neuter of a presumed derivative of σύμβουλος; advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e. the provincial assessors or lay-court:--consultation, counsel, council.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4824}}` *symboúlion* (συμβούλιον) is a neuter noun derived from a presumed root related to `{{G4825}}` *sýmboulos* (σύμβουλος), meaning "counselor" or "advisor." Its semantic range encompasses two primary facets:
1. **The Act of Advisement or Deliberation:** This is the most frequent usage, referring to the process of taking counsel, holding a consultation, or engaging in a deliberative discussion. It denotes the act of forming a plan or making a decision collectively.
2. **A Deliberative Body or Council:** Less frequently, it can refer to the group of individuals who engage in such consultation, specifically a formal assembly or a judicial advisory body, such as provincial assessors or a lay-court. This highlights the institutional aspect of shared decision-making.
The word therefore oscillates between the abstract concept of "counsel" or "consultation" and the concrete entity of a "council" or "advisory board."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G4824}}` appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and once in Acts. Its usage reveals significant insights into the nature of human decision-making, particularly in opposition to Christ.
In the Gospels, *symboúlion* almost exclusively describes the *act* of deliberation, often with a negative connotation, referring to plotting or conspiring against Jesus:
* In [[Matthew 12:14]], the Pharisees "took counsel" (συμβούλιον ἔλαβον) against Jesus, seeking to destroy Him after He healed on the Sabbath. This highlights a malevolent deliberation aimed at harm.
* Similarly, in [[Matthew 22:15]], the Pharisees "went and took counsel" (συμβούλιον ἔλαβον) on how to trap Jesus in His words. This is a strategic, deceptive consultation.
* [[Matthew 27:1]] describes the chief priests and elders of the people "holding counsel" (συμβούλιον ἔλαβον) against Jesus to put Him to death, underscoring the collective judicial decision that led to His crucifixion.
* In [[Matthew 27:7]], after Judas's death, the chief priests "took counsel" (συμβούλιον λαβόντες) and used the returned money to buy the potter's field. Here, it signifies a practical, albeit morally compromised, consultation.
* [[Matthew 28:12]] records the elders "assembling with the elders and taking counsel" (συμβούλιον λαβόντες) to bribe the soldiers guarding Jesus' tomb, a clear act of conspiracy to suppress the truth of the resurrection.
* [[Mark 3:6]] parallels Matthew's account, stating that the Pharisees "immediately held counsel" (συμβούλιον ἐδίδουν) with the Herodians to destroy Jesus, emphasizing the speed and unity of their malicious intent.
* [[Mark 15:1]] notes that the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin "held a consultation" (συμβούλιον ποιήσαντες) before delivering Jesus to Pilate. This describes the formal deliberative act of the highest Jewish judicial body.
The sole occurrence in Acts shifts the nuance to the *body* of advisors:
* In [[Acts 25:12]], when Festus decides to send Paul to Caesar, it is stated that he "conferred with the council" (μετὰ τοῦ συμβουλίου). Here, *symboúlion* refers to the official advisory group or assessors who assisted the Roman governor in judicial matters. This usage highlights the administrative and legal context of a formal deliberative body.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G4824}}` *symboúlion* is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **`{{G4825}}` *sýmboulos* (σύμβουλος):** The direct noun for "counselor" or "advisor," from which *symboúlion* is derived, emphasizing the role of the individual giving counsel.
* **`{{G1012}}` *boulē* (βουλή):** A broader term meaning "counsel," "purpose," "will," or "plan." While *symboúlion* often refers to the *act* of deliberation, *boulē* can denote the *result* of deliberation or a fixed intention, including God's divine counsel or plan (e.g., [[Acts 2:23]]).
* **`{{G1011}}` *bouleúō* (βουλεύω):** The verb "to take counsel," "to deliberate," or "to plan." This verb describes the action that results in *symboúlion*.
* **`{{G4892}}` *synedrion* (συνέδριον):** Specifically refers to a "council" or "assembly," most notably the Jewish Sanhedrin. While *symboúlion* can refer to the *act* of deliberation by such a body, *synedrion* denotes the specific institution itself. The two terms can overlap in context, as seen in [[Mark 15:1]] where the *symboúlion* is held by the *synedrion*.
* **Concepts:** The word relates to broader concepts such as conspiracy, plotting, decision-making processes, judicial consultation, and the exercise of human authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4824}}` *symboúlion* is primarily shaped by its predominant usage in the Gospels, where it consistently describes human deliberation against the divine will.
1. **Human Opposition to God's Plan:** The repeated use of *symboúlion* for plots against Jesus underscores the depth of human hostility and resistance to God's redemptive purposes. The "counsel" of men is often shown to be futile and ultimately subservient to God's overarching "counsel" or plan (cf. [[Acts 4:27-28]]). These human consultations, though seemingly powerful, are ultimately instruments in the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
2. **The Nature of Unrighteous Authority:** When *symboúlion* refers to the deliberations of religious or political authorities (Pharisees, Herodians, Sanhedrin, Roman governor's council), it often highlights the corrupt or misguided exercise of power. Even when engaging in formal judicial processes, the "counsel" of these bodies can be swayed by fear, prejudice, or self-interest rather than justice.
3. **Contrast with Divine Wisdom:** Implicitly, the earthly, often malevolent, "counsel" of men stands in stark contrast to the perfect, righteous, and sovereign "counsel" of God. While *symboúlion* is not used for divine counsel, its frequent negative connotation serves as a reminder of the limitations and fallenness of human wisdom when it attempts to thwart God's will.
### Summary
`{{G4824}}` *symboúlion* denotes both the *act* of consultation or deliberation and, less commonly, the *body* that performs such an act. In the New Testament, its usage is particularly striking in the Gospels, where it almost exclusively describes the malicious "counsel" or "plotting" of various groups against Jesus, revealing the depth of human opposition to divine truth. This highlights the theme of human conspiracy against God's redemptive plan, which ultimately serves to fulfill it. In Acts, it shifts to refer to a formal advisory body aiding a Roman governor. The word thus encapsulates the dynamics of human decision-making, whether for ill intent or formal administration, often implicitly contrasting it with the unwavering and sovereign counsel of God.
TRV