Brief Overview of συμβούλιον (Strong’s G4824: symboulion)

Strong’s G4824: A neuter noun combining σύν (with) and βουλή (counsel), meaning “a council, consultation, or deliberative body.” In the New Testament, it often refers to formal gatherings of religious leaders plotting against Jesus, highlighting human opposition to divine purpose.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συμβούλιον represents formal deliberative assemblies and their decisions. As a compound word, it combines the concept of joint action with counsel or deliberation. In Matthew 12:14, it describes the Pharisees’ formal consultation to destroy Jesus. Early church fathers contrasted these hostile councils with godly church assemblies seeking divine wisdom. Today, it reminds us that formal religious authority can either serve or oppose God’s purposes, calling for discernment in leadership and decision-making.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμβούλιον, symboulion, /soom-BOO-lee-on/
• Pronunciation: soom-BOO-lee-on (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βουλή (boulē): noun meaning “counsel or will”
• -ιον (-ion): suffix forming diminutive or abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Council meeting
2. Formal consultation
3. Deliberative assembly
4. Joint decision

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint action
• βουλή (boulē): conveys deliberation or counsel
  Together they form a noun describing organized consultation

Translation Options:

1. “Council” – Emphasizes formal body
2. “Consultation” – Highlights deliberative process
3. “Deliberation” – Captures decision-making aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνέδριον (synedrion) /soon-ED-ree-on/ – specifically refers to the Sanhedrin. See G4892
• βουλή (boulē) /boo-LAY/ – basic word for counsel. See G1012
• συναγωγή (synagōgē) /soon-ag-o-GAY/ – emphasizes assembly. See G4864

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a neuter noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: συμβούλιον
• Genitive: συμβουλίου
• Dative: συμβουλίῳ
• Accusative: συμβούλιον

Cross-references:

• Verb: συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō)
• Adjective: συμβουλευτικός (symbouleutikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for formal consultations. Thayer’s notes its connection to decision-making bodies. LSJ provides examples from political contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in plotting against Jesus. Strong’s connects it to joint counsel. LEH discusses its usage in administrative contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:14 “But the Pharisees went out and held [council] {συμβούλιον} against Him, how to destroy Him.”

Additional References:
Matthew 22:15
Matthew 27:1
Matthew 27:7
Matthew 28:12
Mark 3:6
Mark 15:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμβούλιον reveals how formal religious authority can oppose God’s purposes. It promotes the good news by showing that despite human schemes against the Messiah, God’s sovereign plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust divine wisdom above human councils and to ensure our deliberations align with God’s will.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was used for both emergency and regular administrative meetings.
2. Early church councils deliberately avoided this term due to its negative associations.
3. It appears in ancient legal documents describing official decision-making processes.

Strong’s G4824: A neuter noun combining σύν (with) and βουλή (counsel), meaning “a council, consultation, or deliberative body.” In the New Testament, it often refers to formal gatherings of religious leaders plotting against Jesus, highlighting human opposition to divine purpose.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: council, consultation, deliberation, pharisees, religious-opposition, matthew, mark, decision-making, plotting, religious-authority, formal-assembly, leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​