Brief Overview of συμψηφίζω (Strong’s G4860: sympfephizo)

Strong’s G4860: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and ψηφίζω (to count with pebbles), meaning “to compute, calculate together.” Used in Acts to describe the public accounting of the value of magic books burned by new believers, demonstrating the concrete cost of following the Messiah.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμψηφίζω represents the act of careful calculation or reckoning together. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with counting (ψηφίζω, originally referring to counting with pebbles) to express collective calculation. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during a dramatic moment of public repentance where new believers counted the value of their occult books before burning them. The early church saw this term as significant for understanding the concrete cost of discipleship. Today, it continues to remind us that following Jesus often involves measurable sacrifice.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμψηφίζω, sympfephizo, /soom-psay-fid-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PSAY (stressed) – fid – zo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: ψῆφος (psephos) meaning “pebble used for counting”
• Verbal suffix: -ίζω (-izo) indicating action
• Base meaning: “to count together”

D – Defining Meanings

• To compute together
• To calculate collectively
• To reckon up

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The root ψηφίζω contributes the concept of counting
Together they express collective calculation

Translation Options:

1. To calculate together – Most precise translation
2. To count up – Emphasizes completion aspect
3. To reckon jointly – Stresses collective nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψηφίζω (psephizo) /psay-fid-zo/ – to count – See G5585
• λογίζομαι (logizomai) /log-id-zom-ahee/ – to reckon – See G3049
• ἀριθμέω (arithmeo) /ar-ith-meh-o/ – to number – See G705

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example English morphing:
Present: calculate together
Past: calculated together
Future: will calculate together
Participle: calculating together

• Cross-references include the noun ψῆφος (pebble) and συμψηφισμός (joint calculation)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in public accounting contexts. Thayer’s highlights the collective nature of the calculation. LSJ notes its use in financial contexts. Vine’s connects it to public demonstration of faith. Strong’s emphasizes the thoroughness of the counting. Moulton and Milligan document its use in business records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they [συμψηφίζω] calculated their value, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. Acts 19:19

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμψηφίζω powerfully illustrates the concrete cost of following King Jesus. It proclaims the good news that true repentance often involves measurable sacrifice, yet the value sacrificed pales in comparison to the worth of knowing the Messiah. This word reminds us that following Jesus may require counting and surrendering what we once valued.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally referred to counting with pebbles, a common ancient accounting method.
2. It appears in one of the most dramatic public demonstrations of repentance in Acts.
3. The calculated value (50,000 pieces of silver) represented an enormous financial sacrifice.

Strong’s G4860: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and ψηφίζω (to count with pebbles), meaning “to compute, calculate together.” Used in Acts to describe the public accounting of the value of magic books burned by new believers, demonstrating the concrete cost of following the Messiah.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: calculation, counting, sacrifice, repentance, cost-of-discipleship, public-testimony, conversion, magic-books, value, accounting, surrender, radical-commitment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​