Brief Overview of συμμαρτυρέω (Strong’s G4828: symmetureo)

Strong’s G4828: A compound verb combining συν- (with, together) and μαρτυρέω (to witness, testify), meaning “to bear witness together with, to testify jointly.” Used in contexts of corroborating testimony, particularly regarding spiritual truth and conscience.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμμαρτυρέω represents a powerful concept of joint testimony or corroborating witness. As a compound word, it combines the idea of togetherness (συν-) with bearing witness (μαρτυρέω), creating a rich theological term that speaks to the harmony of multiple witnesses in confirming truth. In the New Testament, it’s particularly significant in contexts where multiple sources of testimony converge – such as the conscience bearing witness with God’s law, or the Holy Spirit testifying with our spirit. The early church recognized this word’s importance in establishing truth through multiple witnesses, a principle rooted in both Jewish law and Christian practice. Today, it remains relevant in understanding how God’s truth is confirmed through various means – Scripture, conscience, the Holy Spirit, and the testimony of believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμμαρτυρέω, symmetureo, /soom-mar-too-reh-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – mar (stressed) – too – REH – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: μαρτυρέω (martyreo) meaning “to witness, testify”
• Verbal suffix: -έω (-eo) indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To bear witness together with
• To testify jointly
• To corroborate by testimony

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action or togetherness
The root μαρτυρέω provides the core meaning of witnessing or testifying
Combined, they express the concept of unified or corroborating testimony

Translation Options:

1. To testify together – Most literal translation preserving both components
2. To corroborate – Emphasizes the confirming aspect of joint testimony
3. To bear joint witness – Maintains formal witness terminology while showing plurality

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαρτυρέω (martyreo) /mar-too-reh-oh/ – simple form meaning “to witness” – See G3140
• διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai) /dee-am-ar-too-rom-ahee/ – to testify solemnly – See G1263
• ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartureo) /psyoo-dom-ar-too-reh-oh/ – to bear false witness – See G5576

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example English morphing:
Present: testify together
Future: will testify together
Past: testified together
Participle: testifying together

• Cross-references include the noun συμμαρτυρία (joint testimony) and μάρτυς (witness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes this word’s use in legal contexts and its theological application to conscience and Spirit testimony. Thayer’s highlights its compound nature and the significance of joint testimony. LSJ provides examples from Greek legal documents. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of witness in Scripture. Strong’s emphasizes the collaborative nature of the testimony. Moulton and Milligan note its use in legal papyri for corroborating evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also [συμμαρτυρέω] bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them Romans 2:15

Additional References:
Romans 8:16, Romans 9:1, Revelation 22:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμμαρτυρέω powerfully illustrates how God provides multiple witnesses to His truth. Whether it’s our conscience aligning with His law, the Holy Spirit confirming our adoption, or Scripture corroborating itself, this word reminds us that the good news of King Jesus comes with compelling testimony. It encourages us to recognize and trust the various ways God confirms His truth in our lives and in His word.

D – Did You Know?

1. The concept of joint testimony in συμμαρτυρέω reflects the biblical principle that truth is established by two or three witnesses.
2. This word appears most prominently in Romans, where Paul uses it to describe both internal (conscience) and divine (Holy Spirit) testimony.
3. The legal background of this term influenced early Christian understanding of how God validates His truth through multiple witnesses.

Strong’s G4828: A compound verb combining συν- (with, together) and μαρτυρέω (to witness, testify), meaning “to bear witness together with, to testify jointly.” Used in contexts of corroborating testimony, particularly regarding spiritual truth and conscience.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: witness, testimony, confirmation, conscience, holy-spirit, truth, evidence, corroboration, legal-terms, validation, joint-witness, divine-testimony​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​