Brief Overview of συνοράω (Strong’s G4894: synoraō)

Strong’s G4894: A compound verb combining σύν (together) and ὁράω (to see), meaning to see comprehensively or perceive clearly. Used in NT to describe both physical perception of danger/situations and spiritual/moral discernment, emphasizing complete awareness and understanding.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνοράω represents a comprehensive type of perception that encompasses both physical and spiritual sight. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together) with ὁράω (to see), creating a term that describes thorough understanding and awareness. In the New Testament, its usage spans from Sapphira’s awareness of deception (Acts 5:2), to perceiving dangerous situations (Acts 14:6), to spiritual self-examination (1 Corinthians 4:4). The early church understood this term as expressing both practical discernment and spiritual insight. Today, this word reminds us of the need for both physical wisdom and spiritual discernment in our walk with the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνοράω, synoraō, /sün-or-ah’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-or-AH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• ὁράω (horaō): verb meaning “to see”
• The combination creates the meaning “to see together” or “perceive completely”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To perceive dangerous situations
2. To understand or comprehend fully
3. To be aware of circumstances
4. To examine oneself with insight

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Adds the concept of completeness and synthesis in perception
• ὁράω (horaō): Provides the core meaning of seeing/perceiving
• Together they emphasize comprehensive understanding and awareness

Translation Options:

1. “Perceive clearly” – Best captures both physical and spiritual perception
2. “Understand fully” – Emphasizes the comprehensive nature
3. “Be thoroughly aware” – Highlights complete consciousness of situation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁράω (horaō, /hor-ah’-o/) – See G3708: Basic term for seeing
• συνίημι (syniēmi, /soon-ee’-ay-mee/) – See G4920: To understand together
• γινώσκω (ginōskō, /ghin-oce’-ko/) – See G1097: To come to know, perceive

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνοράω (I perceive)
• Aorist Active: συνεῖδον (I perceived)
• Perfect Active: συνεώρακα (I have perceived)
• Cross-references: σύνοιδα (synoida) – related perfect form meaning “to be conscious of”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both the physical and moral aspects of perception. Thayer’s notes its range from physical danger awareness to spiritual discernment. LSJ provides examples showing development from physical sight to mental perception. Vine’s highlights its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Strong’s connects it to comprehensive understanding. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for both practical and moral awareness.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy [συνοράω] to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 5:2

Additional References:
Acts 12:12, Acts 14:6, 1 Corinthians 4:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνοράω reflects both practical wisdom and spiritual insight. In the good news of King Jesus, we are called to exercise both types of perception – being wise as serpents and innocent as doves. This comprehensive seeing enables us to navigate physical challenges while maintaining spiritual clarity, always guided by the Holy Spirit’s illumination.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient military texts for strategic awareness
2. Applied in early Christian texts to both physical and spiritual discernment
3. Shows up in ancient medical literature for diagnostic insight

Strong’s G4894: A compound verb joining “together” (σύν) and “to see” (ὁράω), expressing complete perception and understanding. Used in NT for both physical awareness of situations and spiritual/moral discernment, emphasizing thorough comprehension.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: perception, understanding, awareness, discernment, comprehension, insight, wisdom, judgment, spiritual sight, moral awareness, danger perception, self-examination​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​