ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai)
apologeomai
to defend oneself
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apologeomai means to make a defense or give an account, often in a legal setting. It appears ten times in the New Testament, with significant usage in Luke and Acts where it describes believers explaining their faith before authorities.
Its root combines a prefix meaning "away" with logos, relating to speech or reason. This suggests a structured, reasoned argument rather than an emotional plea. In Acts 25:8, Paul uses this term when stating he has done no wrong against Jewish law or the temple, highlighting its formal nature.
Translators typically render it as "defend oneself" or "make a defense." The word emphasizes clarity and justification, showing how early Christians articulated their beliefs under pressure. Its presence in Romans 2:15 further illustrates its use in describing the conscience's role in moral accountability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apologeomai points to a reasoned defense rather than an emotional outburst. In the New Testament, it describes believers giving clear accounts of their faith before authorities. This offers comfort when you feel pressured or misunderstood, reminding you that calm clarity is often more effective than anxiety.
Paul’s example in Acts 25:8 shows this principle in action. He stated simply that he had done no wrong against Jewish law or the temple. His defense was structured and factual, not frantic. This approach can guide your own conversations, helping you speak with integrity even in difficult situations.
Even Romans 2:15 extends this idea inward, showing how conscience acts as a witness to our moral standing. You do not need to manufacture arguments or fear silence. Trust that God provides the words and the clarity needed for your specific season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to present a defense;2×
- you may present a defense1×
- we are presenting a defense.1×
- was presenting a defense:1×
- was presenting a defense1×
- to present a defense1×
- presenting a defense1×
- is presenting a defense1×
- I present a defense;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπολογουμένου2×
- ἀπολογήσησθε1×
- ἀπολογοῦμαι·1×
- ἀπολογούμεθα.1×
- ἀπολογουμένων,1×
- ἀπολογηθῆναι·1×
- ἀπολογεῖσθαι·1×
- ἀπολογεῖσθαι1×
- ἀπελογεῖτο·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:8
while he said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.”
Paul uses this term to formally state his innocence before Caesar, highlighting its legal and structured nature.
-
Acts 24:10
When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,
Paul cheerfully makes his defense before Governor Felix, showing confidence rooted in historical truth rather than fear.
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Luke 12:11
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer or what you will say;
Jesus instructs believers not to anxiety about how to defend themselves, promising divine guidance in the moment.
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Romans 2:15
in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)
The conscience is described as excusing or accusing thoughts, using this root to describe internal moral accountability.