ὁμολογία

a profession, confession

Definition

ὁμολογία refers to a public profession, confession, or agreement. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes a formal declaration of faith, such as the confession of Jesus as Lord (1 Timothy 6:12) or the confession of Christian hope (Hebrews 10:23). It can also signify a mutual agreement or partnership, as seen in the context of the Corinthians' contribution being a confession of their submission to the gospel (2 Corinthians 9:13). Additionally, it is used for the confession or office held by Jesus as our high priest (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14).

Biblical Usage

This noun appears six times, predominantly in the pastoral and general epistles. It is used in contexts of Christian commitment: urging believers to hold fast to their confession of hope (Hebrews 10:23), describing Jesus as the high priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14), and charging Timothy to fight the good fight while having made the good confession (1 Timothy 6:12-13). The usage in 2 Corinthians 9:13 is slightly different, referring to the Corinthians' confession or proof of obedience through their generous giving.

Etymology

Derived from ὁμολογέω (homologeō, G3670), meaning 'to say the same thing,' 'to agree,' or 'to confess.' It combines ὁμός (homos, 'same') and λόγος (logos, 'word, speech'). Thus, ὁμολογία fundamentally means 'saying the same thing,' implying agreement, acknowledgment, or public declaration.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the essential public nature of Christian faith. It moves belief from private thought to public testimony and commitment. Understanding ὁμολογία enriches reading by highlighting that faith in Christ involves a definitive, often costly, declaration of allegiance—it is the 'good confession' (1 Timothy 6:12) that identifies one with Jesus, who Himself witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate (1 Timothy 6:13). It is central to the concept of covenant faithfulness and Christian identity.

In the Greco-Roman world, a public confession or agreement (ὁμολογία) often had legal or formal weight, binding parties in relationships or treaties. For early Christians, making a 'confession' of Jesus as Lord (contrary to confessing 'Caesar is lord') was a radical, counter-cultural act that could lead to social ostracism or persecution. It signified a transfer of ultimate allegiance.

ἐξομολόγησις (exomologēsis, G1843) — typically emphasizes confession in the sense of acknowledging or praising, often used for confession of sin or praise to God. μαρτυρία (martyria, G3141) — testimony or witness, focusing on the act of bearing witness rather than the specific content of a declaration.

Word Details

Scripture References