Lexical Summary suzétésis: Discussion, debate, questioning, dispute Original Word: συζήτησις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disputation, reasoning. From suzeteo; mutual questioning, i.e. Discussion -- disputation(-ting), reasoning. see GREEK suzeteo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom suzéteó Definition disputation NASB Translation dispute (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4803: συζήτησιςσυζήτησις (συνζητησις LTr marginal reading (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συζητήσεως, ἡ (συζητέω), mutual questioning, disputation, discussion: Acts 15:2 Rec., 7 R G L Tr marginal reading; 28:29 yet G L T Tr WH omit the verse (Cicero, ad fam. 16, 21, 4; Philo, opif. mund. § 17 at the end ((variant readings); quod det. pot. § 1); legg. alleg. 3, 45.) Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Related Terms Strong’s Greek 4803, συζήτησιν, comes from the verb συζητέω (to reason or dispute together). The noun points to dialog that can range from sincere inquiry to heated contention. Its cognates appear in passages that speak of the scribes questioning Jesus (Mark 9:14) and of philosophical exchanges in the marketplace (Acts 17:17). Hence, the semantic field embraces both healthy examination of truth and fruitless wrangling. Biblical Context The word occurs in the Majority Text at Acts 28:29: “When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having great disputing among themselves”. Luke places the scene in Paul’s rented quarters at Rome, where he “explained and declared to them the kingdom of God, persuading them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening” (Acts 28:23). Verse 29 pictures the aftermath: a fervent debate erupts among the Jewish visitors after Paul applies Isaiah 6:9-10 to their unbelief. The single New Testament use therefore frames συζήτησις as a vigorous interchange generated by the gospel’s confrontation with hardened hearts. Historical Setting in Acts 28 1. Audience: Leading Jews in Rome (Acts 28:17). Theological Implications • Revelation Provokes Division: The gospel never leaves listeners neutral (Matthew 10:34-36). Συζήτησις embodies the polarizing effect of truth. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Expect Controversy, Not Seek It: Paul’s aim is persuasion, yet controversy follows. Faithful proclamation may spark dispute without the preacher becoming contentious (2 Timothy 2:24). Comparative Uses in Jewish and Greco-Roman Literature In Philo and Josephus, συζήτησις often describes philosophical symposia or legal deliberations—settings that prize skillful rhetoric. Luke subtly contrasts such forums with Paul’s Spirit-empowered exposition: true understanding rests not on eloquence but on revelation (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Avoiding Unprofitable Debates Church history shows that heresies frequently gain ground through relentless disputation detached from biblical authority. The antidote is the apostolic pattern: open the Scriptures, point to Christ, and leave the results to God (Acts 18:28). When dialogue ceases to illuminate Christ, it devolves into the very συζήτησις Scripture cautions against. Christ-Centered Engagement Paul’s model in Acts 28 weds intellectual rigor with pastoral concern. He reasons “from dawn till dusk,” yet pleads for repentance. Effective apologetics seeks not victory in argument but reconciliation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). True συζήτησις, redeemed by grace, becomes a vehicle for unveiling the glory of the risen Lord. Forms and Transliterations συζητήσεως συζητησιν συζήτησιν suzetesin suzētēsin syzetesin syzētēsin syzḗtesin syzḗtēsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 28:29 Noun-AFSGRK: ἐν ἑαυτοῖς συζήτησιν KJV: great reasoning among INT: among themselves reasoning |
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