Brief Overview of συγκαταψηφίζομαι (Strong’s G4785: sugkatapsephizomai)

Strong’s G4785: A compound verb meaning “to count or vote together with, to number with by voting.” From σύν (with), κατά (down), and ψῆφος (pebble/vote). Used in Acts to describe Matthias being numbered with the eleven apostles through a formal selection process guided by prayer.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαταψηφίζομαι combines the concepts of joint counting and formal voting, reflecting ancient Greek voting practices using pebbles. In its New Testament context, it appears uniquely in Acts during the selection of Matthias as the twelfth apostle, emphasizing both divine guidance and orderly process in church leadership selection. The early church saw this word as exemplifying proper ecclesiastical order in leadership appointments. Today, it reminds us of the importance of both divine guidance and proper process in church governance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκαταψηφίζομαι, sugkatapsephizomai, /soong-kat-aps-ay-fid’-zom-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kat (as in “cat”) – aps – ay – FID – zom – ahee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κατά (kata) prefix meaning “down”
• ψῆφος (psephos) root meaning “pebble, vote”
• -ίζομαι (-izomai) verbal suffix indicating middle/passive voice
• Combined meaning: “to be counted together by voting”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be numbered with by vote
• To be counted among
• To be elected together with

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint action
• κατά emphasizes formal process
• ψηφ- provides voting concept
• -ίζομαι makes it a personal/reflexive action

Translation Options:

• “To be numbered with” – Emphasizes result
• “To be voted among” – Highlights process
• “To be counted together” – Stresses collective aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψηφίζω (psephizo) /psay-fid’-zo/ – to count, calculate See G5585
• καταριθμέω (katarithmeo) /kat-ar-ith-meh’-o/ – to number among See G2674
• συγκαταλέγω (sugkatalego) /soong-kat-al-eg’-o/ – to enroll with See G4779

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

• Aorist Passive: συγκατεψηφίσθη (was numbered with)
• Present Passive: συγκαταψηφίζεται (is being numbered with)
• Perfect Passive: συγκατεψήφισται (has been numbered with)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its formal electoral context. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancient voting practices. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for official appointments. Vine’s highlights its unique occurrence in Acts. Strong’s connects it to collective decision-making. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in administrative documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 1:26: “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with [συγκαταψηφίζομαι] the eleven apostles.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαταψηφίζομαι beautifully illustrates the balance of divine guidance and human order in church governance. Through Matthias’s selection, we see how the good news of King Jesus works through both supernatural direction and orderly process, reminding us that God’s work often combines heavenly wisdom with earthly order.

D – Did You Know?

• The word reflects ancient Greek voting with pebbles
• It’s used only once in the New Testament for apostolic succession
• Early church documents used it for ordination procedures

Strong’s G4785: A compound verb meaning “to count or vote together with, to number with by voting.” From σύν (with), κατά (down), and ψῆφος (pebble/vote). Used in Acts to describe Matthias being numbered with the eleven apostles through a formal selection process guided by prayer.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: voting, church-leadership, apostolic-succession, matthias, acts, election, ordination, church-governance, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, divine-guidance, ecclesiastical-order​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​