### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **symbouleúō**, represented by `{{G4823}}`, means to give or take advice jointly, to deliberate, or to determine a course of action. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its use in pivotal moments of recommendation and conspiracy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4823}}` in scripture reveals a sharp contrast between human and divine counsel. On one hand, it describes malicious plotting. Leaders **consulted** together to capture Jesus by **subtilty** `{{G1388}}` and kill him [[Matthew 26:4]]. This deliberation to kill Jesus is also seen in [[John 11:53]]. Later, the Jews **took counsel** with the same intent against Saul [[Acts 9:23]]. On the other hand, the word is used for divine guidance, as when Jesus gives life-giving advice to the church in Laodicea, saying "I **counsel** thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire" [[Revelation 3:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of the counsel being given:
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (craft, deceit, guile, subtilty): This term specifies the deceptive nature of the counsel taken against Jesus, as they **consulted** in order to take him by **subtilty** [[Matthew 26:4]].
* `{{G4851}}` **symphérō** (be expedient (for)): This word reveals the rationale behind the destructive counsel of Caiaphas, who advised the Jews that it was **expedient** for one man to die for the people [[John 18:14]].
* `{{G59}}` **agorázō** (to purchase; specially, to redeem): This action is the focus of Christ's counsel. He advises the church to **buy** spiritual treasures from him, contrasting the life-giving nature of his counsel with the deadly plots of men [[Revelation 3:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4823}}` is found in its contrasting applications.
* **Malicious Conspiracy:** A majority of the uses show how joint human deliberation can be directed toward evil ends. This is evident when leaders **consulted** to kill Jesus [[Matthew 26:4]] and when the Jews **took counsel** to kill Saul [[Acts 9:23]].
* **Perverted Justification:** The counsel given by Caiaphas demonstrates how human logic can frame a wicked act as necessary. He argued that it was **expedient** `{{G4851}}` that **one** `{{G1520}}` **man** `{{G444}}` should **die** `{{G622}}` on behalf of the **people** `{{G2992}}`, twisting a divine principle for a murderous purpose [[John 18:14]].
* **Divine Recommendation:** In stark contrast, the one positive use is a direct **counsel** from Jesus to the church. His advice is not to destroy but to restore, urging believers to **buy** `{{G59}}` from him true spiritual wealth in order to cover their **shame** `{{G152}}` and **nakedness** `{{G1132}}` [[Revelation 3:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4823}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates the concept of joint deliberation. Its usage in scripture highlights a critical distinction between the counsel of men, which is often a conspiracy rooted in **subtilty** `{{G1388}}` and leads to death, and the counsel of God, which is a gracious recommendation that leads to redemption and eternal life. The word serves as a reminder of the profound difference in outcome depending on the source of the counsel one follows.
TRV