Confess, Praise, Give praise (1843) (exomologeo from ek - wholly out from or ex = out or intensify meaning [ implies full, frank, open confession, openly or publicly] of homologeo - say the same thing about from homos = same + lego = speak) means to speak the same thing that another speaks, to fully agree with someone else or to confess by way of giving praise.
In Luke 22:6 the idea is to agree with or consent (to profess that one will do something, to promise, agree, engage)
In all the NT uses exomologeo carries the idea of the openness of the expression and this same idea of openness is used in a negative way when Judas “consented (KJV = "promised") to help betray Jesus for the chief priests and scribes (Lk 22:6).
BDAG (summary) - (1) to indicate acceptance of an offer or proposal - to promise, consent, active voice (Lk 22:6) (2) to make an admission of wrong-doing/sin - to confess, admit, middle voice (Mt 3:6, et al) (3) to declare openly in acknowledgment, profess, acknowledge, middle voice (Phil 2:11, Isa 45:23) (4) From the meanings ‘confess’ and ‘profess’ there arose...the more general sense to praise, in acknowledgment of divine beneficence and majesty (Ed: This meaning found mostly LXX - see uses in Psalms below)
Give praise or thanks - "to make grateful acknowledgements, to give thanks, to sing praises." (Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint)
Souter - consent fully, agree out and out
W E Vine = ek, "out," intensive, and homologeo, and accordingly stronger than homologeo - "to confess forth," i.e., "freely, openly," is used (a) "of a public acknowledgment or confession of sins," Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5; Acts 19:18; James 5:16; (b) "to profess or acknowledge openly," Matthew 11:25 (translated "thank," but indicating the fuller idea); Philippians 2:11 (some mss. have it in Revelation 3:5 : see No. 1); (c) "to confess by way of celebrating, giving praise," Romans 14:11; 15:9 . In Luke 10:21 , it is translated "I thank," the true meaning being "I gladly acknowledge." In Luke 22:6 it signifies to consent (RV), for AV, "promised."...in the Middle Voice, signifies "to make acknowledgement," whether of sins (to confess), or in the honor of a person, as in Romans 14:11; 15:9 (in some mss. in Revelation 3:5 ); this is the significance in the Lord's address to the Father, "I thank (Thee)," in Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21 , the meaning being "I make thankful confession" or "I make acknowledgment with praise." (Confess, Confession - Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words)
BDAG (summary) - Ex = either forth from the heart, freely, or publicly, openly. (1) to confess (2) to profess, i.e., to acknowledge openly and joyfully; to profess that one will do something, to promise, agree, engage: Lk. 22:6
Louw-Nida (summarized) - 1. agree, consent (Lk 22:6); 2. (dep.) profess allegiance (Ro 15:9), for another interp, see last; 3. (dep.) admit, confess (Mt 3:6; Mk 1:5; Ac 19:18; Ro 14:11; Php 2:11; Jas 5:16+); 4. (dep.) give thanks (Mt 11:25; Lk 10:21), for another interp, see last; 5. (dep.) praise, give words of praise or honor (Ro 15:9) (Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Greek)
Gary Hill - Exomologeo = fully agree, and acknowledging that agreement openly (whole-heartedly) for a particular outcome: confessing ("openly declaring") without reservation (no holding back)....Agreeing with God is everything! That is, choosing His choices (preferring His preferences) which is the essence of receiving faith from God ("experiencing His persuasions"). Accordingly, exomologeo and faith (pistis) are closely associated in James 5:15,16....Exomologeo occurs only in the Greek middle voice and hence stresses the confessing (agreeing) is always personal (done with deep self-involvement and "for oneself")....Agreeing with God ("confession") includes acknowledging our sins, i.e. for missing His mark (living outside of faith, cf. 1Jn 1:9). It also means robustly speaking what is true – i.e. being in agreement with the Lord which reaches out to others. (See Dr Hill's excellent resource The Discovery Bible which enables deeper Word Studies without need to be fluent in the original language = http://www.helpsbible.org - see reviews)
Ralph Earle on exomologeo in Mt 3:6 - Ex means out – we almost get here the idea of "confessing out" one's sins. (Word Meanings)
Utley - There are two forms of the same Greek root used for confession or profession, homologeo and exomologeo....This word group had two seemingly opposite usages 1. to praise (God) 2. to admit sin. These may have developed from mankind’s sense of the holiness of God and its own sinfulness. To acknowledge one truth is to acknowledge both.
