Brief Overview of συμβουλεύω (Strong’s G4823: symbouleuō)

Strong’s G4823: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βουλεύω (to counsel), meaning “to give counsel together” or “to advise.” In New Testament usage, it appears in both positive and negative contexts, from wise counsel to conspiratorial plotting against Jesus.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συμβουλεύω describes the act of joint deliberation or giving counsel. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with deliberate planning or advice. In Matthew 26:4, it reveals the dark side of counsel as the religious leaders plotted against Jesus. However, it also appears in positive contexts of giving wise advice. Early church fathers used this term to describe pastoral guidance and communal decision-making. Today, it reminds us that counsel can be used for either good or evil, and wisdom is needed to discern its true nature.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμβουλεύω, symbouleuō, /soom-bool-YOO-oh/
• Pronunciation: soom-bool-YOO-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βουλεύω (bouleuō): verb meaning “to counsel or plan”
• The combination emphasizes joint deliberation

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To give counsel together
2. To advise
3. To deliberate jointly
4. To plot or plan together

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
• βουλεύω (bouleuō): conveys deliberation or advice
  Together they express shared counsel or planning

Translation Options:

1. “Counsel together” – Emphasizes collective aspect
2. “Advise” – Highlights guidance element
3. “Plot together” – Captures conspiratorial usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βουλεύω (bouleuō) /bool-YOO-oh/ – basic word for counseling. See G1011
• συμφωνέω (symphōneō) /soom-fo-NEH-oh/ – emphasizes agreement. See G4856
• συνεδριάζω (synedriazō) /soon-ed-ree-AD-zo/ – focuses on formal consultation. See G4824

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συμβουλεύω – I am counseling
• Aorist Active: συνεβούλευσα – I counseled
• Present Middle: συμβουλεύομαι – I am taking counsel

Cross-references:

• Noun: συμβουλή (symboulē)
• Adjective: συμβουλευτικός (symbouleutikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from positive advice to negative plotting. Thayer’s notes its use in both private and public contexts. LSJ provides examples from political settings. Vine’s highlights its usage in both beneficial and malevolent contexts. Strong’s connects it to joint counsel. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in administrative contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 26:4 “And they [plotted together] {συμβουλεύω} to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him.”

Additional References:
John 11:53
John 18:14
Acts 9:23
Revelation 3:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμβουλεύω reveals both the power and potential danger of collective counsel. It promotes the good news by showing how human plots against the Messiah ultimately served God’s redemptive purpose. This encourages us to seek godly counsel while being aware that human wisdom can either serve or oppose divine purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient political assemblies.
2. It appears in Greek translations of Old Testament wisdom literature.
3. Early church councils used this term for their deliberations.

Strong’s G4823: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βουλεύω (to counsel), meaning “to give counsel together” or “to advise.” In New Testament usage, it appears in both positive and negative contexts, from wise counsel to conspiratorial plotting against Jesus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: counsel, advice, plotting, deliberation, wisdom, conspiracy, decision-making, guidance, matthew, revelation, consultation, joint-planning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​