Brief Overview of σύμφωνος (Strong’s G4859: symphonos)

Strong’s G4859: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound, voice), meaning “harmonious, agreeing together.” Used in marriage context to describe mutual consent between spouses regarding temporary abstinence for prayer, emphasizing unity in spiritual practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύμφωνος embodies the concept of harmonious agreement, especially in intimate relationships. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with sound (φωνή) to express complete accord. In the New Testament, Paul uses it specifically to address mutual consent in marriage, particularly regarding spiritual practices. The early church saw this term as significant for understanding both marital harmony and spiritual unity. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian marriage and mutual agreement in spiritual matters.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύμφωνος, symphonos, /soom-fo-nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – FO (stressed) – nos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: φωνή (phone) meaning “sound, voice”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming adjectives
• Base meaning: “sounding together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Harmoniously agreeing
• By mutual consent
• In accord with

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates joint state
The root φωνή contributes the concept of unified voice
The suffix -ος indicates the descriptive quality
Together they express harmonious agreement

Translation Options:

1. By mutual consent – Best captures the marital context
2. In agreement – Emphasizes unified decision
3. With one accord – Stresses harmony of purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμφωνέω (symphoneo) /soom-fo-neh-o/ – to agree – See G4856
• ὁμόφρων (homophron) /hom-of-rone/ – like-minded – See G3675
• ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon) /hom-oth-oo-mad-on/ – with one accord – See G3661

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:
Masculine: σύμφωνος (agreeing)
Feminine: σύμφωνη (agreeing)
Neuter: σύμφωνον (agreeing)
Plural adds appropriate endings

• Cross-references include the noun συμφωνία (harmony) and verb συμφωνέω (to agree)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in marital contexts. Thayer’s highlights the mutual nature of the agreement. LSJ notes its use in musical harmony contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual unity. Strong’s emphasizes the completeness of the agreement. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal agreements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Do not deprive one another except with [σύμφωνος] mutual consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύμφωνος beautifully captures the harmony God intends in Christian marriage. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus enables true unity between believers, especially in marriage. This word reminds us that spiritual practices in marriage should be marked by mutual agreement and respect.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word uniquely combines musical harmony concepts with relational agreement.
2. It appears in one of Paul’s key teachings on Christian marriage.
3. The concept influenced early church understanding of marital spirituality.

Strong’s G4859: A compound adjective combining συν- (with) and φωνή (sound, voice), meaning “harmonious, agreeing together.” Used in marriage context to describe mutual consent between spouses regarding temporary abstinence for prayer, emphasizing unity in spiritual practices.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: agreement, marriage, harmony, consent, unity, spiritual-practices, mutual-respect, relationship, prayer, fasting, marital-unity, spiritual-unity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​