ὁμολογία
homología
G3671 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Acknowledgment or declaration, especially of agreement or confession. Refers to an open statement or avowal, whether as a confession (e.g., of faith, allegiance, faults) or in the sense of a public declaration. Extends to any formal profession or affirmation, including legal testimony or agreement.
Semantic Range
acknowledgment, confession, public declaration, profession, formal avowal, agreement, formal assent, legal declaration
Root / Etymology
From the verb ὁμολογέω (homologeō, 'to agree, to confess, to declare') and its root ὁμολόγ-, which is composed of ὁμός ('same') + λέγω ('to say, to speak'). Thus, originally meaning 'saying the same thing,' i.e., agreeing or affirming together.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὁμολογία has a primary sense of 'agreement' or 'concord,' often used of legal contracts, treaties, or formal assent. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in religious and philosophical contexts, the word extended to signify confession (of faith, sin, or allegiance) and formal professions before witnesses. In the New Testament, ὁμολογία typically denotes a public confession or declaration, often referring to acknowledgment of allegiance or faith before others (e.g., 1 Tim 6:12-13; Heb 3:1; 4:14; 10:23). In the Septuagint, the term is rare but may be used in the sense of giving thanks or making a solemn affirmation (cf. LXX 2 Chr 23:13). English Bible translations variously render ὁμολογία as 'confession,' 'profession,' or 'acknowledgment'; however, each English term may reflect different nuances of the original Greek. Unlike mere private belief, ὁμολογία emphasizes public or formal declaration, often with legal, communal, or ritual implications. Distinct from other terms like προσκύνησις ('worship') or πίστη ('faith'), as ὁμολογία centers on spoken agreement or declaration rather than act or trust. The semantic field covers contexts from contracts and treaties to religious or judicial confession. The meaning can also contrast with denial (ἄρνησις), thus implying a stance that is not hidden but manifest.
Translation Consistency
Ὁμολογία most often denotes a public acknowledgment or avowal (e.g., confession of faith or admission). “Confession” is the natural, common English word that covers the primary senses (acknowledgment, public declaration, profession) and fits typical New Testament usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as ὁμολογέω; acknowledgment:--con- (pro-)fession, professed.
Root Family
ὁμολογία (homologia) — acknowledgment, confession, public declaration, agreement
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3671-02 |
ὁμολογίας | omologias | N GEN F SG |
confession | of declaration | of confession | 3 |
G3671-01 |
ὁμολογίαν | omologian | N ACC F SG |
confession | formal declaration | the confession | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3671-02 |
2 Corinthians 9:13 | ὁμολογίας | omologias | N GEN F SG |
confession | of declaration | of confession |
G3671-01 |
1 Timothy 6:12 | ὁμολογίαν | omologian | N ACC F SG |
confession | formal declaration | the confession |
G3671-01 |
1 Timothy 6:13 | ὁμολογίαν | omologian | N ACC F SG |
confession | formal declaration | the confession |
G3671-02 |
Hebrews 3:1 | ὁμολογίας | omologias | N GEN F SG |
confession | of declaration | of confession |
G3671-02 |
Hebrews 4:14 | ὁμολογίας | omologias | N GEN F SG |
confession | of declaration | of confession |
G3671-01 |
Hebrews 10:23 | ὁμολογίαν | omologian | N ACC F SG |
confession | formal declaration | the confession |