ὁμολογουμένως

admittedly

Definition

The adverb ὁμολογουμένως means 'admittedly,' 'confessedly,' or 'without controversy.' It describes something that is universally acknowledged, agreed upon, or beyond dispute. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 1 Timothy 3:16, it introduces the 'mystery of godliness' as a truth that is openly and unquestionably confessed by the church. The term carries a sense of public, collective agreement rather than private opinion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 3:16. It functions to emphatically introduce a foundational creedal statement about Christ, presenting it as a truth universally acknowledged and proclaimed by believers. The context is pastoral, where Paul is instructing Timothy on church conduct and the core truths of the faith. The adverb sets the following confession apart as non-negotiable and central.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ὁμολογέω (homologeō, G3670), meaning 'to confess,' 'to agree,' or 'to promise.' ὁμολογουμένως is the adverbial form of the perfect passive participle, literally meaning 'in a confessed manner' or 'as something that has been agreed upon.' It emphasizes the state of being publicly and formally acknowledged.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the early church's practice of confessing core truths. In 1 Timothy 3:16, it underscores that the following Christological hymn—detailing Christ's incarnation, vindication, and ascension—was not a private belief but the church's public, undisputed confession. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the objective, creedal nature of early Christian faith, contrasting with purely subjective experience.

In the Greco-Roman world, public confession or agreement (ὁμολογία) was important in legal, political, and religious contexts. It implied a binding, formal acknowledgment. Using this adverb for a Christian truth would resonate as declaring something to be officially and communally established, much like a ratified treaty or a sworn testimony.

ἀληθῶς (alēthōs, G230) — means 'truly' or 'in truth,' focusing on factual reality rather than communal agreement. πάντως (pantōs, G3843) — means 'certainly' or 'altogether,' expressing certainty but not necessarily universal confession.

Word Details

Scripture References