### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σύμφωνος (sýmphōnos), `{{G4859}}`, is a compound adjective derived from two significant components: the preposition σύν (syn), `{{G4862}}`, meaning "with" or "together," and the noun φωνή (phōnē), `{{G5456}}`, meaning "sound," "voice," or "speech." Literally, σύμφωνος means "sounding together" or "in harmony of sound." This evokes an image of musical instruments playing in unison or voices blending harmoniously. Figuratively, and as applied in its New Testament context, it signifies "accordant," "agreeing," or "in agreement." When used substantively (as a noun), it denotes "agreement" or "consent," indicating a unity of will, purpose, or understanding between individuals. The core idea is a shared disposition or decision that leads to concerted action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
σύμφωνος (sýmphōnos), `{{G4859}}`, appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 7:5]]: "Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by agreement (σύμφωνος) for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
In this verse, σύμφωνος is used in the dative case (συνφωνῳ, *symphōnō*) and functions adverbially, meaning "by agreement" or "by consent." Paul is addressing the intimate relationship between married spouses. He instructs that sexual abstinence within marriage should not be unilaterally imposed by one partner upon the other but must be a mutual decision. The phrase "by agreement" (σύμφωνος) is crucial, highlighting that any temporary cessation of conjugal relations for spiritual purposes (such as prayer or fasting) must be a consensual act between husband and wife. This emphasizes mutuality and shared purpose within the marital bond, underscoring that such a decision is not a command but a joint accord. The context further reveals that the absence of such agreement, leading to deprivation, could expose either spouse to temptation from Satan due to a "lack of self-control" (ἀκρασία, *akrasia*). Thus, σύμφωνος here signifies a harmonious and unified decision that preserves the integrity of the marriage and provides spiritual protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of agreement and unity is pervasive in Scripture, and σύμφωνος relates to several other Greek terms:
* **σύν (syn) `{{G4862}}`:** The prefix itself is fundamental, appearing in numerous compound words to signify "together with," "fellowship," or "joint participation" (e.g., συνεργός `{{G4900}}`, "fellow worker"; συζυγέω `{{G4801}}`, "to be yoked together"). This highlights the relational and communal aspect inherent in σύμφωνος.
* **φωνή (phōnē) `{{G5456}}`:** The root for "sound" or "voice" connects σύμφωνος to the idea of communication and expression, implying that agreement often arises from shared understanding and verbalized consent.
* **ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothymadon) `{{G3661}}`:** Meaning "with one accord" or "with one mind," this adverb describes a collective unity of spirit and purpose, frequently used to describe the early church (e.g., [[Acts 1:14]], [[Acts 2:46]]). While σύμφωνος focuses on the *act* of agreement, ὁμοθυμαδόν describes the *state* of being in agreement.
* **ὁμολογέω (homologeō) `{{G3670}}`:** "To agree," "confess," or "acknowledge." This verb often implies a verbal or public declaration of agreement or shared belief.
* **ὁμονοέω (homonoeō) `{{G3673}}`:** "To be of one mind" or "to agree." This verb speaks to a unity of thought or disposition.
* **Covenant (διαθήκη, diathēkē `{{G1242}}`):** The broader concept of covenant in Scripture, particularly the marriage covenant, provides the theological framework for the practical application of σύμφωνος. Covenants are binding agreements, and σύμφωνος describes the ongoing, mutual consent that sustains such agreements in daily life.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of σύμφωνος in [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] carries profound theological implications, particularly for Christian marriage and broader interpersonal relationships within the church:
* **Divine Design for Marital Partnership:** The word underscores God's design for marriage as a partnership built on mutual respect, consent, and shared decision-making. It counters any notion of unilateral authority in intimate matters, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the marital covenant. This reflects a divine ideal where husband and wife are "one flesh" ([[Genesis 2:24]]), implying a deep unity that extends to their wills and actions.
* **Holiness and Practicality in Marriage:** Paul's instruction demonstrates that even spiritual disciplines (like prayer and fasting) within marriage are not to be pursued at the expense of the marital bond or through coercion. True spiritual devotion in this context requires σύμφωνος, ensuring that both partners are aligned in their pursuit of God, thereby sanctifying their union.
* **Protection Against Temptation:** The explicit link between the absence of σύμφωνος and vulnerability to Satan's temptation (ἀκρασία, "lack of self-control") reveals a theological truth: unity and mutual agreement within a relationship serve as a spiritual safeguard. Disunity, particularly in areas of intimacy, can create openings for spiritual attack and moral failure.
* **A Microcosm of Church Unity:** While specifically applied to marriage, the principle of σύμφωνος can be seen as a microcosm of the broader call for unity within the body of Christ. Just as spouses should be "sounding together," so too should believers strive for harmony, agreement, and mutual consent in their collective life and mission. This reflects the unity of the Spirit ([[Ephesians 4:3]]) and the call to be "of the same mind" ([[Philippians 2:2]]).
### Summary
σύμφωνος (sýmphōnos), `{{G4859}}`, derived from "together" (σύν) and "sound" (φωνή), literally means "sounding together" and figuratively signifies "agreement" or "consent." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[1 Corinthians 7:5]] is highly instructive, emphasizing the necessity of mutual agreement between husband and wife regarding temporary sexual abstinence for the purpose of prayer. This usage highlights the divine design for marriage as a partnership founded on shared decision-making, mutual respect, and harmonious unity. Theologically, σύμφωνος underscores that such agreement is crucial not only for the health of the marital bond but also as a spiritual safeguard against temptation. It portrays Christian marriage as a relationship where wills are aligned, purposes are shared, and both partners are "sounding together" in their devotion to God and to one another, reflecting the broader biblical call for unity within the believing community.
TRV