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ἀποκρίνω (apokrinō)

apokrinō

to answer

G0611 · Greek · New Testament · 245 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
245 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb apokrinomai means to answer or respond, appearing 245 times in the New Testament with notable frequency in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. While its literal root involves separating or distinguishing, the word evolved in Koine Greek to describe the act of giving a reply. It functions as the standard term for dialogue throughout the narrative, marking the moments where characters engage with Jesus or one another.

A distinctive feature of its usage is a Hebraistic influence that treats "answering" and "speaking" as nearly synonymous. In passages like Matthew 4:4 and John 1:49, the text often pairs apokrinomai with verbs meaning "to say," reflecting the Hebrew pattern where responding initiates speech. This usage highlights that in biblical narrative, an answer is not merely a reaction but the beginning of a new statement or action.

Translators typically render this word as "answered" or "replied," capturing its role in driving conversation forward. The sources note that while classical Greek used it for separation, the New Testament relies on its passive forms to denote responding to a question or address. This shift underscores how the term became the primary vehicle for theological and personal exchange in the early Christian writings.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When we see the word 'answered' in the Gospels, it often marks a turning point in a conversation. It is not just a polite reply; it is an act of engagement that opens the door for deeper truth. In Matthew 16:16, Peter’s simple answer reveals a profound spiritual insight that Jesus affirms as coming from God. This shows us that our honest responses to Jesus are met with grace and clarity.

Even silence can be a form of answering, as seen when Jesus does not reply to the persistent requests in Matthew 15:23. His quietness invites us to look closer at our own hearts and motives. The way we answer others reflects how we listen to God. By paying attention to these exchanges, we learn that every word carries weight and opportunity for connection.

May you find peace in knowing that your prayers and questions are heard. Just as Jesus responded with wisdom and love, He invites you to bring your whole self into conversation with Him. There is space for your doubts, your joys, and your search for meaning in this ongoing dialogue.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 245 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • answering83×
  • Answered71×
  • Answering32×
  • answered15×
  • They answered7×
  • He answered5×
  • answered;3×
  • answer You3×
  • will answer2×
  • he answered2×
  • do answer2×
  • you shall answer1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἀποκριθεὶς86×
  • ἀπεκρίθη49×
  • Ἀπεκρίθη31×
  • Ἀποκριθεὶς22×
  • ἀπεκρίθησαν17×
  • ἀποκριθέντες6×
  • ἀπεκρίνατο6×
  • ἀποκρίνῃ3×
  • ἀποκρίνεται3×
  • ἀπεκρίθη·3×
  • Ἀπεκρίθησαν2×
  • ἀποκρίθητέ2×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 16:16
    Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Peter’s answer identifies Jesus as the Christ, showing that true understanding comes from divine revelation rather than human reasoning.

  • Matthew 4:4
    But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”

    Jesus uses this reply to correct Satan by grounding His response in Scripture, demonstrating that God's word is our primary sustenance.

  • Matthew 15:23
    But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

    The text notes Jesus answered no word here, highlighting that silence can be a powerful part of divine interaction and testing faith.

  • Matthew 11:4
    Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

    Jesus answers John’s disciples by pointing to His miracles, letting the evidence speak for itself rather than offering abstract arguments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'apokrinomai' mean in the New Testament?

The Greek verb apokrinomai means to answer or reply. It appears frequently in the Gospels as the standard term for dialogue, marking moments where characters engage with Jesus or one another. While its root suggests separating, it evolved to describe giving a response.

How is 'apokrinomai' different from other words for speaking?

Unlike general terms for speech, apokrinomai specifically denotes a reply to a question or address. It often carries a Hebraistic influence where answering and speaking are nearly synonymous, emphasizing that the response initiates new speech or action.

Why does Jesus sometimes not answer in the Gospels?

In passages like Matthew 15:23, Jesus answers no word. This silence serves as a form of engagement, inviting deeper reflection or testing faith rather than providing an immediate verbal reply. It shows that non-response can still be a meaningful part of divine interaction.

Every Occurrence (245 verses across 7 books)

Matthew 56 verses
Matthew 3:15

But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…

Matthew 11:4

Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

Matthew 11:25

At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…

Matthew 12:38

Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

Matthew 12:39

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the…

Matthew 12:48

But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”

Matthew 13:11

He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.

Matthew 13:37

He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,

Matthew 14:28

Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”

Matthew 15:3

He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?

Matthew 15:13

But he answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted.

Matthew 15:15

Peter answered him, “Explain the parable to us.”

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

Matthew 15:24

But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15:26

But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was…

Matthew 16:2

But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:17

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…

Matthew 17:4

Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…

Matthew 17:11

Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things;

Matthew 17:17

Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…

Matthew 19:4

He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

Matthew 19:27

Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 20:13

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius?

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…

Matthew 21:24

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…

Matthew 21:27

They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do…

Matthew 21:29

He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.

Matthew 21:30

He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go.

Matthew 22:1

Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying,

Matthew 22:29

But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

Matthew 22:46

No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.

Matthew 24:2

But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…

Matthew 24:4

Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.

Matthew 25:9

But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…

Matthew 25:12

But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

Matthew 25:26

“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…

Matthew 25:37

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a…

Matthew 25:40

“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,…

Matthew 25:44

“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…

Matthew 25:45

“Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these,…

Matthew 26:23

He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.

Matthew 26:25

Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”

Matthew 26:33

But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”

Matthew 26:62

The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus stayed silent. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God that you tell us whether you are…

Matthew 26:66

What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!”

Matthew 27:12

When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Matthew 27:14

He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Matthew 27:21

But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

Matthew 27:25

All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”

Matthew 28:5

The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Mark 40 verses
Luke 48 verses
John 78 verses
Acts 21 verses
Colossians 1 verse
Revelation of John 1 verse