### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun συγκατάθεσις (synkatáthesis, `{{G4783}}`) is derived from the verb συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai), which literally means "to lay down together with" or "to deposit with." In a figurative sense, when applied to thoughts, sentiments, or opinions, it signifies the act of "laying down one's sentiment in company with another," leading to a state of "agreement," "accord," or "concurrence." It denotes a shared basis of understanding or a common disposition that results in a unified position. The word implies a deep level of alignment, where differing views are either reconciled or absent, allowing for a collective affirmation. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing specifically on the impossibility of such a shared foundation where fundamental differences exist.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συγκατάθεσις (synkatáthesis, `{{G4783}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians: "What συγκατάθεσις has the temple of God with idols?" [[2 Corinthians 6:16]]. This rhetorical question is part of a broader exhortation urging believers to separate themselves from unbelievers and idolatrous practices. The context of [[2 Corinthians 6:14-18]] emphasizes the radical incompatibility between light and darkness, Christ and Belial, righteousness and lawlessness, and the believer and the unbeliever. Paul uses συγκατάθεσις to underscore the absolute impossibility of any genuine "agreement" or "accord" between God's sacred dwelling place (the temple, representing believers as the dwelling of the Holy Spirit) and pagan idols. The question posits that just as a physical temple dedicated to God cannot simultaneously house idols, so too believers, who are the spiritual temple, cannot share a common ground or deep agreement with those who serve idols or live in unrighteousness. The word highlights an inherent, fundamental antagonism that precludes any shared purpose or foundational unity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by συγκατάθεσις (synkatáthesis, `{{G4783}}`) stands in stark contrast to notions of harmony and fellowship. While words like συμφωνία (symphōnía, `{{G4857}}`), meaning "harmony" or "agreement," and κοινωνία (koinōnía, `{{G2842}}`), meaning "fellowship" or "partnership," describe positive forms of shared existence, συγκατάθεσις in its singular biblical usage asserts the *absence* of such possibility in specific, antithetical relationships. The immediate preceding questions in [[2 Corinthians 6:14-16]] use terms like μετοχή (metochē, "partnership," `{{G3352}}`), κοινωνία (koinōnía, "fellowship," `{{G2842}}`), and συμφώνησις (symphōnēsis, "harmony," `{{G4858}}`) to describe various forms of association. By asking "What συγκατάθεσις has the temple of God with idols?", Paul reaches the apex of incompatibility, suggesting that there is no common ground, no shared disposition, and no fundamental accord whatsoever between these opposing realities. This concept is closely tied to the Old Testament call for separation and purity, particularly concerning Israel's relationship with surrounding idolatrous nations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:1-6]], [[Exodus 34:15-16]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συγκατάθεσις (synkatáthesis, `{{G4783}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 6:16]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful declaration of the absolute distinction between the sacred and the profane, between divine truth and idolatrous falsehood. The rhetorical question "What συγκατάθεσις has the temple of God with idols?" underscores the inherent spiritual incompatibility that exists between God's presence and anything that opposes Him. As believers are identified as the "temple of the living God" ([[2 Corinthians 6:16b]]), this word emphasizes the demand for holiness and spiritual purity in their lives. There can be no genuine accord or shared fundamental disposition between those indwelt by the Holy Spirit and those who align themselves with spiritual darkness or false worship. This theological principle underpins the call for believers to "come out from among them and be separate" ([[2 Corinthians 6:17]]), reflecting God's own holiness and His covenant relationship with His people. It highlights that true fellowship and agreement can only exist on the basis of shared allegiance to Christ and His righteousness, not through compromise with ungodliness.
### Summary
συγκατάθεσις (synkatáthesis, `{{G4783}}`) denotes a deep "agreement" or "accord" arising from a shared sentiment or disposition. Its sole occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 6:16]] is highly significant, used in a rhetorical question to assert the absolute impossibility of such fundamental agreement between the "temple of God" (believers) and "idols." This word powerfully underscores the radical spiritual incompatibility between light and darkness, Christ and Belial, and righteousness and lawlessness. Theologically, it reinforces the divine imperative for believers to live lives of holiness and separation, recognizing that true accord can only be found in alignment with God's nature and purposes, not in compromise with anything that stands in opposition to Him.
TRV