Gerald Cowens - The Greek Old Testament (Ed: Septuagint - see uses below) uses a compound form of the word exomologeo to translate Yadah, which can mean either "praise" or "confess an offense." This is a strange combination to us, but it is easier to understand in connection when a person in prayer confesses his faults, and the fact that without forgiveness, the punishment that might have come would have been just. One comes to the point where he/she praises God in the whole matter. An example of this is found in Joshua 7:19, where Joshua counseled Achan to give "glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him." He was asked to do this just before his execution. (Salvation- Word Studies from the Greek New Testament-)
Notice that in Acts 19:18 confession with one's mouth is intimately associated with (followed by) repentance by one's deeds in Acts 19:19. What a great picture of repentance -- they "burned their bridges" so to speak! How often my repentance is a soft "Sorry," when it should be a sober confession coupled with a sincere intent to repent!
The two main meanings in the NT are confessing sins on one hand (Mt 3:6, Mk 1:5, etc) and praising God on the other! Indeed, can we truly do the latter until we have done the former! Not without playing the hypocrite! Do I bow my heart and confess my sins before I lift my hands in worship as I sing praise songs on Sunday?
Classical Greek - Exomologeo is the intensive form of the more often used verb homologeo. Both verbs mean “to confess,” but exomologeo has the more intensive thrust of confessing freely, openly, and fully. They may be used interchangeably, but exomologeo was often used when the author wished to express more strongly an open confession. (Complete Biblical Library)
Vincent writes that exomologeo means "Primarily, to acknowledge, confess, or profess from (ek = out of) the heart. To make a confession to one’s honor; thence to praise. So Luke 10:21 (Rev., in margin, praise for thank); Rom. 15:9. Here, as Rev. in margin, shall give praise. (Romans 14 - Vincent's Word Studies)
Commenting on exomologeo in Mt 11:25 Vincent writes - I thank (exomologeo). Compare Mt. 3:6, of confessing sins. Lit., I confess. I recognize the justice and wisdom of thy doings. But with the dative, as here (to thee), it means to praise, with an undercurrent of acknowledgment; to confess only in later Greek, and with an accusative of the object. Rev. gives praise in the margin here, and at Ro 14:11. Tyndale, I praise."
Other NT uses relate to confession of sin (Mt 3:6, Mk 1:5,Acts 19:18, Jas 5:16), which is more than a mere acknowledgment of sin in one's life. It is an agreeing with God as to all the implications that enter into the fact that one has sinned. It is looking at sin from God’s point of view, and acting accordingly. It means the putting away of that sin. It means the determination to be done with that sin.
Exomologeo - 10x in 10v in NT - NAS Usage: confess(2), confessed(1), confessing(2), consented(1), give praise(2), praise(2).
Matthew 3:6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.
A. T. Robertson - "They came 'confessing their sins' (exomologoumenoi), probably each one confessing just before he was baptized, 'making open confession' (Weymouth). Note ek. It was a never to be forgotten scene here in the Jordan. John was calling a nation to a new life. They came from all over Judea and even from the other side of El Ghor (the Jordan Gorge), Perea. Mark adds that finally all Jerusalem came" (Word Pictures).
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.
Mark 1:5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
Luke 10:21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Luke 22:6 So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.
Ron Mattoon - With all agreements made, Judas waits to make his move in betraying Christ just as he promised. This word "promised" is from the Greek word exomologeo. This word is translated "to confess, profess, celebrate, or acknowledge openly and joyfully." It denotes a strong commitment to join with these men in their terrible plot.
Acts 19:18 Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.
Comment: The devoted Christian goes beyond merely thinking about what God says is true. They also boldly share it with others, with His joy and power...."The Lord gives power for this open confessing to all yielded believers because each is baptized in the Holy Spirit (cp Acts 1:8) – i.e. engrafted into Christ's very body at conversion (cf. 1Cor 12:13,27)" (Gleason Archer)....Compare Acts 1:8 - This power to be a Spirit-filled witness refers back to Acts 1:4,5 – which tells of how Christ baptized all believers in the Holy Spirit, causing them to become a very part of His mystical body (Jn 14:20; 1Cor 12:13). (http://www.helpsbible.org)
Romans 14:11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."
Cottrell Comment: confessing or acknowledging his sovereign Lordship, his worthiness to be worshiped, and his right to bring us into judgment. (Romans : Volume 2. College Press NIV commentary)
Romans 15:9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, "THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME."
