### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συλλογίζομαι (syllogízomai), Strong's number `{{G4817}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb λογίζομαι (logízomai), `{{G3049}}`, meaning "to reckon," "to consider," "to compute," or "to think." Etymologically, συλλογίζομαι therefore signifies "to reckon together," "to bring thoughts together," or "to deliberate with oneself." It implies an internal process of careful consideration, a weighing of arguments, or a structured form of reasoning. Unlike a simple thought or immediate perception, συλλογίζομαι suggests a more involved mental activity, often aimed at reaching a conclusion or formulating a strategy. Its semantic range centers on the act of internal deliberation, often with a view to consequences or a desired outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb συλλογίζομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 20:5]]**: "And they reasoned with themselves, saying, 'If we say, "From heaven," he will say, "Why did you not believe him?"'"
In this passage, Jesus has just challenged the chief priests, scribes, and elders regarding the authority of John's baptism. Faced with a question that traps them regardless of their answer, they engage in an internal, collective deliberation (συνελογίσαντο πρὸς ἑαυτούς). Their "reasoning" here is not an honest pursuit of truth or a theological inquiry. Instead, it is a calculated, pragmatic assessment of the political and social repercussions of their potential answers. They are weighing the consequences of affirming John's divine authority (which would expose their unbelief) versus denying it (which would provoke the people who held John to be a prophet). This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the word's nuance: it describes a strategic, self-preserving deliberation, rather than a sincere, open-minded search for divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word συλλογίζομαι is closely related to its root, λογίζομαι `{{G3049}}`, which broadly covers the act of reckoning, considering, or imputing. The prefix σύν adds the dimension of "togetherness" or "with oneself," emphasizing the internal, often comprehensive, nature of the deliberation.
Other related terms include:
* διαλογίζομαι `{{G1260}}`: This verb also means "to reason," "to ponder," or "to dispute." While συλλογίζομαι emphasizes the internal weighing of options, διαλογίζομαι often carries a connotation of questioning, doubting, or even disputing, sometimes with negative implications (e.g., "evil thoughts" in [[Matthew 15:19]]). συλλογίζομαι can be seen as a specific, strategic form of internal διαλογίζομαι.
* συζητέω `{{G4802}}`: Meaning "to discuss" or "to dispute together," this term implies an external, verbal interaction or debate among individuals, whereas συλλογίζομαι primarily describes an internal mental process, even if conducted collectively (as in the religious leaders reasoning *among themselves*).
* Concepts: The word relates to the broader concepts of deliberation, strategic thinking, calculation, internal debate, and the exercise of human intellect in decision-making.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of συλλογίζομαι in [[Luke 20:5]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark illustration of human reasoning when confronted with divine authority and truth. The religious leaders' "reasoning" was not about discerning God's will or acknowledging truth, but about self-preservation and political expediency. Their συλλογίζομαι was a closed-system calculation, designed to avoid personal and institutional risk, rather than an open-hearted inquiry into the nature of John's (and by extension, Jesus') ministry.
This highlights a critical theological theme: the potential for human intellect, when divorced from humility and a desire for truth, to become a tool for resistance against God. Instead of submitting to revelation, the leaders used their mental faculties to devise an escape strategy. It contrasts sharply with the kind of humble, prayerful deliberation that seeks divine wisdom and guidance. The passage implicitly critiques a form of human wisdom that prioritizes worldly advantage over spiritual obedience.
### Summary
The Greek verb συλλογίζομαι `{{G4817}}` precisely describes the act of "reckoning together" or "deliberating with oneself," signifying a careful, internal process of weighing options and consequences. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 20:5]] provides a poignant illustration: the religious leaders' συλλογίζομαι was a strategic, self-serving calculation aimed at avoiding a dilemma posed by Jesus, rather than a genuine pursuit of truth. This highlights the potential for human intellect to be employed for self-preservation and resistance to divine authority, contrasting with a humble and truth-seeking approach to God's revelation.
TRV