The meaning of “ὁμολογέω”
Understanding homologéō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
con- (pro-)fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise. - to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge
ὁμολογέω
con- (pro-)fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise. - to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 10:32 | “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” Word: ὁμολογέω (homologéō) | |
| John 9:22 | “These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” Word: ὁμολογέω (homologéō) | |
| Romans 10:10 | “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Word: ὁμολογέω (homologéō) | |
| Titus 1:16 | “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ” Word: ὁμολογέω (homologéō) | |
| 1 John 4:2 | “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:” Word: ὁμολογέω (homologéō) |
Theological Word Study: Confess
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To confess, praise, give thanks
The Hebrew yadah (יָדָה) means to confess or give thanks—acknowledging truth openly. 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy' (Proverbs 28:13).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To confess, acknowledge, agree
The Greek homologeo (ὁμολογέω) means to say the same thing—agreeing with God about sin or truth. 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins' (1 John 1:9).