ἐξομολογέομαι (exomologeomai)
exomologeomai
to agree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exomologeomai describes a public agreement or confession that aligns one’s words with reality. In the New Testament it carries two distinct but related meanings. It can mean to acknowledge sin openly, as when people confessed their sins in Matthew 3:6 and Mark 1:5, or when believers confess one another’s faults in James 5:16. This usage reflects a humble admission of wrongdoing before God and others.
Alternatively, the word signifies joyful praise or thanksgiving. Jesus uses it this way in Matthew 11:25 and Luke 10:21 to describe praising the Father for revealing truth to the simple. Paul also employs it in Romans 14:11 and 15:9 to speak of confessing God’s lordship, echoing the Old Testament tradition of acknowledging God’s glory. The prefix "ex-" intensifies the act, suggesting a full, open declaration rather than a private thought.
This word bridges confession and praise by showing that true acknowledgment of sin leads to worship, and true worship involves agreeing with God’s character. Translators often render it as "confess" or "praise," depending on context. The term appears ten times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Paul’s letters, highlighting its importance in early Christian practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exomologeomai invites us into honest alignment with God and others. It means to agree openly, whether by admitting our faults or by praising God’s character. This double movement—confession and praise—shows that humility and worship are deeply connected. When we acknowledge where we have fallen short, we make room for grace. When we declare God’s goodness, we join the chorus of heaven.
In daily life, this might look like admitting a mistake to a friend or thanking God in a quiet moment. It is not about perfection but about truth. The early church practiced this openly, sharing their struggles and celebrating God’s faithfulness together. Such honesty builds trust and invites healing.
As you reflect on this word, consider where God is calling you to agree with Him today. Perhaps it is a time to confess, to seek reconciliation, or simply to give thanks. In either case, He meets us with kindness. May your heart find peace in this honest dialogue with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- confessing3×
- I fully consent2×
- will confess1×
- may confess1×
- he promised1×
- do confess1×
- I will praise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξομολογούμενοι3×
- ἐξομολογοῦμαί2×
- ἐξωμολόγησεν1×
- ἐξομολογήσομαί1×
- ἐξομολογήσηται1×
- ἐξομολογήσεται1×
- ἐξομολογεῖσθε1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 3:6
They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
This verse shows the word used for publicly acknowledging personal sin as part of repentance.
-
Romans 14:11
For it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’”
Here the term is applied to every tongue confessing God’s lordship, linking human speech with divine authority.
-
James 5:16
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
The instruction to confess sins to one another highlights the communal and healing aspect of this open agreement.