Brief Overview of συνευδοκέω (Strong’s G4909: syneudokeō)

Strong’s G4909: A compound verb combining σύν (together), εὖ (well), and δοκέω (to think/seem), meaning to approve together, consent to, or be well-pleased with. In NT usage, often describes moral agreement or complicity with actions, particularly in contexts of persecution.

U- Unveiling the Word

συνευδοκέω represents a profound concept of shared approval or consent. As a compound word, it combines σύν (together), εὖ (well), and δοκέω (to think), creating a term that describes active agreement or approval of actions. In its first New Testament appearance in Luke 11:48, Jesus uses it to describe the complicity of those who approve of their ancestors’ persecution of prophets. The early church understood this term as expressing moral responsibility through agreement or approval, even without direct participation. Today, this word continues to challenge believers about our responsibility in tacitly approving or consenting to wrongdoing.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνευδοκέω, syneudokeō, /sün-yoo-dok-eh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: soon-yoo-dok-EH-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “together”
• εὖ (eu): adverb meaning “well”
• δοκέω (dokeō): verb meaning “to think/seem”
• The combination creates the meaning “to think well of together”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To approve together
2. To consent with
3. To be well-pleased with
4. To agree to actively

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): Emphasizes shared perspective
• εὖ (eu): Adds positive disposition
• δοκέω (dokeō): Provides mental activity

Translation Options:

1. “Approve together” – Best captures joint agreement
2. “Consent with” – Emphasizes active agreement
3. “Be well-pleased with” – Highlights positive disposition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δοκέω (dokeō, /dok-eh’-o/) – See G1380: To think/seem
• συγκατατίθημι (synkatatithemai, /soong-kat-at-ith’-ay-mee/) – See G4784: To agree with
• ἀρέσκω (areskō, /ar-es’-ko/) – See G700: To please

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συνευδοκῶ (I approve with)
• Aorist Active: συνευδόκησα (I approved with)
• Present Participle: συνευδοκῶν (approving with)
• Cross-references: συνευδόκησις (syneudokēsis) – related noun meaning “approval”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in contexts of moral complicity. Thayer’s notes its application to approving wrongdoing. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing joint approval. Vine’s highlights its use in contexts of persecution. Strong’s connects it to willing agreement. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts for consent.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Truly ye bear witness that ye allow [συνευδοκέω] the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.” Luke 11:48

Additional References:
Acts 8:1, Acts 22:20, Romans 1:32, 1 Corinthians 7:12-13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνευδοκέω challenges us to examine our complicity in wrong actions through passive approval. The good news of King Jesus calls us not only to avoid evil but to actively oppose it. This word reminds us that silence or passive agreement in the face of injustice makes us participants in it.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient legal documents for formal consent
2. Early church used it regarding martyrdom witnesses
3. Influenced development of church discipline terminology

Strong’s G4909: A compound verb expressing joint approval or consent. Used in NT to highlight moral responsibility through agreement or approval of actions, particularly in contexts of persecution or wrongdoing.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: approval, consent, agreement, complicity, moral responsibility, persecution, support, joint approval, moral agreement, active consent​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​