Understanding ἀσύμφωνος (asymphōnos) Strong’s G800: The Greek Word That Reveals Divine Truth About Unity and Discord in the Early Church

Pronunciation Guide: ah-SOOM-fo-nos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G800: ἀσύμφωνος is a compound adjective meaning “not agreeing together” or “discordant.” It describes a state of disagreement or disharmony between parties, particularly in matters of belief or understanding. The word emphasizes the absence of harmony or mutual accord in thought or speech.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + σύμφωνος (symphōnos, “agreeing in sound”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and didactic passages
• Compound Word: Formed from ἀ- (alpha privative) + σύν (with) + φωνή (sound, voice)

ἀσύμφωνος Morphology:

• ἀσύμφωνος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – disagreeing
• ἀσύμφωνον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – disagreeing
• ἀσυμφώνου (genitive singular) – of disagreeing
• ἀσυμφώνῳ (dative singular) – to/with disagreeing

Origin & History

The word ἀσύμφωνος has its roots in classical Greek musical theory, where it originally described notes that were dissonant or out of harmony. Plato uses the term in “Republic” (Book III) when discussing musical harmony and its relationship to the soul’s education. The word later expanded beyond musical contexts to describe any form of disagreement or discord.

In Hellenistic literature, the term appears in philosophical works discussing the nature of agreement and discord in human relationships and societal structures. The Jewish historian Josephus employs related forms when describing conflicts within Jewish society in his work “Antiquities of the Jews.”

The Septuagint (LXX) uses related terms, though ἀσύμφωνος itself is rare, showing preference for other words to express discord such as διχοστασία or ἀκαταστασία.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete lack of agreement or harmony between parties
• Discord in thought, opinion, or declaration
• Fundamental incompatibility in beliefs or statements
• Dissonance in purpose or understanding

ἀσύμφωνος Translation Options:

• “Disagreeing” – Emphasizes the active state of being in discord
• “Discordant” – Captures both the musical roots and the broader application
• “In disagreement” – Reflects the situational nature of the discord
• “At variance” – Emphasizes the relational aspect of the disagreement
• “Not in accord” – Highlights the lack of unity implied by the alpha privative

Biblical Usage

The word ἀσύμφωνος appears only once in the New Testament, making its singular usage particularly significant. Its appearance in Acts 28:25 occurs at a pivotal moment when Paul is addressing the Jewish leaders in Rome, emphasizing their disagreement with one another regarding his message about the Messiah.

The context of this usage is particularly poignant as it marks the conclusion of Acts, where Paul quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10, highlighting the prophetic fulfillment of Jewish rejection of the gospel message. The word choice here is deliberate, showing not just simple disagreement but a fundamental discord that reflects the spiritual condition of those who heard but did not accept the message.

• “And when they did not agree [ἀσύμφωνος] with one another, they departed after Paul had made one statement.” Acts 28:25

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish context, disagreement and debate were actually valued aspects of religious discourse, as evidenced by the rabbinic discussions recorded in the Mishnah and Talmud. However, ἀσύμφωνος here carries a weightier significance than mere scholarly debate. It reflects a deeper spiritual discord that echoes the prophetic warnings of Isaiah.

The word’s connection to musical harmony would have resonated with both Jewish and Greek audiences. In Jewish thought, harmony was often associated with divine order and truth, while discord symbolized rebellion against God’s will. The Greek philosophical tradition similarly viewed harmony as a reflection of truth and cosmic order.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσύμφωνος in Acts 28:25 carries profound theological implications. It marks a significant turning point in salvation history, where Paul explicitly declares that the gospel will now go to the Gentiles due to Jewish rejection. This discord isn’t merely human disagreement but reflects a deeper spiritual reality about the response to God’s revelation in the Messiah.

The word choice here is particularly meaningful as it connects to broader biblical themes of unity and discord in God’s redemptive plan. Just as the Tower of Babel story showed language discord as a result of human pride, here the discord among the Jewish leaders signals their spiritual condition before God.

This usage also points forward prophetically to the future reconciliation promised in Scripture, where true symphony (agreement) will be restored when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀσύμφωνος in Scripture, it challenges us to examine the nature of our own agreement or disagreement with God’s truth. Are we in harmony with His revealed will, or do we find ourselves discordant with His purposes? This word reminds us that disagreement in spiritual matters often reveals deeper heart issues that need to be addressed.

The word also calls us to consider how we handle disagreement within the body of believers. While debate and discussion are healthy, we must guard against the kind of fundamental discord that reveals a resistance to God’s truth and leading.

Related Words

• συμφωνέω (symphōneō) – to agree together, be in harmony – Highlights the positive counterpart to ἀσύμφωνος, emphasizing agreement and concord. See G4856
• διαφωνέω (diaphōneō) – to disagree, differ – Similar meaning but emphasizes the process of disagreement rather than the state. See G1308
• στασιάζω (stasiazō) – to rebel, cause discord – More intense form of disagreement leading to division. See G4754
• διχοστασία (dichostasia) – division, dissension – Related concept focusing on the result of disagreement. See G1370

Did you Know?

• The word ἀσύμφωνος was used in ancient Greek musical theory to describe notes that created dissonance when played together, making its biblical usage particularly evocative as it suggests a spiritual dissonance among the hearers of Paul’s message.
• In modern Greek, the word still maintains its meaning and is used in musical contexts, appearing in phrases like “ασύμφωνη νότα” (discordant note) and in broader contexts describing disagreement.
• The concept of “symphony” (agreement) versus “asymphony” (disagreement) was so important in ancient Greek thought that philosophers often used musical harmony as a metaphor for social and political harmony in their writings.

Remember This

ἀσύμφωνος stands as a powerful reminder that our response to God’s truth reveals the true harmony or discord of our hearts with His divine purposes.