Bible Dictionary
ANSWER
In Scripture, answer may mean a reply, response, declaration, proclamation, defense, or revelation from God. It can also describe words spoken in response to unspoken thoughts or circumstances.
Definition
Answer does not always mean a reply to a question. In biblical usage it may mean a statement, response, declaration, proclamation, defense, simple speech, revelation, or words corresponding to unspoken thoughts.
Biblical Usage
In the Old Testament, God may “answer” by making a declaration when no question has been asked. In the New Testament, the word can describe a defense, ordinary speech, revelation from God, or words responding to thoughts of the heart.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an'-ser: In our English Bible the word "answer" does not always mean a simple reply to a question.</p><p>1. In the Old Testament:</p><p>Six different words are translated by answer.</p><p>(1) It is frequently used where no question has been asked and in such cases it means a word, a statement.</p><p>(2) It also means a response (Job 21:34; 34:36).</p><p>(3) It often means a declaration or proclamation from God where no question has been asked. See the many passages that read: "The Lord answered and said."</p><p>(4) The other words translated "answer" or "answered" in the Old Testament are unimportant shadings and variations.</p><p>2. In the New Testament:</p><p>The words translated "answer" are not so varied.</p><p>(1) It sometimes means an apology, a defense (1Pe 3:15; Ac 24:10,25).</p><p>(2) It may mean simply "to say" (Mr 9:6).</p><p>(3) It may mean a revelation from God (Ro 11:4).</p><p>(4) It is also used to apply to unspoken thoughts of the heart, especially in the sayings of Jesus; also by Peter to Sapphira (Ac 5:8).</p><p>G. H. Gerberding</p>