Topical Encyclopedia
The term "confessed" in the biblical context primarily refers to the acknowledgment of sin, faith, or truth. It is a significant concept in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the importance of admitting one's sins before God and others, as well as professing faith in Jesus Christ.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, confession is often associated with repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. The Hebrew word for confess, "yadah," can mean to give thanks, praise, or confess. Confession is a vital part of the sacrificial system, where individuals would confess their sins over a sacrificial animal (
Leviticus 5:5). This act symbolized the transfer of sin and the need for atonement.
One notable example is found in the account of Achan, who confessed his sin of taking forbidden items after the Israelites' defeat at Ai (
Joshua 7:19-20). His confession was a necessary step before justice could be served.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, confession takes on a more personal and communal aspect. The Greek word "homologeo" means to agree, admit, or confess. Confession is closely linked with repentance and salvation. In 1
John 1:9, the apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse highlights the promise of forgiveness and cleansing that comes with confession.
Confession is also a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. In
Romans 10:9-10, Paul emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This confession is both a verbal acknowledgment and a heartfelt belief in the resurrection and lordship of Christ.
Role in the Early ChurchThe early church placed a strong emphasis on confession as part of the Christian life.
James 5:16 encourages believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." This practice fostered a sense of community, accountability, and mutual support among believers.
Theological SignificanceConfession is a crucial aspect of the Christian doctrine of salvation. It involves recognizing one's sinfulness and the need for God's grace. Through confession, believers experience the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the assurance of salvation. It is both an individual and communal act, reflecting the believer's relationship with God and the body of Christ.
Practical ApplicationIn contemporary Christian practice, confession remains an essential spiritual discipline. It is often incorporated into personal prayer, corporate worship, and the sacraments, such as the Eucharist. Confession encourages humility, honesty, and a deeper reliance on God's mercy and grace.
In summary, the concept of "confessed" in the Bible encompasses the acknowledgment of sin, the declaration of faith, and the communal practice of repentance and forgiveness. It is a foundational element of the Christian faith, underscoring the believer's relationship with God and the community of faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Confess.
Greek
1843. exomologeo -- to agree, confess... Word Origin from ek and homologeo Definition to agree, confess NASB Word Usage confess
(2),
confessed (1), confessing (2), consented (1), give praise (2
...3670. homologeo -- to speak the same, to agree
... homologos (of one mind) Definition to speak the same, to agree NASB Word Usage
acknowledge (2), admit (1), assured (1), confess (6),confessed (4), confesses (...
Strong's Hebrew
3034. yadah -- to throw, cast... root Definition to throw, cast NASB Word Usage confess (10),
confessed (3), confesses
(1), confessing (2), gave (1), gave praise (1), give you thanks (5), give
...Library
The HoaxConfessed.
... Homily V. Chapter XXVIII."The HoaxConfessed. "When I heard this, I said
to Appion: Now I shall confess the truth to you. I was...
The Divine ChristConfessed, the Suffering Christ Denied
... THE DIVINE CHRISTCONFESSED, THE SUFFERING CHRIST DENIED. 'When Jesus came
into the coasts of Caesarea Phllippi, He asked His disciples...
How all the Saints haveConfessed with Truth that they were...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XVII. How all the saints have
confessed with truth that they were unclean and sinful. And...
Sunday after Ascension Day. These allConfessed that they were...
... These allconfessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . .... These
allconfessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . . ....
St. Thomas AlsoConfessed the Same Faith as Peter after the Lord's...
... Book III. Chapter XV. St. Thomas alsoconfessed the same faith as Peter
after the Lord's resurrection. But I want still to add one...
How Hermes OpenlyConfessed the Error of his Forefathers, the...
... Book VIII. Chapter 24."How Hermes OpenlyConfessed the Error of His Forefathers,
the Coming Destruction of Which He Nevertheless Bewailed....
Concerning a Bishop who Removes a Man from Communion who Says He...
... Canon CXXXII. (Greek cxxxiii.) Concerning a bishop who removes a man from communion
who says he hasconfessed to the bishop alone his crime....
They Brought up against Me after Thirty Years an Occurrence I had...
... Section 27. They brought up against me after thirty years an occurrence
I hadconfessed before? 27. They brought up against me...
"But as Soon as it is Known andConfessed...
... Address 64: "But as soon as it is known andconfessed? "But as soon as it
is known andconfessed, that all the happiness or misery...
"For as Soon as it is Known andConfessed...
... [Way-2-132] "For as soon as it is known andconfessed? "For as soon as
it is known andconfessed, that God is all in all; that...
Thesaurus
Confessed (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Confessed (19 Occurrences).
... (See NAS). John 1:20 And he
confessed, and denied not; but
confessed, I am not the Christ.
...Acknowledge (61 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 8:33 In Thy people Israel being smitten before an enemy, because they sin
against Thee, and they have turned back unto Thee, and haveconfessed Thy name...
Confess (65 Occurrences)
... NAS). John 1:20 And heconfessed, and denied not; butconfessed, I am not
the Christ. (Root in KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). John...
Denied (34 Occurrences)
... WBS NAS RSV NIV). John 1:20 And heconfessed, and denied not; butconfessed,
I am not the Christ. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). John 13:38 Jesus...
Affirm (7 Occurrences)
... 1: "Thou shalt die, and not bye" John 1:20 is made peculiarly emphatic because of
the negative placed between two affirmatives: "And heconfessed, and denied...
Affirmatives
... 1: "Thou shalt die, and not bye" John 1:20 is made peculiarly emphatic because of
the negative placed between two affirmatives: "And heconfessed, and denied...
Prayed (97 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 8:33 In Thy people Israel being smitten before an enemy, because they sin
against Thee, and they have turned back unto Thee, and haveconfessed Thy name...
Nero
... and where they are encouraged. Accordingly, first three were seized, who
confessed they were Christians. Next, on their information...
Restrained (51 Occurrences)
... Kings 8:35 In the heavens being restrained, and there is no rain, because they sin
against Thee, and they have prayed towards this place, andconfessed Thy name...
Confesses (8 Occurrences)
Resources
What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David ask God to “create in me a clean heart” in Psalm 51:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgConfessed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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