Brief Overview of συνετός (Strong’s G4908: synetos)

Strong’s G4908: An adjective derived from συνίημι (to understand), meaning intelligent, wise, or discerning. In NT usage, often contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom, highlighting how God reveals truth to the humble rather than those considered intellectually sophisticated.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνετός represents a quality of understanding and intelligence that takes on unique significance in New Testament theology. While in secular Greek it simply meant “intelligent” or “clever,” Jesus uses it ironically in Matthew 11:25 to highlight how God often bypasses the worldly wise to reveal His truth to the humble. The early church understood this term as distinguishing between mere intellectual ability and true spiritual wisdom. Today, this word continues to challenge our understanding of true wisdom and reminds us that God’s wisdom often confounds human intelligence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνετός, synetos, /sün-et-os’/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-eh-TOSS (stress on last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From συνίημι (syniēmi): verb meaning “to understand”
• -τός (-tos): adjectival suffix indicating capability or state
• Forms adjective meaning “capable of understanding”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Intelligent
2. Understanding
3. Wise
4. Discerning

For compound words:

• Base verb συνίημι contributes meaning of understanding
• Suffix -τός indicates the quality or capability

Translation Options:

1. “Wise” – Best captures both intellectual and spiritual aspects
2. “Intelligent” – Emphasizes mental capacity
3. “Understanding” – Highlights comprehension ability

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σοφός (sophos, /sof-os’/) – See G4680: Wise
• φρόνιμος (phronimos, /fron’-ee-mos/) – See G5429: Prudent
• νοήμων (noēmōn, /no-ay’-mone/) – See G3908: Understanding

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Degree: Positive

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine nominative singular: συνετός
• Feminine nominative singular: συνετή
• Neuter nominative singular: συνετόν
• Masculine accusative plural: συνετούς
• Cross-references: συνίημι (syniēmi) – related verb meaning “to understand”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts contrasting worldly and spiritual wisdom. Thayer’s notes its development from basic intelligence to spiritual understanding. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing intellectual capacity. Vine’s highlights its ironic usage in the gospels. Strong’s connects it to mental comprehension. Moulton and Milligan document its use in evaluating mental capability.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent [συνετός], and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25

Additional References:
Luke 10:21, Acts 13:7, 1 Corinthians 1:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνετός challenges our understanding of true wisdom. The good news of King Jesus often confounds human wisdom, revealing that true understanding comes not through intellectual prowess but through humble receptivity to God’s revelation. This word reminds us that Kingdom wisdom often appears foolish to the world but proves to be the deepest wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient educational assessments
2. Early church fathers contrasted it with worldly philosophy
3. Influenced Christian understanding of spiritual discernment

Strong’s G4908: An adjective describing intelligence or wisdom, often used ironically in NT to contrast worldly wisdom with divine revelation. Highlights how God’s wisdom often differs from and transcends human understanding.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: wisdom, intelligence, understanding, discernment, spiritual wisdom, worldly wisdom, divine revelation, knowledge, comprehension, spiritual insight​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​