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συμβουλεύω

symbouleúō

G4823 verb

SILEX Entry

Root συμβουλ- to deliberate together, to consult, to counsel jointly

Definition

To deliberate together, to confer or hold counsel with others; to discuss a matter collectively so as to reach a decision or advice. The primary sense is joint consideration or shared deliberation, especially in a formal, advisory, or decision-making context. Can also denote the act of counseling or consulting, whether to give or receive advice collectively.

Semantic Range

to deliberate together, to confer or consult collectively, to reach a joint decision, to give or take advice as a group, to plot together (in negative contexts), to discuss in counsel

Root / Etymology

From σύν (with, together) and βουλεύω (to advise, plan, deliberate); thus, 'to deliberate together.' The compound construction emphasizes joint or mutual action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, συμβουλεύω is used chiefly for the process of shared discussion, deliberation, or planning among a group (e.g., members of an assembly, council, or advisory group). The focus is collaborative, distinguishing it from verbs like βουλεύω (to advise, to plan) which need not imply a group process. In the Septuagint, συμβουλεύω is commonly used to render Hebrew terms meaning 'counsel' or 'advise,' often highlighting communal leadership practices (e.g., elders deliberating). In the New Testament, it carries the sense of authoritative or collective consultation, particularly of councils or groups determining action, and is sometimes contrasted with solitary decision-making or personal resolve. Standard English translations ('consult,' 'take/give counsel') generally capture the principal meaning, but may underrepresent the distinctly collective or participatory emphasis of the Greek.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σύν and βουλεύω; to give (or take) advice jointly, i.e. recommend, deliberate or determine:--consult, (give, take) counsel (together).

Root Family

συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō) — to deliberate together, to consult, to counsel jointly

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4823-03 συνεβουλεύσαντο sunebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL took counsel they deliberated together 2
G4823-01 συμβουλεύω sumbouleuo V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I deliberate together 1
G4823-02 συμβουλεύσας sumbouleusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG who had advised having deliberated together 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4823-03 Matthew 26:4 συνεβουλεύσαντο sunebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL they deliberated together
G4823-02 John 18:14 συμβουλεύσας sumbouleusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG who had advised having deliberated together
G4823-03 Acts 9:23 συνεβουλεύσαντο sunebouleusanto V AOR MID IND 3P PL took counsel they deliberated together
G4823-01 Revelation 3:18 συμβουλεύω sumbouleuo V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I deliberate together
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