Lexical Summary sumphónésis: Agreement, Harmony Original Word: συμφώνησις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance concord. From sumphoneo; accordance -- concord. see GREEK sumphoneo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sumphóneó Definition agreement NASB Translation harmony (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4857: συμφώνησιςσυμφώνησις, συμφωνησεως, ἡ (συμφωνέω), concord, agreement: πρός τινα, with one, 2 Corinthians 6:15. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Overview In the single New Testament occurrence (2 Corinthians 6:15), the term denotes a shared harmony, an accord so deep that it binds participants in purpose and identity. Paul employs it rhetorically to expose the impossibility of spiritual partnership between Christ and the forces of wickedness. Biblical Context 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 forms a chain of five parallel contrasts—righteousness vs. lawlessness, light vs. darkness, Christ vs. Belial, believer vs. unbeliever, and temple of God vs. idols. The third contrast introduces the word in question: “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?”. The apostle’s aim is not social isolation but covenantal fidelity; he urges the Corinthian assembly to sever any tie requiring compromise with idolatry or immorality (compare 1 Corinthians 10:20-22). Theological Themes • Sanctification and Separation As Israel was to be set apart from pagan worship (Leviticus 18:3, Deuteronomy 7:2-6), so the church must refuse any “agreement” that dilutes allegiance to Christ. The call echoes Amos 3:3—“Can two walk together without agreeing to meet?”—transposed into the new-covenant sphere. • Lordship of Christ By contrasting Christ with Belial (a Jewish title for personified wickedness, later associated with Satan), Paul underscores exclusive lordship. Any concord with darkness denies the believer’s confessed submission to Jesus (Luke 14:26-33). • Corporate Purity Because the church is God’s “temple” (2 Corinthians 6:16), its collective witness hinges on refusing partnerships that sanction sin (Ephesians 5:7-11). Agreement is positive when grounded in gospel truth (Philippians 2:2) but destructive when it unites with error. Old Testament Parallels • Exodus 34:12-16: Israel warned not to “make a covenant” with Canaanite nations lest they sacrifice to their gods. Second-Temple Backdrop Jews of the Hellenistic era faced pressure to participate in civic cults. Early Christians inherited that environment, where trade guilds, festivals, and public life revolved around idol rites. Paul’s language reflects this milieu: partnership that obliges idolatrous acts violates exclusive devotion. Early Church Application The Didache (6.3) warns against “eating things sacrificed to idols,” mirroring Paul. Church fathers such as Tertullian urged believers to avoid occupations tied to pagan temples. The term therefore informed emerging boundaries for Christian identity amid pluralistic societies. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Marriage and Close Alliances While Scripture permits social contact with unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:9-10), covenants that merge spiritual destinies—most notably marriage—demand shared faith (1 Corinthians 7:39). 2. Ecclesial Partnerships Joint ventures, mission coalitions, or worship settings require doctrinal unity (Galatians 1:8-9, 2 John 10-11). Unity without truth is forbidden agreement. 3. Ethical Business Decisions Believers may engage in commerce with the world (1 Corinthians 10:25-27) yet must refuse arrangements that mandate unethical practices (Proverbs 1:10-15). 4. Personal Discernment Modern analogues include entertainment, digital communities, or political movements that compel moral compromise. The standard remains unchanged: “no harmony” between Christ and evil. Related Doctrines and Passages • Fellowship (koinōnia) among saints: Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3-7 Concluding Reflections The New Testament’s lone use of this word serves as a sharp theological scalpel: it separates every believer’s allegiance to Christ from all that is hostile to Him. Genuine harmony is a gift of the Holy Spirit among the redeemed (Romans 15:5-6), never a compromise with darkness. Forms and Transliterations συμφωνησις συμφώνησις sumphonesis sumphōnēsis symphonesis symphōnēsis symphṓnesis symphṓnēsisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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