Brief Overview of συμφώνησις (Strong’s G4857: symphonesis)

Strong’s G4857: A compound noun combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound, voice), meaning “agreement, concord, harmony.” Used in the context of warning against spiritual compromise, emphasizing the fundamental incompatibility between believers and unbelievers.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμφώνησις represents the concept of harmonious agreement or concord. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with sound/voice (φωνή) to express a state of harmony or agreement. In the New Testament, Paul uses it negatively to emphasize the impossibility of true harmony between belief and unbelief. The early church saw this term as crucial for understanding the necessity of maintaining clear spiritual boundaries. Today, it continues to challenge believers about maintaining spiritual distinctiveness while engaging with the world.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμφώνησις, symphonesis, /soom-fo-nay-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FO (stressed) – nay – sis
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: φωνή (phone) meaning “sound, voice”
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) forming abstract nouns of action
• Base meaning: “state of sounding together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Agreement
• Concord
• Harmony of mind

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint state
The root φωνή contributes the concept of unified sound
The suffix -σις indicates the abstract state
Together they express the state of being in harmony

Translation Options:

1. Agreement – Most direct translation
2. Concord – Emphasizes harmonious relationship
3. Accord – Stresses unity of mind and purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμφωνία (symphonia) /soom-fo-nee-ah/ – symphony, harmony – See G4858
• συμφωνέω (symphoneo) /soom-fo-neh-o/ – to agree – See G4856
• κοινωνία (koinonia) /koy-no-nee-ah/ – fellowship – See G2842

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (primarily used)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Example English morphing:
Nominative: agreement
Genitive: of agreement
Dative: to/for agreement
Accusative: agreement (as object)

• Cross-references include the verb συμφωνέω (to agree) and adjective σύμφωνος (harmonious)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of spiritual separation. Thayer’s highlights the impossibility of certain agreements. LSJ notes its use in musical harmony contexts. Vine’s connects it to fundamental spiritual principles. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of agreement implied. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And what [συμφώνησις] accord has the Messiah with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:15

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμφώνησις powerfully highlights the impossibility of true spiritual harmony between belief and unbelief. It proclaims the good news of King Jesus by emphasizing the distinctiveness of His kingdom and the need for clear spiritual allegiance. This word reminds us that following the Messiah requires maintaining clear spiritual boundaries.

D – Did You Know?

1. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament in a crucial passage about spiritual separation.
2. It shares the same root as our English word “symphony.”
3. Early church writers used this term to discuss the boundaries of Christian fellowship.

Strong’s G4857: A compound noun combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound, voice), meaning “agreement, concord, harmony.” Used in the context of warning against spiritual compromise, emphasizing the fundamental incompatibility between believers and unbelievers.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: agreement, harmony, spiritual-separation, distinctiveness, boundaries, fellowship, spiritual-compromise, belief, unbelief, separation, spiritual-purity, kingdom-values​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​