Brief Overview of συζητέω (Strong’s G4802: suzēteō)

Strong’s G4802: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ζητέω (to seek), meaning “to seek together” or “to discuss by inquiry and investigation.” In New Testament usage, it often describes theological discourse, deliberation, and sometimes disputations about spiritual matters.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συζητέω embodies the rich tradition of Jewish and early Christian theological discourse. As a compound word, it combines the concepts of joint participation and active seeking or investigation. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from amazed questioning about Jesus’ authority (Mark 1:27) to serious theological debates (Acts 6:9). The early church fathers embraced this word to describe the proper approach to theological inquiry – not mere arguing, but joint seeking after truth. Today, it remains relevant as a model for respectful theological dialogue and communal truth-seeking in the body of the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συζητέω, suzēteō, /sood-zay-TEH-oh/
• Pronunciation: soo-dzay-TEH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ζητέω (zēteō): root verb meaning “to seek, search, inquire”
  Together they form a word expressing joint investigation or discussion

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To seek together through discussion
2. To inquire together
3. To debate or dispute
4. To reason together

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
• ζητέω (zēteō): implies active seeking or investigation
  Together they express collaborative searching for understanding

Translation Options:

1. “Discuss” – Emphasizes the conversational aspect
2. “Reason together” – Highlights the collaborative investigation
3. “Dispute” – When context indicates controversy or debate

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) /dee-ah-LEG-oh-my/ – focuses on reasoning through dialogue. See G1256
• συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō) /soom-bool-YOO-oh/ – emphasizes joint counsel. See G4823
• διακρίνω (diakrinō) /dee-ah-KREE-noh/ – stresses distinguishing or judging. See G1252

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

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

Examples:

• Present Active: συζητῶ (suzētō) – I am discussing
• Imperfect: συνεζήτουν (sunezētoun) – they were discussing
• Aorist: συζητῆσαι (suzētēsai) – to discuss

Cross-references:

• Noun form: συζήτησις (suzētēsis)
• Participle: συζητῶν (suzētōn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s range from friendly discussion to heated debate. Thayer’s notes its use in both philosophical and theological contexts. LSJ provides examples from Greek philosophical discourse. Vine’s highlights its frequent use in Mark’s gospel. Strong’s connects it to joint investigation. LEH discusses its use in Jewish religious debates. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in academic settings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 1:27 “And they were all amazed, so that they [questioned] {συζητέω} among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority!'”

Additional References:
Mark 8:11
Mark 9:14
Mark 12:28
Luke 22:23
Luke 24:15
Acts 6:9
Acts 9:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συζητέω exemplifies the dynamic nature of faith seeking understanding. It shows us that following King Jesus involves both heart and mind, encouraging us to engage in meaningful dialogue about our faith. The good news isn’t meant to be accepted blindly but can withstand and even welcomes honest investigation and discussion, as we together seek to understand the depths of God’s truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient philosophical schools to describe the Socratic method of joint inquiry.
2. The early church adopted this term for their catechetical instruction methods.
3. It appears most frequently in Mark’s gospel, often describing reactions to Jesus’ teaching and miracles.

Strong’s G4802: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ζητέω (to seek), meaning “to seek together” or “to discuss by inquiry and investigation.” In New Testament usage, it often describes theological discourse, deliberation, and sometimes disputations about spiritual matters.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: discussion, debate, inquiry, theological-discourse, investigation, dialogue, mark, acts, reasoning, philosophical-discourse, joint-seeking, truth-seeking​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​