Brief Overview of συγκρίνω (Strong’s G4793: sugkrino)

Strong’s G4793: A compound verb meaning “to combine, compare, or interpret by combining.” From σύν (with) and κρίνω (to judge, separate). Used in Paul’s writings to describe both spiritual discernment through proper comparison and the folly of self-referential comparison. Particularly significant in understanding spiritual interpretation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκρίνω fundamentally involves bringing things together for comparison or interpretation. In the New Testament, Paul uses it in two significant contexts: positively for comparing spiritual truths with spiritual truths in proper interpretation, and negatively for critiquing those who measure themselves by themselves. The early church saw this word as crucial for proper biblical interpretation and spiritual discernment. Today, it guides us in both hermeneutics and proper self-evaluation, reminding us to interpret spiritual things spiritually while avoiding self-referential comparisons.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκρίνω, sugkrino, /soong-kree’-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KREE (as in “creek”) – no
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κρίνω (krino) meaning “to judge, separate, decide”
• Combined meaning: “to judge by comparing together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To combine for interpretation
• To compare one thing with another
• To judge by bringing together

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint consideration
• κρίνω provides the concept of judgment
• Combined emphasizes comparative evaluation

Translation Options:

• “To interpret by combining” – Emphasizes hermeneutical aspect
• “To compare” – Stresses evaluative function
• “To bring together for judgment” – Highlights discernment process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διακρίνω (diakrino) /dee-ak-ree’-no/ – to discriminate See G1252
• ἀνακρίνω (anakrino) /an-ak-ree’-no/ – to examine See G350
• κρίνω (krino) /kree’-no/ – to judge See G2919

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

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

Examples:

• Present Active: συγκρίνω (I compare/interpret)
• Aorist Active: συνέκρινα (I compared/interpreted)
• Present Participle: συγκρίνων (comparing/interpreting)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its interpretive function. Thayer’s notes both comparison and interpretation aspects. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for judgment. Vine’s highlights its spiritual application. Strong’s connects it to combinative judgment. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for dream interpretation. Moulton and Milligan show its technical use in rhetoric.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 2:13: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing [συγκρίνω] spiritual things with spiritual.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 10:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκρίνω powerfully illustrates the importance of proper spiritual interpretation and evaluation. Through this word, we learn that the good news of King Jesus must be understood spiritually, not through worldly wisdom, and that our standard of comparison must be divine truth rather than human measures.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used technically in ancient dream interpretation
• It played a key role in early Christian hermeneutics
• The Septuagint uses it for Joseph’s interpretation of dreams

Strong’s G4793: A compound verb meaning “to combine, compare, or interpret by combining.” From σύν (with) and κρίνω (to judge, separate). Used in Paul’s writings to describe both spiritual discernment through proper comparison and the folly of self-referential comparison. Particularly significant in understanding spiritual interpretation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: comparison, interpretation, discernment, spiritual-understanding, hermeneutics, paul, corinthians, biblical-interpretation, spiritual-wisdom, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, self-evaluation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​