ὁμολογέω

I confess, profess, acknowledge, praise

Definition

ὁμολογέω (omologeō) means to speak the same thing, to agree or confess. In the New Testament, it carries several nuanced meanings: (1) To confess or acknowledge something, often in a public or formal setting, such as confessing sins (1 John 1:9) or acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9). (2) To profess or declare openly, as seen when believers profess their faith despite opposition (John 9:22, 12:42). (3) To promise or agree, as in making a vow (Matthew 14:7). (4) In a Hebraic sense, it can mean to praise or give thanks to God, reflecting Old Testament usage (Hebrews 13:15).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 21 times across the Gospels, Acts, Pauline epistles, and Johannine literature. It is often used in contexts of public declaration, especially concerning faith in Jesus. For example, Jesus links confessing Him before others with His own confession before the Father (Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8). In John's Gospel, it describes the Pharisees' demand to confess if someone believed in Jesus (John 9:22). Paul uses it for confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and John emphasizes confessing sins (1 John 1:9) and confessing Jesus as the Son of God (1 John 4:15).

Etymology

Derived from ὁμός (homos, 'same') and λέγω (legō, 'to speak'), so literally 'to speak the same thing' or 'to agree.' This root idea of agreement or alignment underlies its various biblical meanings, from confessing truth to making a covenant-like promise.

Semantic Range

ὁμολογέω is theologically significant for understanding confession and profession of faith. It underscores the public, verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, which is essential for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). It also relates to the community aspect of faith, as believers are called to confess both their sins and their Savior, fostering unity and accountability (1 John 1:9, 4:15). The word enriches Bible reading by highlighting that biblical confession is not merely private but involves alignment with God's truth in word and life.

In the Greco-Roman world, public confession often had legal or social weight, such as in court settings or loyalty oaths. For Jews, confession was tied to liturgical praise and admission of sin. The New Testament usage bridges these, where confessing Jesus could lead to social ostracism or legal penalty, making it a costly act of allegiance. This contrasts with some modern private notions of faith.

ἐξομολογέω (exomologeō, G1843) — emphasizes confessing openly or fully, often with thanksgiving; ὁμολογουμένως (homologoumenōs, G3672) — an adverb meaning 'confessedly' or 'without controversy'; ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai, G1861) — focuses on promising or professing, with less emphasis on agreement.

Word Details

Scripture References