Brief Overview of συνήδομαι (Strong’s G4913: synēdomai)

Strong’s G4913: A compound verb combining σύν (together with) and ἥδομαι (to delight in), meaning to rejoice together with or take delight in. In NT usage, describes deep spiritual joy in God’s law, expressing internal harmony with divine truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνήδομαι represents a profound concept of shared or harmonious delight. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together with) and ἥδομαι (to delight in), creating a term that describes deep pleasure or joy shared with something. In its sole New Testament appearance in Romans 7:22, Paul uses it to express his inner being’s delight in God’s law. The early church understood this term as expressing the regenerate heart’s genuine pleasure in divine truth. Today, this word continues to illuminate our understanding of authentic spiritual joy and the believer’s relationship with God’s Word.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνήδομαι, synēdomai, /sün-ay’-dom-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-AY-doh-my (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together with”
• ἥδομαι (hēdomai): verb meaning “to delight in”
• The combination creates the meaning “to delight together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To delight together with
2. To rejoice in harmony with
3. To take pleasure in

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared or harmonious experience
• ἥδομαι (hēdomai): Provides core meaning of pleasure/delight

Translation Options:

1. “Delight in” – Best captures the pleasure aspect
2. “Rejoice with” – Emphasizes shared joy
3. “Take pleasure in” – Highlights enjoyment aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χαίρω (chairō, /khah’-ee-ro/) – See G5463: To rejoice
• εὐφραίνω (euphrainō, /yoo-frah’-ee-no/) – See G2165: To make glad
• ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō, /ag-al-lee-ah’-o/) – See G21: To exult greatly

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Middle: συνήδομαι (I delight in)
• Present Participle: συνηδόμενος (delighting in)
• Imperfect: συνηδόμην (was delighting in)
• Cross-references: ἡδονή (hēdonē) – related noun meaning “pleasure”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for genuine spiritual pleasure. Thayer’s notes its connection to inner agreement with divine law. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing shared pleasure. Vine’s highlights its unique usage in Romans. Strong’s connects it to harmonious delight. Moulton and Milligan document its use in expressions of genuine pleasure.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For I delight [συνήδομαι] in the law of God after the inward man:” Romans 7:22

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνήδομαι beautifully captures the regenerate heart’s genuine pleasure in God’s truth. The good news of King Jesus transforms our relationship with God’s law from burden to delight. This word reminds us that authentic Christianity includes real joy in God’s ways.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient philosophy for intellectual pleasure
2. Early church saw it as evidence of genuine conversion
3. Influenced Christian understanding of spiritual joy

Strong’s G4913: A compound verb expressing shared or harmonious delight. Its single NT use describes the regenerate heart’s genuine pleasure in God’s law, highlighting the transformation of attitudes toward divine truth.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: delight, joy, pleasure, spiritual joy, law of God, inner man, spiritual transformation, harmony, divine truth, spiritual pleasure​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​