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G4785 (συγκαταψηφίζω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4785
Original Word: συγκαταψηφίζω
Transliteration: synkatapsēphízō
Pronunciation: soong-kat-aps-ay-fid'-zo
Part of Speech: verb
Category: Bible Numbers & Measurements
Root / Etymology: from G4862 (σύν) and a compound of G2596 (κατά) and G5585 (ψηφίζω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 2950

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to count down in company with, i.e. enroll among

number with

from G4862 (σύν) and a compound of G2596 (κατά) and G5585 (ψηφίζω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4785: A compound verb meaning "to count or vote together with, to number with by voting." From σύν (with), κατά (down), and ψῆφος (pebble/vote). Used in Acts to describe Matthias being numbered with the eleven apostles through a formal selection process guided by prayer.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκαταψηφίζομαι combines the concepts of joint counting and formal voting, reflecting ancient Greek voting practices using pebbles. In its New Testament context, it appears uniquely in Acts during the selection of Matthias as the twelfth apostle, emphasizing both divine guidance and orderly process in church leadership selection. The early church saw this word as exemplifying proper ecclesiastical order in leadership appointments. Today, it reminds us of the importance of both divine guidance and proper process in church governance.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: συγκαταψηφίζομαι, sugkatapsephizomai, /soong-kat-aps-ay-fid'-zom-ahee/
Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in "soon") - kat (as in "cat") - aps - ay - FID - zom - ahee
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

σύν (sun) prefix meaning "with, together"
κατά (kata) prefix meaning "down"
ψῆφος (psephos) root meaning "pebble, vote"
-ίζομαι (-izomai) verbal suffix indicating middle/passive voice
Combined meaning: "to be counted together by voting"

D - Defining Meanings

To be numbered with by vote
To be counted among
To be elected together with

For compound words:

σύν indicates joint action
κατά emphasizes formal process
ψηφ- provides voting concept
-ίζομαι makes it a personal/reflexive action

Translation Options:

"To be numbered with" - Emphasizes result
"To be voted among" - Highlights process
"To be counted together" - Stresses collective aspect

E - Exploring Similar Words

ψηφίζω (psephizo) /psay-fid'-zo/ - to count, calculate See G5585
καταριθμέω (katarithmeo) /kat-ar-ith-meh'-o/ - to number among See G2674
συγκαταλέγω (sugkatalego) /soong-kat-al-eg'-o/ - to enroll with See G4779

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb:

Tense: Aorist
Voice: Passive
Mood: Indicative
Person: Third
Number: Singular
Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

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Aorist Passive: συγκατεψηφίσθη (was numbered with)
Present Passive: συγκαταψηφίζεται (is being numbered with)
Perfect Passive: συγκατεψήφισται (has been numbered with)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its formal electoral context. Thayer's notes its connection to ancient voting practices. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for official appointments. Vine's highlights its unique occurrence in Acts. Strong's connects it to collective decision-making. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in administrative documents.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 1:26: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with [συγκαταψηφίζομαι] the eleven apostles."

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Laws	"The citizen was voted into [συγκαταψηφίζομαι] the council"
Demosthenes: Speeches	"He was counted among [συγκαταψηφίζομαι] the city's benefactors"
Lysias: Orations	"The assembly numbered him with [συγκαταψηφίζομαι] the generals"

N - Noteworthy Summary

Συγκαταψηφίζομαι beautifully illustrates the balance of divine guidance and human order in church governance. Through Matthias's selection, we see how the good news of King Jesus works through both supernatural direction and orderly process, reminding us that God's work often combines heavenly wisdom with earthly order.

D - Did You Know?

The word reflects ancient Greek voting with pebbles
It's used only once in the New Testament for apostolic succession
Early church documents used it for ordination procedures

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: voting, church-leadership, apostolic-succession, matthias, acts, election, ordination, church-governance, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, divine-guidance, ecclesiastical-order

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