ἀπόκρισις (apokrisis)
apokrisis
answer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apokrisis simply means an answer or a reply. It is the direct result of asking a question, appearing in only four verses across the New Testament. The word captures the act of responding, without adding extra layers of emotion or complexity to the basic exchange.
In Scripture, this term highlights moments where people seek clarity from Jesus. In Luke 2:47, the twelve-year-old boy gives an answer that surprises his parents in the temple. Later, in John 19:9, Pilate asks a question and receives no apokrisis, leaving the silence to speak for itself.
The word derives from a verb meaning to separate or decide, suggesting that an answer draws a clear line between the question and its response. Translators consistently render it as "answer," keeping the focus on the straightforward nature of the dialogue rather than any hidden theological depth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face difficult questions in life, it is natural to look for clear answers. The Greek word apokrisis captures this simple act of responding. It appears only four times in the New Testament, reminding us that clarity is a gift. In Luke 2:47, the young Jesus amazes the temple teachers with His understanding. This shows that wisdom often comes from a heart aligned with God.
Sometimes, silence is also an answer. In John 19:9, Pilate asks Jesus where He is from, but receives no reply. This moment invites us to trust that God’s ways are not always immediately clear to us. We can find peace in knowing that our questions do not separate us from His care.
Whether we receive a detailed explanation or a quiet pause, we are held by grace. The word encourages us to seek truth with humility. It reminds us that every response, spoken or silent, is part of God’s larger story for our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an answer2×
- answers1×
- answer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπόκρισιν2×
- ἀποκρίσεσιν1×
- ἀποκρίσει1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:47
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
This verse highlights the young Jesus' wisdom, showing that His answers amazed those who heard Him.
-
John 19:9
He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
Here, Jesus’ silence serves as a profound response to Pilate’s question about His origin.
-
Luke 20:26
They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer and were silent.
The religious leaders marvel at Jesus' answer, which leaves them unable to trap Him in conversation.