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G4824 (συμβούλιον)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4824
Original Word: συμβούλιον
Transliteration: symboúlion
Pronunciation: soom-boo'-lee-on
Part of Speech: noun
Root / Etymology: neuter of a presumed derivative of G4825 (σύμβουλος);
Frequency: 8×
Gematria: 1272

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e. the provincial assessors or lay-court

consultationcounselcouncil

neuter of a presumed derivative of G4825 (σύμβουλος);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4824: A neuter noun combining σύν (with) and βουλή (counsel), meaning "a council, consultation, or deliberative body." In the New Testament, it often refers to formal gatherings of religious leaders plotting against Jesus, highlighting human opposition to divine purpose.

U - Unveiling the Word

Συμβούλιον represents formal deliberative assemblies and their decisions. As a compound word, it combines the concept of joint action with counsel or deliberation. In Matthew 12:14, it describes the Pharisees' formal consultation to destroy Jesus. Early church fathers contrasted these hostile councils with godly church assemblies seeking divine wisdom. Today, it reminds us that formal religious authority can either serve or oppose God's purposes, calling for discernment in leadership and decision-making.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: συμβούλιον, symboulion, /soom-BOO-lee-on/
Pronunciation: soom-BOO-lee-on (stress on second syllable)
Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

σύν (syn): prefix meaning "with" or "together"
βουλή (boulē): noun meaning "counsel or will"
-ιον (-ion): suffix forming diminutive or abstract nouns

D - Defining Meanings

Primary meanings:

Council meeting
Formal consultation
Deliberative assembly
Joint decision

For compound words:

σύν (syn): indicates joint action
βουλή (boulē): conveys deliberation or counsel
Together they form a noun describing organized consultation

Translation Options:

"Council" - Emphasizes formal body
"Consultation" - Highlights deliberative process
"Deliberation" - Captures decision-making aspect

E - Exploring Similar Words

συνέδριον (synedrion) /soon-ED-ree-on/ - specifically refers to the Sanhedrin. See G4892
βουλή (boulē) /boo-LAY/ - basic word for counsel. See G1012
συναγωγή (synagōgē) /soon-ag-o-GAY/ - emphasizes assembly. See G4864

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Morphological features as a neuter noun:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular, Plural
Gender: Neuter
Declension: Second declension

Examples:

Nominative: συμβούλιον
Genitive: συμβουλίου
Dative: συμβουλίῳ
Accusative: συμβούλιον

Cross-references:

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Verb: συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō)
Adjective: συμβουλευτικός (symbouleutikos)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for formal consultations. Thayer's notes its connection to decision-making bodies. LSJ provides examples from political contexts. Vine's highlights its use in plotting against Jesus. Strong's connects it to joint counsel. LEH discusses its usage in administrative contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in official documents.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:14 "But the Pharisees went out and held [council] {συμβούλιον} against Him, how to destroy Him."

Additional References:
Matthew 22:15
Matthew 27:1
Matthew 27:7
Matthew 28:12
Mark 3:6
Mark 15:1

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Polybius: Histories	"The generals held a [council] {συμβούλιον} before the battle."
Plutarch: Lives	"The senate called a special [consultation] {συμβούλιον} on the matter."
Dio Cassius: Roman History	"They gathered in [council] {συμβούλιον} to discuss the empire's future."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Συμβούλιον reveals how formal religious authority can oppose God's purposes. It promotes the good news by showing that despite human schemes against the Messiah, God's sovereign plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust divine wisdom above human councils and to ensure our deliberations align with God's will.

D - Did You Know?

This term was used for both emergency and regular administrative meetings.
Early church councils deliberately avoided this term due to its negative associations.
It appears in ancient legal documents describing official decision-making processes.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: council, consultation, deliberation, pharisees, religious-opposition, matthew, mark, decision-making, plotting, religious-authority, formal-assembly, leadership

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