### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun symphṓnēsis (`{{G4857}}`) is derived from the verb symphōneō (`{{G4856}}`), which means "to agree, to be in harmony, to sound together." The prefix syn- (`{{G4862}}`) signifies "with" or "together," and phōnē (`{{G5456}}`) refers to "sound" or "voice." Therefore, symphṓnēsis fundamentally conveys the idea of "sounding together," which extends metaphorically to mean "accord," "agreement," or "concord." It denotes a state of unity or harmony where different elements are brought into alignment, not merely by coincidence, but by an underlying compatibility or shared essence. Its semantic range is quite focused on this concept of intrinsic agreement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
symphṓnēsis (`{{G4857}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian believers about the incompatibility of light and darkness, righteousness and lawlessness, and ultimately, Christ and Belial. He poses a rhetorical question: "What concord has Christ with Belial?" (Greek: "τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστοῦ πρὸς Βελίαρ;").
The context of [[2 Corinthians 6:14-18]] is a strong exhortation for believers to separate themselves from unbelievers and idolatry. Paul uses a series of antithetical pairings—righteousness/lawlessness, light/darkness, Christ/Belial, believer/unbeliever, temple of God/idols—to underscore the absolute lack of symphṓnēsis between them. The question regarding Christ and Belial is not seeking an answer, but rather asserting that such agreement is utterly impossible. It highlights a fundamental, ontological incompatibility rather than a mere difference of opinion or practice. The absence of symphṓnēsis between these ultimate spiritual realities serves as the basis for the call to "come out from among them and be separate" ([[2 Corinthians 6:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a semantic field with symphṓnēsis or are directly related to it:
* symphōneō (`{{G4856}}`): The verbal root meaning "to agree, to be in harmony." Examples include the agreement of witnesses ([[Matthew 26:65]]) or the laborers agreeing on a wage ([[Matthew 20:2]]).
* symphōnia (`{{G4858}}`): A related noun meaning "harmony of sounds, music." It is used in [[Luke 15:25]] to describe the music and dancing at the prodigal son's return. While sharing the "sounding together" root, its primary application is musical, distinct from the abstract or moral agreement of symphṓnēsis.
* homonoia (`{{G3661}}`): Meaning "like-mindedness, unanimity, concord." This term emphasizes a unity of mind or purpose, often used in secular Greek for political harmony. While conceptually similar, symphṓnēsis in its biblical use points to a deeper, intrinsic compatibility or lack thereof.
* koinōnia (`{{G2842}}`): "Fellowship, participation, communion." Paul's argument in [[2 Corinthians 6]] directly leads to the necessity of avoiding koinōnia (fellowship) with unbelievers, precisely because there is no underlying symphṓnēsis between the spiritual realms they represent.
* Antithetical concepts: The very question "What concord...?" implicitly invokes the opposite concepts of discord, enmity, opposition, and fundamental incompatibility.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of symphṓnēsis in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]] carries profound theological weight. It articulates a foundational truth about the absolute and irreconcilable opposition between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. This is not merely a practical guideline for behavior, but a declaration concerning the very nature of Christ and Belial, righteousness and lawlessness. They are intrinsically antithetical; their essences cannot "sound together" or find any common ground.
This inherent incompatibility forms the theological basis for the Christian call to holiness and separation. Believers, having been reconciled to God through Christ, are now partakers of a divine nature that cannot find true symphṓnēsis with the fallen world system ruled by Belial (Satan). To seek such concord would be to deny the radical transformation wrought by Christ and to compromise the very identity of the believer. The absence of symphṓnēsis necessitates a clear and uncompromising boundary in the believer's spiritual associations, alliances, and ethical commitments, ensuring that their life reflects the singular allegiance to Christ.
### Summary
symphṓnēsis (`{{G4857}}`) signifies a deep, intrinsic agreement or harmony, rooted in the concept of "sounding together." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]] is highly significant, serving as a rhetorical assertion that there is no symphṓnēsis—no fundamental accord or intrinsic compatibility—between Christ and Belial, or by extension, between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness. This powerful declaration underscores the absolute spiritual and moral incompatibility of these opposing forces. The word thus encapsulates a core theological principle: the radical distinctiveness of the believer's identity in Christ, necessitating separation from the ungodly world system due to an unbridgeable chasm where true spiritual concord is impossible.
TRV