Brief Overview of σύμβουλος (Strong’s G4825: symboulos)

Strong’s G4825: A masculine noun combining σύν (with) and βουλή (counsel), meaning “counselor or adviser.” In Romans 11:34, it appears in a rhetorical question emphasizing God’s supreme wisdom and independence, highlighting that He needs no counselor.

U – Unveiling the Word

Σύμβουλος represents the role of an advisor or counselor, but in Romans 11:34, Paul uses it to emphasize God’s transcendent wisdom. As a compound word, it combines the concept of partnership with counsel, creating the image of one who participates in giving advice. Early church fathers used this term to contrast human wisdom with divine wisdom, emphasizing God’s self-sufficiency. Today, it reminds us of both the limitations of human counsel and the sufficiency of divine wisdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμβουλος, symboulos, /SOOM-boo-los/
• Pronunciation: SOOM-boo-los (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Masculine Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• βουλή (boulē): noun meaning “counsel”
• -ος (-os): suffix forming masculine nouns
  The combination creates a term for one who shares in giving counsel

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Counselor
2. Adviser
3. Consultant
4. Member of a council

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates partnership or association
• βουλή (boulē): conveys wisdom or counsel
  Together they describe one who participates in giving counsel

Translation Options:

1. “Counselor” – Emphasizes advisory role
2. “Adviser” – Highlights consultative function
3. “Consultant” – Captures professional aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παράκλητος (paraklētos) /pa-RA-klay-tos/ – emphasizes advocacy and comfort. See G3875
• κριτής (kritēs) /kree-TACE/ – focuses on judgment. See G2923
• διδάσκαλος (didaskalos) /did-AS-ka-los/ – stresses teaching role. See G1320

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a masculine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σύμβουλος
• Genitive: συμβούλου
• Dative: συμβούλῳ
• Accusative: σύμβουλον

Cross-references:

• Verb: συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō)
• Abstract noun: συμβουλία (symboulia)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of advisory roles. Thayer’s notes its application to professional counselors. LSJ provides examples from political settings. Vine’s highlights its rhetorical use in Romans. Strong’s connects it to joint counsel. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its use in official contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 11:34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His [counselor] {σύμβουλος}?”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Romans 11:34.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σύμβουλος powerfully illustrates God’s supreme wisdom and self-sufficiency. It promotes the good news by showing that our sovereign God needs no advice, yet in His grace He involves us in His work. This humbles human wisdom while exalting divine wisdom, encouraging us to seek His counsel rather than trust our own understanding.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used for official state advisers in ancient Greece.
2. Early church writers used it to discuss the role of spiritual directors.
3. It appears in Paul’s quotation from Isaiah 40:13, showing continuity between Old and New Testament theology.

Strong’s G4825: A masculine noun combining σύν (with) and βουλή (counsel), meaning “counselor or adviser.” In Romans 11:34, it appears in a rhetorical question emphasizing God’s supreme wisdom and independence, highlighting that He needs no counselor.

Part of speech: Masculine Noun

Tags: counselor, adviser, divine-wisdom, romans, paul, isaiah-quotation, god’s-sovereignty, human-wisdom, divine-sufficiency, counsel, wisdom, advisory-role​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​