Brief Overview of συμβάλλω (Strong’s G4820: symballō)

Strong’s G4820: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βάλλω (to throw), meaning “to bring together, ponder, encounter, or contribute.” In Luke 2:19, it describes Mary’s deep contemplation of events surrounding Jesus’ birth, bringing together various experiences in her heart.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συμβάλλω represents a profound process of mental and spiritual synthesis. As a compound word, it literally means “to throw together,” but develops rich metaphorical meanings. In Luke 2:19, it describes Mary’s contemplative response to divine revelation, bringing together various events and pondering their significance. Early church fathers used this term to describe the spiritual practice of contemplative reflection. Today, it teaches us about the importance of deeply pondering God’s work in our lives, bringing together various experiences to understand His purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμβάλλω, symballō, /soom-BAL-lo/
• Pronunciation: soom-BAL-lo (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βάλλω (ballō): verb meaning “to throw or cast”
• The combination suggests bringing things together mentally or physically

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To ponder or consider deeply
2. To bring together mentally
3. To encounter or meet with
4. To contribute or help

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint action or combination
• βάλλω (ballō): conveys the act of putting or throwing
  Together they express bringing things together for consideration

Translation Options:

1. “Ponder” – Emphasizes contemplative aspect
2. “Bring together” – Highlights synthesizing function
3. “Consider carefully” – Captures thoughtful examination

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai) /dee-ah-lo-GID-zo-my/ – focuses on reasoning through. See G1260
• κατανοέω (katanoeō) /ka-ta-no-EH-oh/ – emphasizes careful consideration. See G2657
• ἐνθυμέομαι (enthymeomai) /en-thoo-MEH-oh-my/ – stresses deep reflection. See G1760

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συμβάλλω – I am pondering
• Aorist Active: συνέβαλον – I pondered
• Present Participle: συμβάλλουσα – pondering (feminine)

Cross-references:

• Noun: συμβολή (symbolē)
• Adjective: συμβλητός (symblētos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range of meanings from mental consideration to physical encounter. Thayer’s notes its use in contemplative contexts. LSJ provides examples from various usage contexts. Vine’s highlights its special use in Luke’s gospel. Strong’s connects it to bringing together mentally. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its varied usage in everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things, [pondering] {συμβάλλω} them in her heart.”

Additional References:
Acts 4:15
Acts 17:18
Acts 18:27
Acts 20:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμβάλλω beautifully illustrates the process of spiritual reflection and understanding. It promotes the good news by showing how, like Mary, we should thoughtfully consider God’s work in our lives, bringing together various experiences to understand His redemptive purpose through the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word gave us the English word “symbol” through its meaning of bringing things together.
2. Ancient Greek philosophers used it to describe the process of synthesizing ideas.
3. Early Christian monastics used this term in developing contemplative practices.

Strong’s G4820: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βάλλω (to throw), meaning “to bring together, ponder, encounter, or contribute.” In Luke 2:19, it describes Mary’s deep contemplation of events surrounding Jesus’ birth, bringing together various experiences in her heart.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: contemplation, pondering, meditation, mary, luke, spiritual-reflection, divine-revelation, consideration, encounter, contribution, synthesis, spiritual-understanding​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​