middle from σύν and κατατίθημι; to deposit (one's vote or opinion) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to accord with:--consent.
Transliteration:synkatatíthemai
Pronunciation:soong-kat-at-ith'-em-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai `{{G4784}}`) is a compound word formed from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together with," and κατατίθημι (katatíthēmi), meaning "to lay down" or "to deposit." In its middle voice, κατατίθημι can imply "to lay down for oneself" or "to deposit one's own." Thus, συγκατατίθεμαι literally conveys the idea of "to lay down or deposit one's own vote, opinion, or judgment in company with others." Figuratively, this translates to "to accord with," "to agree with," or "to consent." The term implies an active and deliberate alignment of one's will or judgment with that of a group, suggesting participation in a collective decision or shared sentiment. It is not merely passive acceptance, but a conscious act of lending one's assent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai `{{G4784}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, making its single occurrence profoundly significant.
* **[[Luke 23:51]]**: "He [Joseph of Arimathea] had not consented to their decision and action." This verse describes Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), who was a good and righteous man. The context is the council's decision to condemn Jesus to death. Luke explicitly states that Joseph "had not consented" (οὐκ ἦν συγκατατεθειμένος) to their βουλῇ (boulē `{{G1012}}`, "counsel" or "decision") and πράξει (praxei `{{G4234}}`, "action"). This single usage powerfully conveys Joseph's moral integrity and his courageous dissent from the unrighteous judgment of his peers. Despite being part of the very body that condemned Jesus, he withheld his agreement, refusing to participate in their unjust verdict and subsequent actions. This demonstrates a profound personal conviction that stood against the prevailing consensus of a powerful religious and political institution.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai `{{G4784}}`), it is helpful to consider words that convey similar or contrasting ideas:
* **Agreement/Harmony:**
* συμφωνέω (symphōneō `{{G4856}}`): "to agree," "to be in harmony," often used of people agreeing on a matter or musical instruments sounding together.
* ὁμολογέω (homologéō `{{G3670}}`): "to confess," "to acknowledge," or "to agree with," implying a public declaration of alignment.
* συνίημι (syníēmi `{{G4920}}`): "to understand," "to comprehend," which can lead to intellectual agreement.
* **Decision/Counsel:**
* βουλή (boulē `{{G1012}}`): "counsel," "plan," "purpose," or "decision," as seen in [[Luke 23:51]]. This is the object of the Sanhedrin's collective will.
* πρᾶξις (praxis `{{G4234}}`): "deed," "action," or "practice," also seen in [[Luke 23:51]], referring to the execution of their decision.
The unique contribution of συγκατατίθεμαι lies in its emphasis on the active "depositing" of one's will or opinion *with* others in a collective or formal context, making Joseph's *non-consent* particularly striking. It speaks to a refusal to align one's personal judgment with a group's decision.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai `{{G4784}}`) in [[Luke 23:51]] carries immense theological weight, primarily through the character of Joseph of Arimathea.
1. **Moral Integrity and Conscience:** Joseph's refusal to consent highlights the crucial role of individual moral integrity and conscience, even when faced with overwhelming institutional pressure. He prioritizes divine righteousness over human consensus, serving as a powerful example of spiritual discernment and courage. His conscience, guided by his righteousness, could not align with the Sanhedrin's unjust verdict.
2. **Dissent from Unrighteousness:** The word underscores that true faithfulness to God may necessitate separation or dissent from collective human actions, especially when those actions are contrary to God's will and justice. Joseph's non-consent is a quiet but profound act of resistance against the prevailing evil.
3. **Divine Providence:** Joseph's distinct position, not consenting to the Sanhedrin's actions, is providentially significant. His integrity allows him to later request Jesus' body for burial ([[Luke 23:52-53]]), fulfilling prophecy and ensuring a proper burial for the Lord, which was crucial for the resurrection narrative. His non-participation in the condemnation enabled his participation in the burial.
4. **The Nature of True Fellowship:** While σύν typically denotes fellowship, its use in the negative here suggests that true fellowship with God and His truth may sometimes demand a break from unholy or unrighteous human associations and decisions.
### Summary
The Greek word συγκατατίθεμαι (synkatatíthemai `{{G4784}}`) conveys the active concept of "to deposit one's vote or opinion with" or "to consent to" a collective decision. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 23:51]] describes Joseph of Arimathea's refusal to consent to the Sanhedrin's unjust condemnation and actions against Jesus. This powerful single usage highlights profound theological truths: the imperative of moral integrity and a clear conscience in the face of institutional wrongdoing, the necessity of dissenting from unrighteous collective actions, and the providential role of individuals who stand apart for God's purposes. Ultimately, συγκατατίθεμαι, through its negative application, teaches that true alignment is with divine justice and truth, even when it means standing alone against human consensus.
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