Brief Overview of συμφέρω (Strong’s G4851: symphero)

Strong’s G4851: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and φέρω (to bring/bear), meaning “to bring together, to be profitable or advantageous.” Used to express what is beneficial or expedient, particularly in spiritual contexts regarding what profits the soul or advances God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμφέρω embodies the concept of true spiritual benefit or advantage. As a compound word, it combines together (συν-) with bringing/bearing (φέρω) to express what brings genuine profit or advantage. In the New Testament, the Messiah uses it to teach about spiritual priorities, emphasizing what truly benefits the soul over temporal advantages. The early church understood this term as crucial for discerning true spiritual benefit versus worldly gain. Today, it continues to challenge believers to evaluate choices based on spiritual rather than merely material profit.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμφέρω, symphero, /soom-fer-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FER (stressed) – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: φέρω (phero) meaning “to bring, bear”
• Related to φόρος (phoros) meaning “tribute”
• Base meaning: “to bring together for benefit”

D – Defining Meanings

• To be profitable
• To be advantageous
• To be beneficial

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates convergence
The root φέρω contributes the concept of bringing
Together they express bringing together for advantage

Translation Options:

1. To be profitable – Emphasizes the beneficial outcome
2. To be advantageous – Stresses the positive result
3. To benefit – Captures the helpful aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὠφελέω (opheleo) /o-fel-eh-o/ – to help, benefit – See G5623
• λυσιτελέω (lysiteleo) /loo-sit-el-eh-o/ – to be useful – See G3081
• προσφέρω (prosphero) /pros-fer-o/ – to bring to – See G4374

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example English morphing:
Present: profit/benefit
Future: will profit/benefit
Past: profited/benefited
Participle: profiting/benefiting

• Cross-references include the noun σύμφορον (advantage) and συμφέρον (profit)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in spiritual benefit contexts. Thayer’s highlights its implications for practical decision-making. LSJ notes its common use in discussing advantage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual discernment. Strong’s emphasizes the bringing together aspect. Moulton and Milligan document its use in business contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For it [συμφέρω] is profitable for you that one of your members perish, rather than your whole body be cast into hell. Matthew 5:29

Additional References:
Matthew 18:6, John 11:50, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 12:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμφέρω beautifully captures the principle of true spiritual profit. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus teaches us to value what truly benefits our souls over temporal advantages. This word challenges us to evaluate all things through the lens of spiritual rather than worldly profit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in crucial teachings about spiritual priorities versus worldly gain.
2. It’s used both positively (what benefits) and negatively (what doesn’t benefit).
3. The early church used this term to evaluate practices and teachings.

Strong’s G4851: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and φέρω (to bring/bear), meaning “to bring together, to be profitable or advantageous.” Used to express what is beneficial or expedient, particularly in spiritual contexts regarding what profits the soul or advances God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: profit, benefit, advantage, spiritual-priorities, discernment, wisdom, decision-making, spiritual-gain, usefulness, expedience, kingdom-values, edification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​