Brief Overview of συγγνώμη (Strong’s G4774: suggnome)

Strong’s G4774: A feminine noun denoting permission, concession, or indulgence granted with understanding. From σύν (with) and γνώμη (mind, opinion). Used in contexts of pastoral guidance and moral instruction, indicating allowance made with sympathetic understanding rather than direct command.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγγνώμη carries the nuanced meaning of permission or concession granted with understanding and sympathy. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in Paul’s teaching about marriage, where he uses it to distinguish between divine commands and pastoral guidance. The early church found this term valuable in discussing matters of Christian liberty and conscience. Today, it remains relevant in pastoral counseling and ethical discussions, reminding us that some matters of Christian conduct involve wisdom and understanding rather than absolute commands.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγγνώμη, suggnome, /soong-gno’-may/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – GNO (as in “know”) – may
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• γνώμη (gnome) root meaning “mind, opinion, judgment”
• Combined meaning: “shared understanding” or “thinking together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Permission granted with understanding
• Concession made with sympathy
• Allowance based on shared wisdom

For compound words:

• σύν emphasizes shared perspective
• γνώμη provides the concept of judgment/understanding
• Combined they suggest mutual comprehension

Translation Options:

• “Permission” – Emphasizes the allowance aspect
• “Concession” – Highlights the yielding nature
• “Indulgence” – Stresses the sympathetic understanding

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γνώμη (gnome) /gno’-may/ – opinion, judgment See G1106
• ἐπιταγή (epitage) /ep-ee-tag-ay’/ – commandment See G2003
• συγκατάθεσις (sugkatathesis) /soong-kat-ath’-es-is/ – agreement See G4783

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: συγγνώμη (permission)
• Genitive: συγγνώμης (of permission)
• Dative: συγγνώμῃ (to/for permission)
• Accusative: συγγνώμην (permission as direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of pastoral guidance. Thayer’s notes its distinction from command. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for pardons and allowances. Vine’s highlights its connection to understanding and sympathy. Strong’s connects it to shared knowledge. LEH notes its use in wisdom literature. Moulton and Milligan show its application in legal contexts for permitted actions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 7:6: “But I speak this by permission [συγγνώμη], and not of commandment.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγγνώμη beautifully captures the balance between freedom and responsibility in Christian living. It reflects the Messiah’s heart of understanding while maintaining moral clarity. This word reminds us that the good news brings both liberty and wisdom, showing how divine grace operates through pastoral understanding rather than mere legalism.

D – Did You Know?

• It’s the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament
• It was commonly used in Greek legal documents for official pardons
• Early church fathers used it to discuss matters of Christian conscience

Strong’s G4774: A feminine noun denoting permission, concession, or indulgence granted with understanding. From σύν (with) and γνώμη (mind, opinion). Used in contexts of pastoral guidance and moral instruction, indicating allowance made with sympathetic understanding rather than direct command.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: permission, concession, pastoral-guidance, christian-liberty, conscience, wisdom, understanding, moral-instruction, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, paul, marriage-counsel​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​