σύμφωνος
sýmphōnos
G4859 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the same sound, harmonious; by extension, being in agreement, harmonious in action or intent, concordant in opinion or will. In literal usage, refers to musical or acoustic harmony; in figurative or social contexts, describes persons or actions united in purpose, will, or consent.
Semantic Range
to be harmonious (musical sense), to be in accord, to consent, to be united in will or purpose, agreement (as noun), being of one mind
Root / Etymology
From the preposition σύν (with, together) and the noun φωνή (sound, voice), thus literally 'sounding together'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σύμφωνος primarily described musical harmony—notes that sound together in consonance, or instruments/voices producing a harmonious effect. This basic sense persists into the Hellenistic and Koine periods. By metaphorical extension, particularly in philosophical and literary contexts, the word describes people or groups who are in accord, united in sentiment, purpose, or opinion. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, σύμφωνος shifts further toward the figurative, denoting those who give mutual consent, share the same judgment, or act in concert (such as spouses or members of a community). In the New Testament, it frequently appears in legal or communal contexts, often with the neuter (τὸ σύμφωνον) meaning 'agreement' or 'consent.' Standard English translations often render it as 'agreement', 'consent', or 'accord', but these can obscure the word's musical and more general sense of harmonious unity. The term contrasts with διαφωνέω ('to be discordant, disagree').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σύν and φωνή; sounding together (alike), i.e. (figuratively) accordant (neuter as noun, agreement):-- consent.
Root Family
σύμφωνος (symphōnos) — sounding together, harmonious, in agreement, united in will
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4859-01 |
συμφώνου | sumphonou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
agreement | of harmonious agreement | agreement | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4859-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:5 | συμφώνου | sumphonou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
agreement | of harmonious agreement | agreement |