Brief Overview of συνέδριον (Strong’s G4892: synedrion)

Strong’s G4892: A compound noun combining σύν (together) and ἕδρα (seat), referring to a sitting together or council. In the NT, primarily denotes the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council, but also used for other judicial assemblies and local courts.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνέδριον represents a significant institution in Jewish governance and justice. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness (σύν) with sitting/settlement (ἕδρα), literally meaning “sitting together.” In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council that held both religious and civil authority. This 71-member council, presided over by the High Priest, played a crucial role in the trial of the Messiah and the early persecution of the church. The early church recognized this term’s historical significance while also using it to describe their own assemblies. Today, this word helps us understand the political and religious context of the New Testament era and the institutional opposition faced by early believers.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνέδριον, synedrion, /sün-ed’-ree-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-ED-ree-on (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ἕδρα (hedra): noun meaning “seat” or “sitting”
• -ιον (ion): diminutive suffix forming a noun
• The combination creates the meaning “a sitting together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. The Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme council)
2. A judicial assembly or court
3. A council chamber or meeting place

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes collective gathering
• ἕδρα (hedra): Provides the concept of formal seating
• -ιον (ion): Makes it a concrete noun referring to the institution

Translation Options:

1. “Council” – Best captures both formal and informal uses
2. “Sanhedrin” – Specific to Jewish supreme council context
3. “Court” – Emphasizes judicial function

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βουλή (boulē, /boo-lay’/) – See G1012: Council or decision
• γερουσία (gerousia, /gher-oo-see’-ah/) – See G1087: Council of elders
• πρεσβυτέριον (presbyterion, /pres-boo-ter’-ee-on/) – See G4244: Assembly of elders

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: συνέδριον
• Genitive singular: συνεδρίου
• Dative singular: συνεδρίῳ
• Accusative singular: συνέδριον
• Cross-references: συνεδριάζω (synedriazō) – related verb meaning “to sit in council”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its primary reference to the Sanhedrin while noting other judicial uses. Thayer’s details its composition and authority in Jewish society. LSJ provides examples from Hellenistic usage for various types of councils. Vine’s highlights its usage in the trial of Jesus. Strong’s connects it to both religious and civil authority. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for local courts and assemblies.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council [συνέδριον]: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matthew 5:22

Additional References:
Matthew 26:59, Mark 14:55, Luke 22:66, John 11:47, Acts 4:15, Acts 5:21, Acts 6:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	“The elders gathered in council [συνέδριον] to discuss the matter of war.”
Thucydides: Peloponnesian War	“The assembly [συνέδριον] of allies met to determine their strategy.”
Polybius: Histories	“The council [συνέδριον] of the Achaean League convened to make laws.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνέδριον represents both religious and civil authority in the New Testament era. While often associated with opposition to the Messiah and His followers, it paradoxically highlights how the good news of King Jesus transcends human institutions and authority. Even when faced with the highest court in the land, the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men,” demonstrating the supreme authority of the Messiah over all earthly councils.

D – Did You Know?

1. The Sanhedrin met in a semicircle to allow members to see each other during deliberations
2. The term survived in Greek-speaking Jewish communities until modern times
3. The word influenced the development of “synod” in church governance

Strong’s G4892: A compound noun combining “together” (σύν) with “seat” (ἕδρα), primarily referring to the Sanhedrin but also other judicial assemblies. In NT usage, it represents both religious authority and opposition to early Christianity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: Sanhedrin, council, Jewish authority, court, judgment, religious leadership, judicial assembly, governance, persecution, trial, religious institution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​