σύμβουλος
sýmboulos
G4825 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who gives advice or counsel, particularly in an official or trusted capacity; advisor, counsellor. The term primarily denotes someone who participates in deliberation and offers considered advice, especially in matters of policy, strategy, or governance. In broader contexts, it may refer to any associate or confidant who acts as a consultant or trusted advisor, whether formally appointed or informally acting in that role.
Semantic Range
advisor, counsellor, consultant, member of a council, associate in deliberation, trusted confidant
Root / Etymology
From συν- ('with, together') and βουλή ('counsel, plan, deliberation'), thus literally 'one who counsels with,' i.e., a co-counsel, associate in deliberation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σύμβουλος is commonly used for both personal and official advisors or counsellors, particularly in political, military, or legal settings such as councils, assemblies, or courts. The word appears in historiographical, philosophical, and dramatic works to describe those who provide counsel to rulers, generals, or civic bodies. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the term could also describe members of advisory bodies or close confidants to people in power. In the Septuagint and New Testament, σύμβουλος typically describes a person who gives advice in a significant matter, often related to governance, legal decisions, or public affairs. Standard English translations such as 'counsellor' or 'advisor' generally capture the term's principal meaning, but do not always convey its formal or institutional associations in ancient contexts. Contrasts with unrelated terms like γνώστης ('knower, expert') or διδάσκαλος ('teacher'), as συμβουλος focuses specifically on giving counsel rather than instruction or technical expertise.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and βουλή; a consultor, i.e. adviser:--counsellor.
Root Family
σύμβουλ- (sýmboulos) — to advise, to deliberate together, to counsel
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4825-01 |
σύμβουλος | sumboulos | N NOM M SG |
counselor | co-deliberating advisor | counselor | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4825-01 |
Romans 11:34 | σύμβουλος | sumboulos | N NOM M SG |
counselor | co-deliberating advisor | counselor |