Brief Overview of συνείδησις (Strong’s G4893: syneidēsis)

Strong’s G4893: A compound noun derived from σύν (together with) and εἴδω (to know), referring to moral self-awareness or conscience. In NT usage, it describes the internal faculty that distinguishes right from wrong, bearing witness to God’s moral law written on human hearts.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνείδησις represents a profound concept of moral consciousness in the New Testament. As a compound word, it combines the prefix σύν (together with) and εἴδω (to know), literally meaning “joint-knowledge” or self-awareness. In New Testament theology, it describes the internal moral compass that God has placed within humans, serving as a witness to His moral law. Paul particularly develops this concept in his epistles, describing the conscience as a God-given faculty that either accuses or excuses our actions. The early church understood this term as expressing both the universal moral awareness in all humans and the specially enlightened conscience of believers transformed by the Holy Spirit. Today, this word continues to illuminate discussions about moral responsibility, ethical decision-making, and spiritual formation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνείδησις, syneidēsis, /sün-i’-day-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-EE-day-sis (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• εἴδω (eidō): verb meaning “to know”
• -σις (-sis): suffix forming abstract nouns
• The combination creates the meaning “joint-knowledge” or “self-awareness”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Conscience or moral consciousness
2. Inner moral witness
3. Awareness of right and wrong

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds the concept of internal dialogue or self-reflection
• εἴδω (eidō): Provides the aspect of knowledge or awareness
• -σις (-sis): Makes it an abstract concept of moral consciousness

Translation Options:

1. “Conscience” – Best captures the moral decision-making faculty
2. “Moral consciousness” – Emphasizes ongoing awareness
3. “Inner witness” – Highlights the testifying function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καρδία (kardia, /kar-dee’-ah/) – See G2588: Heart, seat of moral understanding
• νοῦς (nous, /nooce/) – See G3563: Mind, understanding
• φρόνημα (phronēma, /fron’-ay-mah/) – See G5427: Mindset, way of thinking

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνείδησις
• Genitive singular: συνειδήσεως
• Dative singular: συνειδήσει
• Accusative singular: συνείδησιν
• Cross-references: σύνοιδα (synoida) – related verb meaning “to be conscious of”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role as moral self-awareness and consciousness of right and wrong. Thayer’s notes its function as an internal witness to moral truth. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing development of moral consciousness. Vine’s highlights its role in Christian ethical decision-making. Strong’s connects it to internal moral knowledge. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts for moral responsibility.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience [συνείδησις], went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.” John 8:9

Additional References:
Acts 23:1, Romans 2:15, Romans 9:1, 1 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 9:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνείδησις reveals God’s gracious provision of an internal moral compass within every human heart. This faculty bears witness to His law and our need for redemption. The good news of King Jesus includes not just forgiveness but the renewal of conscience through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to discern and follow His will with increasing clarity and conviction.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced the development of psychological terminology
2. Early church fathers saw it as evidence of humanity being created in God’s image
3. It appears more frequently in Paul’s writings than any other NT author

Strong’s G4893: A compound noun expressing moral self-awareness and consciousness of right and wrong. In NT usage, describes the internal moral faculty that discerns good from evil, bearing witness to divine law and serving as guide for Christian conduct.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: conscience, moral awareness, ethics, self-knowledge, spiritual discernment, moral law, inner witness, conviction, moral consciousness, spiritual formation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​