### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμμαρτυρέω (symmartyréō, `{{G4828}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`), meaning "to bear witness" or "to testify." Therefore, the core meaning of συμμαρτυρέω is "to bear witness together with," "to testify jointly," or "to corroborate by concurrent evidence." It implies a shared or corroborating testimony, where one witness or piece of evidence affirms or validates another. The emphasis is on the convergence of testimonies, leading to a stronger, confirmed declaration of truth. This is distinct from merely witnessing; it specifically denotes a co-witnessing that adds weight and certainty to a claim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμμαρτυρέω appears twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, highlighting its specific theological utility within his argumentation.
1. **[[Romans 2:15]]**: "who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness (συμμαρτυρούσης), and their thoughts accusing or else excusing them." Here, Paul describes the Gentiles, who do not possess the Mosaic Law, yet demonstrate an innate understanding of God's moral requirements. Their conscience acts as an internal witness, συμμαρτυρούσης (the present participle of συμμαρτυρέω), *together with* or *corroborating* the "work of the law written in their hearts." This suggests an internal, innate moral compass that aligns with, and thereby confirms, the divine standard. The conscience is not merely testifying *to* something, but testifying *with* an already existing, though unwritten, moral framework. This provides a basis for human accountability before God, even apart from explicit revelation.
2. **[[Romans 8:16]]**: "The Spirit Himself bears witness (συμμαρτυρεῖ) with our spirit that we are children of God." This is a profoundly significant theological statement regarding the assurance of salvation. The Holy Spirit (τὸ Πνεῦμα) does not merely inform us that we are God's children; rather, He συμμαρτυρεῖ (bears witness *with*) our human spirit (τῷ πνεύματι ἡμῶν). This implies a divine corroboration of an internal realization or conviction. It is the Holy Spirit's testimony that confirms, validates, and assures the believer's own spirit of their adopted status as children of God. This joint testimony provides an unshakeable inner certainty, distinguishing it from mere presumption or intellectual assent. It speaks to an intimate, experiential affirmation of one's spiritual identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`), "to bear witness," from which συμμαρτυρέω is derived. Other related terms include:
* μαρτυρία (martyria, `{{G3141}}`): "testimony, witness."
* μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`): "witness," from which the English word "martyr" is derived, emphasizing one who bears ultimate witness through suffering or death.
* σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`): The prefix "with" or "together," which is crucial for understanding the unique nuance of συμμαρτυρέω as joint or corroborating testimony.
Theological concepts closely associated with συμμαρτυρέω include:
* **Corroboration/Confirmation**: The idea that multiple sources of evidence confirm a truth.
* **Internal Witness**: The work of God within the human heart or spirit, providing conviction or assurance.
* **Conscience**: The innate moral faculty of humanity, as described in [[Romans 2:15]].
* **Divine Assurance**: The Holy Spirit's role in confirming a believer's standing with God, as seen in [[Romans 8:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμμαρτυρέω lies in its emphasis on the reliability and certainty of truth established through concurrent or corroborating testimony.
In [[Romans 2:15]], the conscience συμμαρτυρέω with the "work of the law written in their hearts." This highlights God's universal revelation and the inherent moral capacity of humanity. Even without specific written law, humanity possesses an internal witness to divine standards, making them accountable. This joint testimony underscores the justice of God's judgment, as humanity's own inner being bears witness to their moral state.
More profoundly, in [[Romans 8:16]], the Holy Spirit συμμαρτυρεῖ with our spirit. This is foundational for the doctrine of the assurance of salvation and adoption. It is not merely a subjective feeling or a logical deduction, but a divine, objective testimony that resonates with and confirms the believer's spirit. This "joint witness" provides an inner certainty that believers are indeed children of God, having been adopted into His family. This assurance is not based on human merit or performance, but on the unshakeable testimony of the Spirit of God. It signifies the intimate and undeniable bond between God and His adopted children, a bond confirmed by the very Spirit of God dwelling within them. This divine corroboration is the basis for the believer's confidence, enabling them to cry out "Abba, Father" ([[Romans 8:15]]).
### Summary
συμμαρτυρέω (symmartyréō, `{{G4828}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to bear witness together with" or "to corroborate by concurrent evidence." Its two occurrences in Romans reveal significant theological truths. In [[Romans 2:15]], it describes the human conscience συμμαρτυρούσης (bearing witness with) the innate moral law, establishing human accountability. More pivotally, in [[Romans 8:16]], it illuminates the Holy Spirit's divine act of συμμαρτυρεῖ (bearing witness with) the believer's spirit, providing profound assurance of their adoption as children of God. This word underscores the certainty and reliability of truth when confirmed by a joint or corroborating testimony, whether it be an internal moral witness or, supremely, the Spirit of God affirming our spiritual identity.
TRV