Brief Overview of συλλογίζομαι (Strong’s G4817: sullogizomai)

Strong’s G4817: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λογίζομαι (to reckon), meaning “to reason together, calculate, or deliberate.” In New Testament usage, it describes careful collective reasoning, particularly in contexts of weighing spiritual or moral implications.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συλλογίζομαι represents thoughtful, collective reasoning about significant matters. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with logical calculation or reasoning. In Luke 20:5, it describes the religious leaders’ careful deliberation about how to respond to Jesus’ question about John’s baptism. Early church fathers used this term to emphasize the importance of careful theological reasoning and communal discernment. Today, it reminds us that spiritual truth often requires careful consideration and collective wisdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συλλογίζομαι, sullogizomai, /sool-lo-GID-zo-my/
• Pronunciation: sool-lo-GID-zo-my (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Middle/Passive Deponent)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• λογίζομαι (logizomai): verb meaning “to reckon or calculate”
• The combination emphasizes joint or thorough reasoning

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To reason together
2. To calculate or compute
3. To deliberate carefully
4. To consider collectively

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint or collective action
• λογίζομαι (logizomai): conveys logical thinking
  Together they express thorough collective reasoning

Translation Options:

1. “Reason together” – Emphasizes collective aspect
2. “Calculate” – Highlights logical process
3. “Deliberate” – Captures careful consideration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai) /dee-ah-lo-GID-zo-my/ – emphasizes internal reasoning. See G1260
• λογίζομαι (logizomai) /lo-GID-zo-my/ – basic word for reckoning. See G3049
• συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō) /soom-bool-YOO-oh/ – focuses on giving counsel. See G4823

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a deponent verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Middle/Passive (with active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: συλλογίζομαι – I am reasoning
• Aorist: συνελογισάμην – I reasoned
• Participle: συλλογιζόμενος – reasoning

Cross-references:

• Noun: συλλογισμός (sullogismos)
• Adjective: συλλογιστικός (sullogistikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in careful deliberation. Thayer’s notes its connection to logical reasoning. LSJ provides examples from philosophical contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in strategic thinking. Strong’s connects it to joint calculation. LEH discusses its use in wisdom literature. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 20:5 “And they [reasoned together] {συλλογίζομαι}, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” He will say, “Why did you not believe him?”‘”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Luke 20:5.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συλλογίζομαι demonstrates the importance of careful reasoning in spiritual matters. While the religious leaders used it to avoid truth, it promotes the good news by showing that authentic faith involves thoughtful consideration. The Messiah invites us to reason carefully about His claims, knowing they stand up to scrutiny.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term gave rise to our word “syllogism” in logic.
2. It was commonly used in ancient philosophical schools.
3. Early church fathers used it in describing the process of theological reflection.

Strong’s G4817: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and λογίζομαι (to reckon), meaning “to reason together, calculate, or deliberate.” In New Testament usage, it describes careful collective reasoning, particularly in contexts of weighing spiritual or moral implications.

Part of speech: Verb (Middle/Passive Deponent)

Tags: reasoning, deliberation, calculation, logic, luke, religious-leaders, discernment, wisdom, collective-thinking, decision-making, philosophical-term, theological-reasoning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​