Brief Overview of συμφωνία (Strong’s G4858: symphonia)

Strong’s G4858: A compound noun combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound), meaning “music, concert, harmony of sounds.” Used in the parable of the prodigal son to describe celebratory music, symbolizing the joy of restoration and reconciliation with the Father.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμφωνία represents harmonious music or concerted sound. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with sound (φωνή) to express musical harmony. In the New Testament, it appears in the parable of the prodigal son, where it symbolizes the joy and celebration of restoration. The early church saw this term as significant in understanding both heavenly celebration and the harmony of restored relationships. Today, it continues to remind us that reconciliation with God brings joyful celebration and harmonious fellowship.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμφωνία, symphonia, /soom-fo-nee-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FO (stressed) – nee – ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

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

D – Defining Meanings

• Music
• Concert
• Harmonious sound

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint action
The root φωνή contributes the concept of sound
The suffix -ία indicates the abstract quality
Together they express harmonious musical production

Translation Options:

1. Music – Most common translation
2. Concert – Emphasizes organized performance
3. Symphony – Stresses harmonious combination

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμφώνησις (symphonesis) /soom-fo-nay-sis/ – agreement – See G4857
• φωνή (phone) /fo-nay/ – sound, voice – See G5456
• μελῳδία (melodia) /mel-o-dee-ah/ – melody – See G3196

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

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

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

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in celebratory contexts. Thayer’s highlights its musical meaning. LSJ notes its technical musical usage in classical literature. Vine’s connects it to joyful celebration. Strong’s emphasizes the harmonious nature of the sound. Moulton and Milligan document its use in entertainment contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard [συμφωνία] music and dancing.” Luke 15:25

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμφωνία beautifully captures the joy of restoration in God’s kingdom. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus brings celebration when the lost are found and sinners reconciled. This word reminds us that our return to the Father is accompanied by heavenly music and rejoicing.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word gives us our English word “symphony.”
2. It appears uniquely in the context of celebrating restored relationships.
3. Early church writers saw it as symbolizing the harmony of heaven’s celebration over repentance.

Strong’s G4858: A compound noun combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound), meaning “music, concert, harmony of sounds.” Used in the parable of the prodigal son to describe celebratory music, symbolizing the joy of restoration and reconciliation with the Father.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: music, celebration, restoration, reconciliation, joy, harmony, prodigal-son, heavenly-celebration, praise, worship, reunion, festivity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​