Brief Overview of σύμφημι (Strong’s G4852: symphemi)

Strong’s G4852: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and φημί (to say), meaning “to speak together with, to agree with, to consent to.” Used in Romans to express agreement with the goodness of God’s law despite human inability to fully keep it.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύμφημι represents the concept of speaking in agreement or consenting to truth. As a compound word, it combines together (συν-) with saying/speaking (φημί) to express active agreement or acknowledgment. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically to describe the inner agreement of the conscience with God’s law, even when actions fail to align. The early church saw this term as significant in understanding the tension between recognizing divine truth and human weakness. Today, it continues to describe the believer’s recognition and agreement with God’s truth despite struggles with obedience.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμφημι, symphemi, /soom-fay-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FAY (stressed) – mee
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: φημί (phemi) meaning “to say, speak”
• From root φα- (pha-) meaning “to speak”
• Base meaning: “to speak together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To agree with
• To consent to
• To acknowledge together

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The root φημί contributes the concept of speaking
Together they express verbal agreement or consent

Translation Options:

1. To agree with – Most direct translation
2. To consent to – Emphasizes willing acknowledgment
3. To acknowledge together – Stresses shared recognition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμολογέω (homologeo) /hom-ol-og-eh-o/ – to confess, agree – See G3670
• συγκατατίθημι (synkatatithemai) /soong-kat-at-ith-em-ahee/ – to agree with – See G4784
• φημί (phemi) /fay-mee/ – to say – See G5346

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Example English morphing:
Present: agree with
Past: agreed with
Participle: agreeing with
Future: will agree with

• Cross-references include the noun συμφώνησις (agreement) and σύμφωνος (harmonious)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing agreement with truth. Thayer’s highlights the willing nature of the agreement. LSJ notes its use in formal agreements. Vine’s connects it to internal recognition of truth. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the agreement. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

But if I do what I will not to do, I [σύμφημι] agree with the law that it is good. Romans 7:16

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύμφημι beautifully captures the human heart’s recognition of divine truth. It proclaims the good news that even in our struggles with sin, we can agree with and acknowledge the goodness of God’s law. This word reminds us that the first step toward transformation is agreeing with God’s truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in Paul’s profound discussion of the struggle between flesh and spirit.
2. It was commonly used in legal contexts for formal agreements.
3. Early church writers used this term to discuss the relationship between conviction and practice.

Strong’s G4852: A compound verb combining συν- (with) and φημί (to say), meaning “to speak together with, to agree with, to consent to.” Used in Romans to express agreement with the goodness of God’s law despite human inability to fully keep it.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: agreement, consent, acknowledgment, law-of-god, conviction, conscience, inner-conflict, truth, recognition, spiritual-struggle, divine-law, moral-law​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​