Strong’s G4945: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and ὄμνυμι (to swear), meaning “conspiracy” or “sworn alliance.” Used in Acts to describe the plot against Paul, illustrating how human schemes against God’s purposes ultimately fail.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνωμοσία captures the serious nature of organized opposition to God’s work. As a compound word, it combines σύν (with) and ὄμνυμι (to swear), creating a term for a binding oath of conspiracy. In Acts, it describes the plot of more than forty men who swore to kill Paul, revealing how human resistance to divine purposes often takes organized form. The early church saw this word as highlighting the reality of spiritual warfare. Today, it reminds us that opposition to God’s kingdom, though organized, cannot prevail.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνωμοσία, synōmosia, sin-oh-mo-SEE-ah
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sin’ as in ‘sin’, ‘oh’ as in ‘go’, ‘mo’ as in ‘more’, ‘see’ as in ‘see’, ‘ah’ as in ‘father’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ὄμνυμι (omnymi) – root verb meaning “to swear”
• -ία (-ia) – nominal suffix forming abstract nouns
• The prefix σύν indicates joint action
• The root ὄμνυμι provides the concept of oath-taking
• The suffix -ία makes it an abstract noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Conspiracy
• Sworn alliance
• Plot under oath
• Secret confederation
• Binding agreement for evil

For compound words:
σύν adds the concept of collective action to ὄμνυμι’s oath-taking, while the -ία suffix transforms it into an abstract noun describing the state or act of conspiracy.

Translation Options:

1. “Conspiracy” – Best captures the secretive, organized nature
2. “Sworn alliance” – Emphasizes the binding oath aspect
3. “Plot under oath” – Highlights both planning and commitment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē, ep-ee-boo-LAY) – plot, scheme – See G1917
• συνδέω (syndeō, soon-DEH-oh) – to bind together – See G4887
• δόλος (dolos, DOH-los) – deceit, craft – See G1388

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, συνωμοσία exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνωμοσία (conspiracy)
• Genitive singular: συνωμοσίας (of conspiracy)
• Dative singular: συνωμοσίᾳ (to/for conspiracy)
• Accusative singular: συνωμοσίαν (conspiracy as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes συνωμοσία’s use in political contexts. Thayer’s notes its origin in oath-bound conspiracies. LSJ documents extensive usage in political plots. Vine’s connects it to organized opposition. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting coordinated resistance. LEH traces similar concepts in political upheavals. Moulton and Milligan find it common in legal documents describing sedition.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And they were more than forty which had made this [συνωμοσία] conspiracy. Acts 23:13

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνωμοσία powerfully illustrates how human opposition to God’s purposes ultimately fails. Though Paul faced a serious conspiracy, the Messiah’s purposes prevailed. This word reminds us that while evil may organize against God’s kingdom, His sovereign plan cannot be thwarted.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient Greek law codes for treasonous activities
2. Early Christians used it to describe pagan opposition to the gospel
3. It appears in ancient military texts describing mutinies and rebellions

Strong’s G4945: A compound noun joining σύν (with) and ὄμνυμι (to swear), meaning “conspiracy” or “sworn alliance.” Used in Acts to describe the plot against Paul, illustrating how human schemes against God’s purposes ultimately fail.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: conspiracy, opposition, persecution, Paul, spiritual warfare, divine protection, resistance, schemes, oaths, sovereignty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​