The Greek word symphōnéō, represented by G4856, means to be harmonious or to accord. It appears 7 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Figuratively, its meaning extends to the act of concurring with others or stipulating the terms of a compact.
In scripture, G4856 is applied in several distinct ways. It establishes the power of unified prayer, where if two believers shall agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them Matthew 18:19. The word also defines a formal contract, as when a landowner agreed with labourers for a penny a day Matthew 20:2. He later holds a worker to this compact, asking, "didst not thou agree with me for a penny?" Matthew 20:13. Conversely, it can describe a sinful conspiracy, as when Peter confronts Sapphira for having agreed together with her husband to tempt the Spirit of the Lord Acts 5:9. It is also used to illustrate suitability, such as a new piece of cloth that agreeth not with an old garment Luke 5:36, and to show how the words of the prophets agree with apostolic teaching Acts 15:15.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G4856 is used:
- G154 aitéō (to ask): This word is directly tied to the purpose of agreement in prayer. What believers agree upon is what they then ask the Father to perform Matthew 18:19.
- G1096 gínomai (to become, come into being): This highlights the result of harmonious prayer. When believers agree and ask, it is promised that their request shall be done for them Matthew 18:19.
- G3985 peirázō (to test, tempt): This term reveals the negative potential of agreement. Ananias and Sapphira agreed together for the specific purpose of an evil act: to tempt the Spirit of the Lord Acts 5:9.
The theological weight of G4856 is significant, demonstrating that the nature and object of an agreement are critically important.
- Agreement in Prayer: The word is foundational to the principle of unified prayer. It shows that when believers are in harmony on a matter to ask for, their request is affirmed by the Father Matthew 18:19.
- Agreement in Compact: It underscores the integrity of a binding promise. In the parable of the labourers, the agreement for a wage is presented as a firm contract, with the landowner stating, "I do thee no wrong G91" by adhering to the terms Matthew 20:13.
- Agreement in Deception: The word serves as a solemn warning that unity is not inherently righteous. An agreement can be for a sinful purpose, such as when Ananias and Sapphira agreed together to tempt the Spirit, showing that unity in deceit leads to judgment Acts 5:9.
In summary, G4856 is a versatile term that goes far beyond simple assent. It encompasses the spiritual power of unified prayer, the binding nature of a contract, the peril of a sinful conspiracy, and the consistency between parts of scripture. The word ultimately illustrates that the value and outcome of an agreement are determined entirely by its purpose and whether it aligns with divine truth.
TRV