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ἀπολογία

apología

G627 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A verbal defense, speech of self-justification or explanation, formal argument or speech offered in answer to accusation or inquiry. The primary sense involves providing a reasoned account or justification in response to criticism, accusation, or questioning. Can refer both to informal self-explanation and to formal defense speeches, especially in a legal or judicial setting.

Semantic Range

defense speech, formal legal defense, reasoned response to accusation, self-justification, argument in one's own behalf, reply to criticism

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀπολογέομαι (to make a defense, to speak in one's own behalf), which is formed from ἀπο- (away from, in response to) + λόγος (speech, account, reasoning). Thus, ἀπολογία signifies 'a speaking back' or 'a reply.' The construction is characteristic of Greek compounds for answering or responding.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀπολογία primarily referred to a formal defense speech in judicial or adversarial contexts—what would be given by a defendant in court in response to charges (cf. Plato's Apology of Socrates). In Hellenistic and Roman-period Greek, including the New Testament, it broadened to denote any speech or reasoning offered as a defense, whether before a court, officials, or in informal situations (e.g., Acts 22:1, Paul before a hostile audience). In early Christian literature, it later acquired the sense of argumentation or defense of beliefs in apologetic writings. English 'apology' originally derived from this sense of formal defense, but contemporary English 'apology' has shifted mainly to mean an expression of regret, which does not reflect the Greek. In the Septuagint, usage is rare. The term is not synonymous with παρρησία (openness or bold speech), but rather focuses on justification or reply to challenge.

Translation Consistency

primary "defense" 8 occurrences

“Defense” best captures the primary sense of ἀπολογία as a reasoned account or speech offered in answer to accusation, whether informal or formal/legal. It is the most natural, common English equivalent and avoids the modern misleading sense of “apology” as regret.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἀπολογέομαι; a plea ("apology"):--answer (for self), clearing of self, defence.

Root Family

ἀπολογία (apologia) — to speak, to reason, to account

Root λογ- to speak, to reason, to account

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G627-01 ἀπολογία apologia N NOM F SG defense defense speech defense speech 3
G627-02 ἀπολογίαν apologian N ACC F SG defense a defense speech a defense speech 3
G627-03 ἀπολογίας apologias N GEN F SG defense of a defense speech of a defense speech 2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G627-03 Acts 22:1 ἀπολογίας apologias N GEN F SG defense of a defense speech of a defense speech
G627-03 Acts 25:16 ἀπολογίας apologias N GEN F SG of defense of a defense speech of a defense speech
G627-01 1 Corinthians 9:3 ἀπολογία apologia N NOM F SG defense defense speech defense speech
G627-02 2 Corinthians 7:11 ἀπολογίαν apologian N ACC F SG defense a defense speech a defense speech
G627-01 Philippians 1:7 ἀπολογίᾳ apologia N DAT F SG defense defense speech defense speech
G627-02 Philippians 1:16 ἀπολογίαν apologian N ACC F SG defense a defense speech a defense speech
G627-01 2 Timothy 4:16 ἀπολογίᾳ apologia N DAT F SG no defense speech defense speech
G627-02 1 Peter 3:15 ἀπολογίαν apologian N ACC F SG defense a defense speech a defense speech
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