Lexical Summary sumphémi: To bring together, to be profitable, to be expedient. Original Word: συμφέρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consent unto. From sun and phemi; to say jointly, i.e. Assent to -- consent unto. see GREEK sun see GREEK phemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and phémi Definition to say together, i.e. consent NASB Translation agree (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4852: σύμφημισύμφημι (T WH συνφημι (cf. σύν, II. at the end)); to consent, confess: τίνι; followed by ὅτι, Romans 7:16. (Tragg., Xenophon, Plato.) STRONGS NT 4852a: σύμφοροςσύμφορος, σύμφορον (συμφέρω, which see), fit, suitable, useful; from (Hesiod, Theognis), Herodotus down; 4 Macc. 5:10; a substantive, τό σύμφορον, advantage, profit: with a genitive of the person profited, L T Tr WH in 1 Corinthians 7:35; 1 Corinthians 10:33 (cf. Buttmann, § 127, 19 n.) (plural τό συμφορά, often in secular authors (from Sophocles down)). Strong’s Greek 4852, σύμφημι, appears once in the New Testament, Romans 7:16, where Paul writes, “And if I do what I do not want, I consent to the law that it is good” (Berean Standard Bible). The verb pictures an inward acknowledgment that aligns one’s words with an established truth, emphasizing active agreement rather than mere passive recognition. Context within Romans 7 Romans 7 forms part of Paul’s larger argument about the function of the Mosaic Law in revealing sin (Romans 3:20; 5:20). In verses 14–25 Paul describes the believer’s struggle with indwelling sin. By employing σύμφημι in verse 16, Paul indicates that even when his actions conflict with his renewed desires, his mind still “speaks with” the Law, affirming its goodness. This highlights a tension: the Law is good, yet the flesh remains weak (Romans 7:18). The use of σύμφημι underscores that agreement with God’s standard is a mark of regeneration; the unregenerate may acknowledge the Law intellectually but lack true inward assent (Romans 8:7). Theological Significance 1. Affirmation of Divine Law: σύμφημι serves as a verbal witness that God’s commandments reflect His holy character (Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12). Historical and Cultural Background In classical Greek, σύμφημι could describe witnesses giving corroborating testimony. Within Second Temple Judaism, verbal assent carried covenantal weight (Deuteronomy 27:15–26, where Israel answers “Amen” to curses). Paul’s choice of the term evokes a legal courtroom sense: the law stands as prosecuting witness, and the renewed conscience takes the stand to agree with its verdict. Connections with Old Testament Law Paul’s language echoes Psalm 51:4, where David admits, “so that You may be justified in Your words.” Like David, Paul acknowledges that any failure resides in human sinfulness, not in the statute itself. By consenting, the believer vindicates God’s Law against all accusations that it promotes sin (Romans 7:13). Implications for Personal Sanctification • Self-examination: Regular Scripture intake enables believers to voice agreement with God’s standards, leading to confession and growth (1 John 1:8–9). Implications for Corporate Ministry • Preaching: Faithful exposition should press hearers to agree with God about sin and righteousness (Acts 2:36–37). Homiletical and Pastoral Applications 1. Counseling: Encourage counselees to articulate agreement with specific biblical truths; this verbal alignment aids repentance. Conclusion Though appearing only once, σύμφημι provides a vital glimpse into the believer’s inner life: an ongoing, Spirit-wrought confession that God’s Law is good, even when conduct lags behind conviction. This consenting voice affirms Scripture’s authority, magnifies the grace found in Jesus Christ, and motivates practical holiness until the struggle with sin is finally ended in glory. |
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