Brief Overview of συζήτησις (Strong’s G4803: suzētēsis)

Strong’s G4803: A feminine noun derived from συζητέω, meaning “joint investigation, discussion, or disputation.” In New Testament context, particularly in Acts, it refers to serious theological discussion or debate, often concerning matters of doctrine and practice in the early church.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συζήτησις represents the important practice of theological discussion and dispute resolution in the early church. As a compound word derived from συζητέω, it embodies the concept of joint investigation or mutual inquiry. In Acts 15:2, it describes the serious discussions that led to the Jerusalem Council, highlighting how the early church addressed doctrinal challenges through structured debate and dialogue. Early church fathers valued this word as it emphasized the importance of thorough theological discussion in maintaining church unity. Today, it provides a model for how churches can address theological differences through respectful dialogue and collective wisdom-seeking.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συζήτησις, suzētēsis, /sood-zay-TAY-sis/
• Pronunciation: soo-dzay-TAY-sis (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ζητέω (zēteō): root verb meaning “to seek or investigate”
• -σις (-sis): suffix forming abstract nouns from verbs
  The combination creates a noun describing the act of joint investigation

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Joint investigation
2. Mutual inquiry
3. Discussion or debate
4. Theological disputation

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint or mutual action
• ζητέω (zēteō): conveys seeking or investigation
• -σις (-sis): transforms the action into an abstract concept
  Together they form a noun describing the process of seeking understanding together

Translation Options:

1. “Discussion” – Emphasizes the mutual exchange aspect
2. “Debate” – Highlights the more formal, structured nature
3. “Disputation” – Captures the serious theological context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διάλεξις (dialexis) /dee-AH-lex-is/ – focuses on reasoned discourse. See G1255
• ζήτημα (zētēma) /DZAY-tay-ma/ – emphasizes the question or issue being discussed. See G2213
• συμβούλιον (symboulion) /soom-BOO-lee-on/ – stresses joint counsel. See G4824

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

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

Examples of case endings:

• Nominative singular: συζήτησις
• Genitive singular: συζητήσεως
• Dative singular: συζητήσει
• Accusative singular: συζήτησιν

Cross-references:

• Verb form: συζητέω (suzēteō)
• Related adjective: συζητητικός (suzētētikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in theological and philosophical discussions. Thayer’s notes its connection to serious doctrinal debates. LSJ provides examples from academic discourse. Vine’s highlights its use in Acts for church discussions. Strong’s connects it to mutual questioning. LEH discusses its use in religious debates. Moulton and Milligan show its presence in formal philosophical discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 15:2 “And after Paul and Barnabas had no small [dissension] {συζήτησις} and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.”

Additional References:
Acts 28:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συζήτησις shows us that the early church valued rigorous theological discussion and collective wisdom-seeking. It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus can withstand thorough investigation and that unity in truth often comes through honest, respectful dialogue. This word encourages us to approach theological differences with both conviction and humility, seeking understanding together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was used in ancient philosophical schools to describe formal academic discussions.
2. The Jerusalem Council, where this word appears, set a precedent for church conflict resolution.
3. Early church fathers used this term when describing how to properly examine and defend Christian doctrine.

Strong’s G4803: A feminine noun derived from συζητέω, meaning “joint investigation, discussion, or disputation.” In New Testament context, particularly in Acts, it refers to serious theological discussion or debate, often concerning matters of doctrine and practice in the early church.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: discussion, debate, investigation, theological-dialogue, doctrinal-debate, acts, jerusalem-council, church-unity, conflict-resolution, joint-inquiry, early-church, theological-discourse​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​