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G4823 (συμβουλεύω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4823
Original Word: συμβουλεύω
Transliteration: symbouleúō
Pronunciation: soom-bool-yoo'-o
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: from G4862 (σύν) and G1011 (βουλεύω);
Frequency: 5×
Gematria: 2347

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to give (or take) advice jointly, i.e. recommend, deliberate or determine

consult(givetake) counsel (together)

from G4862 (σύν) and G1011 (βουλεύω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4823: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and βουλεύω (to counsel), meaning "to give counsel together" or "to advise." In New Testament usage, it appears in both positive and negative contexts, from wise counsel to conspiratorial plotting against Jesus.

U - Unveiling the Word

Συμβουλεύω describes the act of joint deliberation or giving counsel. As a compound word, it combines the concept of togetherness with deliberate planning or advice. In Matthew 26:4, it reveals the dark side of counsel as the religious leaders plotted against Jesus. However, it also appears in positive contexts of giving wise advice. Early church fathers used this term to describe pastoral guidance and communal decision-making. Today, it reminds us that counsel can be used for either good or evil, and wisdom is needed to discern its true nature.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: συμβουλεύω, symbouleuō, /soom-bool-YOO-oh/
Pronunciation: soom-bool-YOO-oh (stress on third syllable)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

σύν (syn): prefix meaning "with" or "together"
βουλεύω (bouleuō): verb meaning "to counsel or plan"
The combination emphasizes joint deliberation

D - Defining Meanings

Primary meanings:

To give counsel together
To advise
To deliberate jointly
To plot or plan together

For compound words:

σύν (syn): indicates joint participation
βουλεύω (bouleuō): conveys deliberation or advice
Together they express shared counsel or planning

Translation Options:

"Counsel together" - Emphasizes collective aspect
"Advise" - Highlights guidance element
"Plot together" - Captures conspiratorial usage

E - Exploring Similar Words

βουλεύω (bouleuō) /bool-YOO-oh/ - basic word for counseling. See G1011
συμφωνέω (symphōneō) /soom-fo-NEH-oh/ - emphasizes agreement. See G4856
συνεδριάζω (synedriazō) /soon-ed-ree-AD-zo/ - focuses on formal consultation. See G4824

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

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

Examples:

Present Active: συμβουλεύω - I am counseling
Aorist Active: συνεβούλευσα - I counseled
Present Middle: συμβουλεύομαι - I am taking counsel

Cross-references:

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Noun: συμβουλή (symboulē)
Adjective: συμβουλευτικός (symbouleutikos)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range from positive advice to negative plotting. Thayer's notes its use in both private and public contexts. LSJ provides examples from political settings. Vine's highlights its usage in both beneficial and malevolent contexts. Strong's connects it to joint counsel. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in administrative contexts.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 26:4 "And they [plotted together] {συμβουλεύω} to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill Him."

Additional References:
John 11:53
John 18:14
Acts 9:23
Revelation 3:18

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	"The advisers [counseled together] {συμβουλεύω} with the king about the war."
Thucydides: History	"The generals [took counsel] {συμβουλεύω} before making their decision."
Xenophon: Cyropaedia	"The wise men [gave advice] {συμβουλεύω} to the young prince."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Συμβουλεύω reveals both the power and potential danger of collective counsel. It promotes the good news by showing how human plots against the Messiah ultimately served God's redemptive purpose. This encourages us to seek godly counsel while being aware that human wisdom can either serve or oppose divine purposes.

D - Did You Know?

This word was commonly used in ancient political assemblies.
It appears in Greek translations of Old Testament wisdom literature.
Early church councils used this term for their deliberations.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: counsel, advice, plotting, deliberation, wisdom, conspiracy, decision-making, guidance, matthew, revelation, consultation, joint-planning

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