4803. suzétésis
Lexical Summary
suzétésis: Discussion, debate, questioning, dispute

Original Word: συζήτησις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: suzétésis
Pronunciation: soo-zay'-tay-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (sood-zay'-tay-sis)
KJV: disputation(-ting), reasoning
NASB: dispute
Word Origin: [from G4802 (συζητέω - arguing)]

1. mutual questioning, i.e. discussion

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
disputation, reasoning.

From suzeteo; mutual questioning, i.e. Discussion -- disputation(-ting), reasoning.

see GREEK suzeteo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from suzéteó
Definition
disputation
NASB Translation
dispute (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4803: συζήτησις

συζήτησις (συνζητησις LTr marginal reading (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συζητήσεως, (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).
2. Occasion: Paul’s final recorded opportunity to evangelize his own people before trial.
3. Outcome: Some are convinced; others reject; all depart in dispute. The episode mirrors earlier synagogue reactions (Acts 13:45; Acts 17:4-5), underscoring a recurring pattern of mixed reception whenever the Messiah is proclaimed from the Scriptures.

Theological Implications

• Revelation Provokes Division: The gospel never leaves listeners neutral (Matthew 10:34-36). Συζήτησις embodies the polarizing effect of truth.
• Accountability to Scripture: The debate arises precisely because Paul’s exposition is anchored in Moses and the Prophets. The Jewish leaders must wrestle with canonical testimony, not private opinion.
• Judicial Hardening: Paul’s citation of Isaiah underscores that persistent unbelief leads to spiritual dullness, turning discussion into discord.

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).
2. Maintain Scriptural Focus: The surest safeguard against empty wrangling is to tether every answer to the written Word (1 Peter 3:15).
3. Discern Profitable vs. Futile Dialogue: Whereas Acts 28 pictures earnest debate around salvific truth, Paul elsewhere warns against “foolish and ignorant controversies” (2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Ministry must distinguish between discussions that clarify the gospel and those that obscure it.

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 syzḗtēsin
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 28:29 Noun-AFS
GRK: ἐν ἑαυτοῖς συζήτησιν
KJV: great reasoning among
INT: among themselves reasoning

Strong's Greek 4803
1 Occurrence


συζήτησιν — 1 Occ.

4802
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