Brief Overview of συναίρω (Strong’s G4868: sunairō)

Strong’s G4868: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and αἴρω (to take up, lift), meaning to take up together, particularly used in financial contexts to settle accounts. In NT usage, it appears in Jesus’s parables about accountability and divine reckoning.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναίρω represents a precise economic term that carries deep spiritual significance. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with taking up or lifting, creating a term specifically used for settling accounts or making reckonings. In the New Testament, Jesus employs this word in His parables about the kingdom of heaven, particularly in discussions of debt, forgiveness, and divine accounting. The early church understood this term as highlighting God’s sovereignty in judgment and the importance of spiritual accountability. Today, it continues to remind us of our responsibility before God and the necessity of both receiving and extending forgiveness.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναίρω, sunairō, /soon-EYE-roh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + eye (as in ‘eye’) + roh (as in ‘row’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• αἴρω (airō): root verb meaning “to lift up, take up, raise”
• In combination, creates the concept of taking up together for comparison or settlement

D – Defining Meanings

• To settle accounts
• To make a reckoning
• To take up together for comparison
• To calculate jointly
• To bring accounts to a close

For compound words:
σύν adds the aspect of joint activity or mutual involvement, while αἴρω contributes the notion of lifting or taking up, creating a technical term for financial settlements.

Translation Options:

1. “To settle accounts” – Best captures the financial context
2. “To make a reckoning” – Emphasizes the accountability aspect
3. “To compare accounts” – Highlights the mutual examination involved

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λογίζομαι (logizomai) /log-ID-zom-ahee/ – to reckon, count, compute. See G3049
• ψηφίζω (psēphizō) /psay-FID-zoh/ – to count, calculate. See G5585
• διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai) /dee-ah-log-ID-zom-ahee/ – to reason, reckon thoroughly. See G1260

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συναίρω (I settle)
• Aorist Active: συνῆρα (I settled)
• Present Infinitive: συναίρειν (to settle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical use in financial contexts. Thayer’s notes its specific application to settling accounts. LSJ provides evidence of widespread commercial usage. Vine’s connects it to divine judgment themes. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of taking up together. LEH notes its use in commercial documents. Moulton and Milligan find extensive papyri evidence of its use in business transactions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Matthew 18:23: “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts [συνᾶραι λόγον] with his servants.”

Additional References:
Matthew 18:24, Matthew 25:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναίρω powerfully illustrates the reality of divine accounting and human accountability. Yet in the parables of King Jesus, this term reveals not just strict accounting but also the possibility of incredible forgiveness. The good news is that while God does indeed reckon with us, He is willing to cancel insurmountable debts through the Messiah’s sacrifice. This challenges us to both receive and extend such radical forgiveness.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears exclusively in Matthew’s Gospel in the New Testament
2. It was a common term in ancient business documents and contracts
3. Early church fathers used this term to discuss final judgment

Strong’s G4868: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and αἴρω (to take up, lift), meaning to take up together, particularly used in financial contexts to settle accounts. In NT usage, it appears in Jesus’s parables about accountability and divine reckoning.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: accounting, reckoning, settlement, judgment, forgiveness, debt, accountability, divine judgment, financial terms, parables, kingdom of heaven, spiritual accounting​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​