Interrogation
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
primarily a question or inquiry, denotes "a demand or appeal;" it is found in 1—Peter 3:21 , RV, "interrogation" (AV, "answer"). See Answer , Note. Some take the word to indicate that baptism affords a good conscience, an appeal against the accuser.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): ( n.) A point, mark, or sign, thus [?], indicating that the sentence with which it is connected is a question. It is used to express doubt, or to mark a query. Called also interrogation point.
(2): ( n.) A question put; an inquiry.
(3): ( n.) The act of interrogating or questioning; examination by questions; inquiry.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [3]
in - tẽr - ō̇ - gā´shun ( ἐπερώτημα , eperō̇tēma ): This word is not found at all in the King James Version, and once only in the American Standard Revised Version ( 1 Peter 3:21 ), where it replaces the word "answer" of the King James Version. This change according to Alford and Bengel is correct. "The interrogation of a good conscience" may refer to the question asked of a convert before baptism (compare Acts 8:37 ), or the appeal of the convert to God (compare 1 John 3:20-21 ). The opportunity to do this was given in baptism.
