### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμβουλεύω (symbouleúō), `{{G4823}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), `{{G4862}}`, meaning "with" or "together," and βουλεύω (bouleúō), `{{G1011}}`, meaning "to counsel," "to deliberate," or "to plan." Therefore, the core meaning of συμβουλεύω is "to counsel together," "to deliberate jointly," or "to give/take advice in common." It inherently denotes a collaborative process of thought and decision-making.
The semantic range of συμβουλεύω encompasses:
1. **Joint Deliberation:** Two or more parties engaging in mutual discussion to arrive at a conclusion or decision.
2. **Collective Consultation:** Seeking or giving advice as a group.
3. **Joint Planning/Plotting:** Devising a course of action together, often with a specific aim, which can be either constructive or malicious.
4. **Authoritative Counsel/Recommendation:** In specific contexts, it can signify a strong recommendation or determination given by an authority, implying a well-considered (as if "jointly" with oneself or within a divine council) and decisive piece of advice.
The emphasis on "togetherness" or "joint action" is paramount to understanding this word, distinguishing it from mere individual counsel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
συμβουλεύω appears five times in the New Testament, and its usage reveals a striking pattern, with one notable exception:
* **Conspiracy Against Jesus:**
* In [[Matthew 26:4]], the chief priests and elders *consulted together* (συνεβουλεύσαντο) to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. This highlights a deliberate, joint conspiracy driven by malice.
* Similarly, [[Mark 15:1]] describes the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole council *holding a consultation* (συμβούλιον ποιήσαντες, though related to the verb's root, it's a noun phrase, but the context is the same joint deliberation) early in the morning to bind Jesus and deliver Him to Pilate. The action here is a formal, collective decision to condemn.
* [[John 12:10]] records that the chief priests *consulted* (ἐβουλεύσαντο, using the simpler verb but in a joint context) to put Lazarus to death as well, because many were believing in Jesus on account of him. This is another instance of joint, murderous intent. While the verse uses βουλεύω, the context of joint malicious planning aligns perfectly with the semantic range of συμβουλεύω.
* **Conspiracy Against Paul:**
* [[Acts 9:23]] states that after many days, the Jews *took counsel together* (συνεβουλεύσαντο) to kill Saul (Paul). This again signifies a collective plot to eliminate a perceived threat to their agenda.
* **Divine Counsel to the Church:**
* The unique instance is found in [[Revelation 3:18]], where Christ *counsels* (συμβουλεύω) the lukewarm church in Laodicea: "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich; and white garments, so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see." Here, the "joint" aspect is not a human collaboration, but rather an authoritative, well-considered, and decisive recommendation from the divine Christ. It implies a counsel that is perfect, complete, and the product of ultimate wisdom, as if deliberated within the Godhead itself for the church's ultimate good. This stands in stark contrast to the malicious human consultations.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συμβουλεύω is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **βουλεύω (bouleúō) `{{G1011}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to counsel," "to deliberate," "to plan." συμβουλεύω adds the dimension of joint or collective action to this basic meaning.
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: The noun form, meaning "counsel," "purpose," "will," or "plan." This often refers to the outcome of deliberation, whether human or divine (e.g., God's unchangeable purpose).
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`**: The prefix "with" or "together," which is crucial for the compound verb's meaning. It emphasizes collaboration, association, or shared action.
* **συνέδριον (synedrion) `{{G4892}}`**: "Sanhedrin" or "council," a body that engages in joint deliberation, often explicitly related to the contexts where συμβουλεύω is used (e.g., [[Mark 15:1]]).
* **Concepts:**
* **Conspiracy/Plotting:** As seen in the majority of New Testament uses, συμβουλεύω frequently describes malicious joint planning.
* **Deliberation/Consultation:** The act of thinking through and discussing a matter collectively to reach a decision.
* **Divine Wisdom/Guidance:** In [[Revelation 3:18]], it represents the authoritative and beneficial counsel emanating from Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμβουλεύω is multifaceted, illuminating aspects of human agency, sin, and divine intervention:
1. **The Nature of Human Sin:** The predominant use of συμβουλεύω in the New Testament highlights the collective and deliberate nature of human opposition to God's will. The Jewish leaders did not merely act individually but *consulted together* to kill Jesus and later Paul. This underscores that sin is not always impulsive but can be the product of careful, collaborative planning and determination. It reveals the depth of human depravity when individuals unite in purpose against divine truth and righteousness. It also warns against the dangers of groupthink and collective malice.
2. **The Sovereignty of God Amidst Human Plots:** Despite the concerted efforts of human adversaries to thwart God's plan (e.g., killing Jesus), their "counsel" ultimately serves to fulfill God's predetermined will ([[Acts 4:27-28]]). The word, therefore, implicitly points to the paradox of human freedom and divine sovereignty, where even wicked deliberations are ultimately incorporated into God's overarching purposes.
3. **Divine Counsel as Authoritative and Redemptive:** The singular positive use in [[Revelation 3:18]] offers a profound theological contrast. Here, Christ *counsels* the Laodicean church. This is not a joint human deliberation, but a divine, authoritative, and salvific recommendation. It signifies that true, life-giving counsel originates from God alone. Unlike the destructive counsel of humans, Christ's counsel leads to spiritual riches, purity, and clear spiritual sight. It is an invitation to align one's will with divine wisdom, demonstrating God's persistent desire for His people's restoration. This divine counsel is presented as the ultimate, unchallengeable wisdom, a "joint" counsel within the Godhead for humanity's redemption.
4. **The Importance of Wise Counsel:** By contrasting the negative human use with the positive divine use, the word implicitly teaches the critical importance of *whose* counsel one seeks and *with whom* one deliberates. Deliberation guided by earthly, self-serving motives leads to destruction, while adherence to divine counsel leads to life and spiritual prosperity.
### Summary
συμβουλεύω (symbouleúō), `{{G4823}}`, precisely means "to counsel together," "to deliberate jointly," or "to give/take advice in common." Its core semantic range emphasizes collaborative thought and decision-making. In the New Testament, this word is primarily employed to describe the joint, often malicious, plotting of human adversaries against Jesus and His followers, highlighting the deliberate and collective nature of sin ([[Matthew 26:4]], [[Mark 15:1]], [[John 12:10]], [[Acts 9:23]]). However, a profound theological counterpoint is found in [[Revelation 3:18]], where Christ Himself counsels the church. This unique usage portrays divine counsel as an authoritative, perfect, and redemptive recommendation, standing in stark contrast to human conspiracy. Thus, συμβουλεύω illuminates the destructive potential of human collaboration when opposed to God, while simultaneously revealing the life-giving power of divine wisdom offered to humanity.
TRV