Lexical Summary sumphónos: Agreeing, harmonious, in accord Original Word: σύμφωνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consent. From sun and phone; sounding together (alike), i.e. (figuratively) accordant (neuter as noun, agreement) -- consent. see GREEK sun see GREEK phone HELPS Word-studies 4859 sýmphōnos (from 4862 /sýn, "closely identify with" and 5456 /phōnḗ, "voice," which is the root of the English term, "symphony") – properly, be of one voice (voice the same opinion); bilateral agreement between marriage-partners to temporarily abstain from sexual relations (used only in 1 Cor 7:5). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and phóné Definition calling out together, i.e. agreeing NASB Translation agreement (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4859: σύμφωνοςσύμφωνος, σύμφωνον (σύν and φωνή), from (Homer h. Merc. 51; Sophocles), Plato, Aristotle down, harmonious, accordant, agreeing; τό σύμφωνον, thing agreed upon, compact (Epictetus diss. 1, 19, 27): ἐκ συμφώνου, by mutual consent, by agreement, 1 Corinthians 7:5 (cf. Winers Grammar, 303 (285); Buttmann, § 139, 20.) Topical Lexicon Foundational Concept of Agreement The word occurs once in the Greek New Testament, carrying the idea of two or more parties acting in harmonious accord. The imagery evokes musical consonance: separate parts sounding together to produce one unified tone. Scripture frequently commends such unity—whether between husband and wife, believers in fellowship, or the church aligned with her Lord. Context in 1 Corinthians 7:5 Paul counsels married believers: “Do not deprive one another except by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control” (1 Corinthians 7:5). Three pastoral principles emerge: 1. Mutuality—physical intimacy is not wielded unilaterally but stewarded jointly. Thus the term frames marital intimacy as a covenant partnership marked by shared purpose before God. Broader Biblical Theology of Harmonious Agreement Although this particular form appears only once, the wider biblical narrative repeatedly highlights the power of agreement: Such passages reveal that agreement is not mere compromise but Spirit-wrought unity that advances God’s purposes. Practical Implications for Marriage and Family Ministry • Communication: Husbands and wives cultivate openness, ensuring decisions—spiritual, financial, or physical—are reached together. Implications for Corporate Worship and Prayer Church assemblies mirror the marital principle: agreement unlocks divine power. Whether selecting ministry initiatives or interceding for revival, leaders are to seek the Spirit’s harmony rather than impose personal agendas. The same root verb is used for labor agreements (Matthew 20:2) and conspiratorial agreement (Acts 5:9), reminding believers that unity can serve righteous or unrighteous ends; only harmony aligned with God’s will bears lasting fruit. Guarding Against Satanic Exploitation Paul links lack of agreement with vulnerability to temptation. Discord—whether marital, familial, or congregational—creates footholds for the enemy. Conversely, deliberate, prayer-saturated agreement fortifies believers, reflecting Christ’s own prayer “that they may be one” (John 17:21). Historical Reception in the Early Church Patristic writers such as Chrysostom and Augustine highlighted this verse when addressing marital ethics. They affirmed the legitimacy of temporary abstinence for prayer, provided it arose from mutual consent and was limited in duration. Medieval and Reformation pastors echoed the same balance, guarding both marital duty and spiritual devotion. Summary The single New Testament appearance of this word encapsulates a rich biblical theme: Spirit-empowered agreement. Whether strengthening marriages, guiding church decisions, or shaping corporate intercession, harmonious consent aligns believers with the triune God, thwarts satanic schemes, and magnifies the gospel’s unity in diversity. Forms and Transliterations σύμφωνον συμφωνου συμφώνου συμψησθείς συμψησθώσι sumphonou sumphōnou symphonou symphōnou symphṓnouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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