from σύν and (to force; causative (by reduplication) of the base of βάσις); to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach:--compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together, prove.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμβιβάζω (symbibázō, `{{G4822}}`) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and βιβάζω (bibázō), which implies "to cause to go" or "to force." The root of βιβάζω is connected to βάσις (basis), suggesting a foundation or a stepping. Thus, the core etymological sense of συμβιβάζω is "to cause to go together," "to bring together," or "to force into cohesion."
This foundational meaning branches into two primary semantic domains within biblical usage:
1. **Physical, Organic, or Relational Unification:** This aspect refers to the act of joining, compacting, or knitting together. It denotes the formation of a cohesive unit, whether literally or metaphorically. This can imply physical integration, structural integrity, or the spiritual and affectionate bonding of individuals into a unified whole. Renderings such as "compact," "knit together," or "unite" capture this sense.
2. **Intellectual or Didactic Unification:** This domain extends the idea of "bringing together" to the realm of thought and understanding. It signifies the act of gathering evidence, arguments, or concepts to form a coherent conclusion, to prove a point, to infer, or to teach. In this sense, it means "to demonstrate," "to show," "to prove," or "to instruct." Renderings like "assuredly gather," "infer," "prove," or "teach" reflect this cognitive application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμβιβάζω appears several times in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Acts 9:22:** "But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by *proving* that Jesus was the Christ." Here, συμβιβάζω is used in its intellectual sense. Saul (Paul) brought together scriptural prophecies and the facts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to demonstrate conclusively that Jesus was the Messiah. It signifies a logical, compelling presentation of truth designed to convince.
* **Acts 16:10:** "And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, *concluding* that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." In this instance, the word conveys the process of inference or drawing a conclusion. Paul and his companions "brought together" the vision with their understanding of God's call, leading them to a clear conviction about their next missionary step.
* **Ephesians 4:16:** "from whom the whole body, *joined and knit together* by what every joint supplies, according to the working by which each part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." This verse, along with Colossians 2:19, employs συμβιβάζω to describe the organic unity and interdependence of the church, the Body of Christ. It emphasizes that the church is not a loose collection of individuals but a cohesive, integrated organism where each part contributes to the health and growth of the whole. The term highlights the proper alignment and functioning of all members.
* **Colossians 2:2:** "that their hearts may be *encouraged*, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ." Here, συμβιβάζω describes the spiritual and relational bonding of believers. Their hearts are "knit together" by the bond of love, leading to mutual encouragement and a deeper, unified understanding of Christ. It speaks to a profound communal solidarity and affection.
* **Colossians 2:19:** "and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and *knit together* by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God." Similar to Ephesians 4:16, this verse uses συμβιβάζω to depict the church's structural and functional unity, emphasizing its connection to Christ as the Head. The body's growth and health are contingent upon its being properly "knit together" and nourished from its divine source.
* **1 Corinthians 2:16:** (Some manuscripts) "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may *instruct* him?" While other manuscripts read γνῶς (gnōs, "know"), if συμβιβάζω is the correct reading, it would signify the act of teaching or instructing, aligning with the intellectual sense of bringing understanding to someone.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of συμβιβάζω connects it to several important biblical concepts and other Greek terms:
* **Unity and Cohesion:**
* `{{G1731}}` (ἑνότης, henótēs): "unity," as in the "unity of the Spirit" ([[Ephesians 4:3]]).
* `{{G4887}}` (συνίστημι, synístēmi): "to stand together," "to commend," which can imply bringing together.
* `{{G4857}}` (συμφωνέω, symphōnéō): "to agree," "to harmonize," pointing to accord.
* The concept of the "Body of Christ" (`{{G4983}}` σῶμα Χριστοῦ), which is inherently unified and interdependent, is a primary context for συμβιβάζω in Ephesians and Colossians.
* **Teaching, Proving, and Discernment:**
* `{{G1321}}` (διδάσκω, didaskō): "to teach," "to instruct."
* `{{G1731}}` (ἐνδείκνυμι, endeíknymi): "to demonstrate," "to show forth."
* `{{G1242}}` (διακρίνω, diakrínō): "to discern," "to judge," which involves bringing together information to make a decision.
* `{{G4160}}` (ποιέω, poiéō): "to make," "to do," which can sometimes carry the nuance of "to prove" or "to establish."
* The broader concept of *apologetics*, the reasoned defense of the Christian faith, aligns with the "proving" aspect of συμβιβάζω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμβιβάζω is profound, illuminating both the nature of the Christian community and the process of spiritual understanding.
Firstly, its usage in Ephesians and Colossians underscores the **divine imperative for unity within the Church**. The church is not merely an organization but an organic body, supernaturally "knit together" by Christ, its Head. This unity is not superficial but deeply integrated, involving every "joint" and "ligament" ([[Ephesians 4:16]], [[Colossians 2:19]]). This mutual dependence and cohesion, empowered by love ([[Colossians 2:2]]), are essential for the church's health, growth, and effective witness. It speaks to the reality of the Spirit's work in binding believers together into one new humanity in Christ.
Secondly, the intellectual aspect of συμβιβάζω highlights the **rational and demonstrable nature of Christian truth**. Paul's "proving" that Jesus is the Christ ([[Acts 9:22]]) signifies that faith is not blind but is grounded in verifiable facts and coherent arguments. Similarly, "concluding" God's will ([[Acts 16:10]]) indicates the role of spiritual discernment and reasoned inference in understanding divine guidance. This challenges believers to engage their minds, to seek understanding, and to be able to articulate the truth of the Gospel convincingly. It implies that God's revelation is intelligible and can be logically apprehended and communicated.
### Summary
The Greek word συμβιβάζω (symbibázō, `{{G4822}}`) is a dynamic term carrying the dual meaning of "to bring together" or "to cause to go together." This fundamental sense manifests in two significant ways in the New Testament. On one hand, it describes the **organic and relational unification** of the Body of Christ, emphasizing how believers are "knit together" in love and interdependence, drawing life and growth from Christ, the Head. This highlights the vital importance of cohesion, mutual support, and spiritual solidarity within the church. On the other hand, it denotes the **intellectual process of proving, inferring, or teaching**, where arguments, evidence, or concepts are brought together to form a coherent understanding or to convince others of a truth. This aspect underscores the rational basis of faith and the necessity of thoughtful engagement with divine revelation. In essence, συμβιβάζω beautifully encapsulates God's work in both unifying His people into a living, cohesive body and in revealing His truth in a way that can be understood, demonstrated, and embraced.
TRV