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συζητητής

syzētētḗs

G4804 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A person who engages in discussion, debate, or disputation; especially one who participates in argumentation on philosophical or theological topics. The term can range from a neutral sense of 'debater' or 'discussant' to a more pejorative sense, such as a 'quibbler' or 'sophist,' depending on context. In New Testament usage, often refers to one who seeks to argue or challenge established views.

Semantic Range

debater, disputant, questioner, arguer, sophist, one engaging in speculative argument

Root / Etymology

Formed from the verb συζητέω ('to discuss, to dispute, to debate') with the agentive suffix -τής, denoting 'one who does' the action of the verb.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word συζητητής is rare in Greek literature, appearing primarily in later Hellenistic and Koine contexts, including the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1:20). In classical Greek, related forms (συζητέω, συζήτησις) refer generally to engaging in dialogue or debate, often with philosophical overtones. In the context of Paul’s letters, the term may carry connotations of one who engages in endless argument rather than genuine inquiry, possibly drawing on the stereotype of sophistic philosophers or rhetoricians known for eristic argumentation. English translations often use 'disputer,' 'debater,' or 'philosopher,' but these may not fully capture both the neutral and sometimes pejorative implications. Its use in the New Testament may reflect contemporary tensions with Greek rhetorical culture, contrasting 'worldly wisdom' and the message Paul proclaims.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from συζητέω; a disputant, i.e. sophist:--disputer.

Root Family

συζητητής (syzētētēs) — to discuss, to debate, to dispute; debater, disputant

Root συζητη- to discuss, to debate, to dispute

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4804-01 συνζητητὴς sunzetetes N NOM M SG is the disputer debater debater 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4804-01 1 Corinthians 1:20 συνζητητὴς sunzetetes N NOM M SG is the disputer debater debater
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