Brief Overview of συγκατάθεσις (Strong’s G4783: sugkatathesis)

Strong’s G4783: A feminine noun meaning “agreement, union, accord.” From σύν (with) and κατάθεσις (putting down/settling). Used in contexts of mutual agreement or consent, particularly significant in Paul’s discussion of the incompatibility between believers and unbelievers, emphasizing spiritual separation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκατάθεσις conveys the concept of complete agreement or union, carrying both legal and relational implications. In its New Testament context, Paul uses it negatively to emphasize the impossibility of agreement between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness. The early church understood this word as fundamental to maintaining spiritual purity and distinctiveness. Today, it continues to challenge believers about their allegiances and the importance of maintaining clear spiritual boundaries while engaging with the world.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκατάθεσις, sugkatathesis, /soong-kat-ath’-es-is/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kat (as in “cat”) – ATH (as in “path”) – es – is
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κατά (kata) prefix meaning “down”
• θέσις (thesis) from τίθημι meaning “to put, place”
• Combined meaning: “a putting down together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• Agreement or accord
• Mutual consent
• Union or alliance

For compound words:

• σύν indicates mutuality
• κατά emphasizes settlement
• θέσις provides the concept of placement/establishment

Translation Options:

• “Agreement” – Emphasizes mutual consent
• “Union” – Stresses the joining aspect
• “Alliance” – Highlights formal relationship

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμολογία (homologia) /hom-ol-og-ee’-ah/ – confession, profession See G3671
• συμφώνησις (sumphonesis) /soom-fo’-nay-sis/ – harmony See G4857
• κοινωνία (koinonia) /koy-nohn-ee’-ah/ – fellowship See G2842

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: συγκατάθεσις (agreement)
• Genitive: συγκαταθέσεως (of agreement)
• Dative: συγκαταθέσει (to/for agreement)
• Accusative: συγκατάθεσιν (agreement as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of spiritual incompatibility. Thayer’s notes its origin from legal terminology. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for formal agreements. Vine’s highlights its significance in spiritual separation. Strong’s connects it to mutual arrangement. LEH notes similar concepts in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 6:16: “And what agreement [συγκατάθεσις] hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκατάθεσις powerfully illustrates the impossibility of true spiritual compromise. Through this word, Paul proclaims the good news that in the Messiah, believers become the temple of the living God, necessitating complete separation from idolatry and spiritual darkness. It reminds us that our primary allegiance must be to the Messiah alone.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in marriage contracts
• It appears in ancient business partnerships and treaties
• Early church writers used it to discuss church discipline

Strong’s G4783: A feminine noun meaning “agreement, union, accord.” From σύν (with) and κατάθεσις (putting down/settling). Used in contexts of mutual agreement or consent, particularly significant in Paul’s discussion of the incompatibility between believers and unbelievers, emphasizing spiritual separation.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: agreement, union, spiritual-separation, paul, corinthians, temple, idolatry, separation, holiness, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, spiritual-purity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​