cost.
* **Perseverance in Faith:** The repeated exhortations in Hebrews to "hold fast our confession" ([[Hebrews 4:14]], [[Hebrews 10:23]]) highlight the necessity of endurance. Confession is not a one-time event but an ongoing, active commitment to the truth of Christ, requiring steadfastness in the face of trials, persecution, or theological drift.
* **Confession as Obedience and Action:** [[2 Corinthians 9:13]] expands the understanding of homología beyond mere verbal assent to encompass tangible acts of obedience and generosity. True confession is demonstrated by a life that consistently aligns with the confessed truth, impacting one's character, actions, and relationships.
* **Christ as the Object and Enabler:** Jesus is central to homología. He is the content of our confession ("our confession, Jesus" [[Hebrews 3:1]]), the one whom we declare, and simultaneously the High Priest who enables and sustains our ability to confess.
### Summary
The Greek word homología (G3671) denotes a public "acknowledgment," "confession," or "profession." Derived from homologéō (G3670), it signifies "speaking the same thing," indicating an alignment between one's words and a deeply held conviction or objective truth. In the New Testament, homología consistently refers to a significant and often public declaration of faith in Christ, exemplified supremely by Jesus's own "good confession" before Pilate ([[1 Timothy 6:13]]). This homología is portrayed as a foundational act for believers ([[1 Timothy 6:12]]), something to be steadfastly "held fast" through perseverance ([[Hebrews 4:14]], [[Hebrews 10:23]]), and demonstrated not only verbally but also through a life of obedience and generous action ([[2 Corinthians 9:13]]). It underscores the public, enduring, and transformative nature of Christian commitment, centered on Christ as both its ultimate object and its divine enabler.
TRV