Philippians 2:11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Rick Renner - The word "confess" is the Greek word exomologeo, which is a compound of the words ek and homologia. The word ek means out, and the word homologia refers to a confession. When taken as one word, it means to audibly, vocally, and publicly declare a fact. It also means to speak it out, to yell it loudly, or to declare it out. This means Heaven, earth, and hell will resonate and resound with the voices of all who have ever lived as they thunderously shout out and acknowledge: "JESUS IS LORD!" Just as every knee shall bow, it is also a fact that every person will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! If a person confesses Jesus to be his Lord right now in this life, it guarantees him a place in Heaven. If a person refuses to make that confession now, he will still do it later—only then it will be too late for him to gain a place in Heaven. How tragic that people die without confessing Jesus as Lord, for a day is coming when even in death, they will be required to make this confession! If they confess Jesus as their Lord now, they reap the benefits of salvation and all the promises of God. If they do it later, it will be an acknowledgement that they were wrong and that Jesus was right; however, it will not change their eternal status. (Sparkling Gems from the Greek)
John MacArthur - Exomologeo (will confess) is an intensive form of homologeo (to confess, agree with) and refers to an open, public declaration. At the time about which Paul is here speaking, however, such a confession will not lead to salvation, because that supreme blessing will already have been received or forever forfeited. Before death or the Lord’s return, the promise is that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). But as the apostle makes clear later in that same letter, in the day of judgment that confession will not change the spiritual status of those making it. Quoting Isaiah, he says, “For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God’ ” (Ro 14:11; cf. Isa. 45:23). On the lips of those who belong to God, this will be a willing, continuing, and loving declaration of allegiance and adoration. For those who have rejected Him, the confession will be unwilling but irresistible, a compelled acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord of the universe by those under His immutable judgment. (MacArthur, J. Philippians. Chicago: Moody Press)
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Comment: The following is a literal, fuller translation of the Greek text. - James 5:15 "And the prayer of the faith (pistis) [given by God] will save (restore) the one being sick, and the Lord will raise him. And if he has committed (Gk perfect tense) sins (i.e. with present effects), it will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, openly confess (exomologeo) the [these] sins to one another, and regularly pray for the benefit of one another in order that (hópos) you may be supernaturally-healed (iáomai). A felt-need request, of a divinely-approved person, is very combative, being energized [by God]." (http://www.helpsbible.org)
Revelation 3:5 (Exomologes is used only in the Textus Receptus - KJV, Nestle-Aland has "homologeo") He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Exomologeo - 86v in the non-apocryphal Septuagint (Lxx) - 9.5" class="scriptRef">35" class="scriptRef">Ge 29:35; 2Sa 22:50; 1Kgs 8:33, 35; 4" class="scriptRef">1Chr 16:4, 8, 34; 23:30; 29:13; 2Chr 5:13; 6:24; 7:6; 20.21" class="scriptRef">21" class="scriptRef">20:21; 12" class="scriptRef">23:12; 30:22; 31.2" class="scriptRef">31:2; Ps 6:5; 7:17; 9:1; 18:49; 28:7; 30:4, 9, 12; 33:2; 35:18; 42:5, 11; 43:4f; 44:8; 45:17; 49:18; 52:9; 54:6; 57:9; 67:3, 5; 71:22; 74:19; 75:1; 76:10; 86:12; 88:10; 89:5; 92:1; 97:12; 99:3; 100:4; 104:35; 105:45; 106:47f; 107:8, 15, 21, 31; 108:3; 109:30; 111:1; 117:2; 118:19, 21, 28f; 119:7, 62; 122:4; 135:21; 26" class="scriptRef">136:2f, 26; 138:1f, 4; 139:14; 140:13; 142:7; 145:10; Isa 45:23 (quoted in Phil 2:11); Jer 33:11; Da 2:23; 4:1; 6:10; 9:4, 20;
In the Septuagint (Lxx) exomologeo usually means “to praise” (Ge 29:35, 2Sa 22:50, Ps 7:17, 9:1), but also means to confess in the sense of acknowledging God (1Ki 8:33-35) but also in the sense of confessing one's sins (Da 9:4-5-note - "confessed and said....while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel"). Note the prominence of use of exomologeo in the Psalms - where it means to sing praise (Heb = Zamar = to pluck, and so to make music and so to praise God in Ps 7:17, Heb = Yadah in Ps 42:5, 11 = to confess or thank) or give thanks (Ps 9:1, 18:49, 28:7, etc)
Be the first to react on this!
Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)