Lexical Summary suggnómé: Pardon, Forgiveness, Understanding Original Word: συγγνώμη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance concession, permission. From a compound of sun and ginosko; fellow knowledge, i.e. Concession -- permission. see GREEK sun see GREEK ginosko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and ginóskó Definition confession, fellow feeling NASB Translation concession (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4774: συγγνώμησυγγνώμη (T WH συγγνώμη, cf. σύν, II. at the end), συγγνωμης, ἡ (συγγιγνώσκω, to agree with, to pardon; see γνώμη), from (Sophocles and) Herodotus down, pardon, indulgence: κατά συγγνώμην, οὐ κατ' ἐπιταγήν, by way of concession or permission, not by way of command, 1 Corinthians 7:6. Topical Lexicon Essence of the TermStrong’s Greek 4774 denotes a gracious allowance granted to another—a “permission” or “concession” that respects freedom while still guiding toward God’s best. Rather than a grudging tolerance, it carries an undertone of sympathetic understanding and joint agreement, the sort of considerate latitude that emerges from shared convictions. Single New Testament Occurrence 1 Corinthians 7:6: “I say this as a concession, not as a command.” Here Paul clarifies that his counsel about temporary abstinence within marriage (verses 3-5) is not laid down with apostolic authority equal to a divine decree; it is a pastoral allowance responsive to human weakness and ministry concerns. Context within First-Century Corinth Corinth’s mixed congregation lived amid pagan sexual chaos, ascetic reactions, and Jewish marital customs. Some believers were advocating celibacy even within marriage as a higher spirituality. Paul meets both extremes with balance, offering a time-limited “concession” that avoids legalism while preventing immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2). The term signals his desire to shepherd without binding consciences where Scripture has not issued an absolute mandate. Theological Significance 1. Liberty under Lordship Paul’s concession illustrates Christian freedom rightly ordered. Believers are neither antinomian nor shackled; they are stewards who exercise liberty “only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13). 2. Pastoral Sensitivity Biblical leadership distinguishes between unalterable commands (e.g., “You shall not commit adultery,” Exodus 20:14) and situational advice. The Apostle’s use of 4774 shows Spirit-led flexibility without compromise of truth. 3. Divine Condescension God Himself employs gracious “permissions” in redemptive history—the certificate of divorce “because of the hardness of your hearts” (Matthew 19:8) and Israel’s demand for a king (1 Samuel 8:7-9). Such allowances reveal both human frailty and divine patience. Practical Ministry Applications • Marriage Enrichment Couples may choose brief seasons devoted to prayer with mutual consent, yet are warned to reunite “so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control” (1 Corinthians 7:5). The concession protects both intimacy and spirituality. • Counseling Ethics Shepherds must differentiate between biblical absolutes and apostolic concessions, offering guidance without forging new legalisms. Clear labeling—command or permission—guards consciences. • Mission Strategy Flexibility allows adaptation to cultural circumstances (1 Corinthians 9:20-23). Concessions can advance the gospel when used without diluting doctrinal integrity. Related Scriptural Parallels Acts 15:19-21—James’ proposal regarding Gentile converts functions as a communal concession to Jewish sensitivities. Romans 14:1-6—Paul grants dietary and calendar freedoms while urging mutual acceptance. Philippians 2:1-4—believers are to show the same sympathetic consideration, esteeming others above self. Spiritual Takeaways Strong’s 4774 reminds the church that truth and tenderness coexist. Biblical authority is not weakened by compassionate allowances; rather, it is displayed in wisdom that knows when to bind and when to release. In every age, the people of God are called to hold commands firmly and concessions humbly, reflecting the gracious heart of the Lord who both instructs and understands. Forms and Transliterations συγγνώμην συγγραφήν συνγνωμην συνγνώμην sungnomen sungnōmēn syngnomen syngnōmēn syn'gnṓmen syn'gnṓmēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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