ἀπολογέομαι

apologéomai /ap-ol-og-eh'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from a compound of ἀπό and λόγος; to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e. exculpate (self)
KJV usageanswer (for self), make defence, excuse (self), speak for self.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word apologéomai, represented by G626, refers to the act of making a defense or giving a formal account of oneself. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses, and its base definition is to give an account or legal plea to exculpate oneself. This is reflected in its various translations, including to "answer for self," "make defence," and "excuse (self)."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G626 is frequently used in legal or quasi-legal contexts, particularly in the book of Acts to describe the apostle Paul's formal defenses. For instance, he is permitted to speak for himself before King Agrippa Acts 26:1 and answers for himself against accusations concerning the Jewish law, the temple, and Caesar Acts 25:8. The term is also used when instructing believers not to premeditate how they will answer when brought before magistrates and powers Luke 21:14. Beyond a legal setting, it can describe the inner workings of the conscience, which is capable of excusing one's thoughts Romans 2:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of making a defense:

  • G1458 enkaléō (to accuse, call in question): This word provides the context of accusation that necessitates a defense. Paul prepares to answer for himself G626 concerning all the things whereof he is accused by the Jews Acts 26:2.
  • G3004 légō (to speak or say): This general term for speaking is distinguished from the specific act of defending. King Agrippa first permits Paul to speak G3004, after which Paul proceeds to answer for himself G626 Acts 26:1.
  • G2923 kritḗs (a judge): This establishes the formal, often legal, setting for an apology. Paul states he will cheerfully answer for himself G626 before the governor, whom he acknowledges has been a judge for many years Acts 24:10.

Theological Significance

The use of G626 carries significant practical and theological weight, particularly regarding testimony and conscience.

  • A Reasoned Defense of Faith: The word underscores the call for a reasoned account when one's faith is challenged. Paul considers himself "happy" to answer for himself before King Agrippa, viewing it as an opportunity to testify Acts 26:2.
  • Divine Empowerment in Testimony: Believers are instructed not to meditate before what they will answer Luke 21:14, implying a reliance on divine assistance when called to account for their faith before authorities Luke 12:11.
  • The Court of Conscience: The concept extends to the internal moral realm, where a person's thoughts may be found accusing or excusing one another, demonstrating an innate process of self-defense Romans 2:15.
  • Vindication of Ministry: The term is also used when Paul defends his apostolic ministry to the Corinthians, clarifying his purpose is to speak before God for their edification, not simply to excuse himself to them 2 Corinthians 12:19.

Summary

In summary, apologéomai G626 is a dynamic term for a reasoned and formal defense. It is most often used to describe the act of answering accusations in a high-stakes setting, such as Paul's trials before Roman rulers. It encompasses the believer's duty to provide a defense for their faith, the internal moral accounting of the conscience, and the need to justify one's actions to others. The word consistently appears in contexts of accusation and vindication, where one must answer for self.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Infinitive 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Deponent Infinitive 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Acts (6 verses).

2
Luke
6
Acts
1
Romans
1
2 Corinthians

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.