### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sympsēphízō**, represented by `{{G4860}}`, means **to compute jointly** or **reckon**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting a singular, specific event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G4860}}` is used to describe a specific moment of collective repentance and action. In Ephesus, many who had **used** `{{G4238}}` **curious arts** `{{G4021}}` brought their **books** `{{G976}}` and burned them **before** `{{G1799}}` all men. Following this, they collectively **counted** `{{G4860}}` the **price** `{{G5092}}` of these items, and **found** `{{G2147}}` it to be a total of fifty **thousand** `{{G3461}}` pieces of **silver** `{{G694}}` [[Acts 19:19]]. The word captures the act of calculating the total monetary value of what was sacrificed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the action described in [[Acts 19:19]]:
* `{{G2147}}` **heurískō** (to find): After computing the value, the people **found** `{{G2147}}` the total amount [[Acts 19:19]]. The word also relates to seeking and finding spiritual truths, such as when Jesus promises that those who seek will **find** [[Matthew 7:7]].
* `{{G5092}}` **timḗ** (price): This is what was calculated—the monetary **price** or value of the burned books [[Acts 19:19]]. The term also carries the meaning of honor and esteem, as in being counted worthy of double **honour** [[1 Timothy 5:17]].
* `{{G4021}}` **períergos** (curious arts): This describes the magic or meddlesome practices renounced by the people in Ephesus [[Acts 19:19]]. The term is also used to describe **busybodies** who speak things they ought not [[1 Timothy 5:13]].
* `{{G694}}` **argýrion** (money, (piece of) silver): This identifies the currency used for the valuation, highlighting the immense financial worth of the renounced books [[Acts 19:19]]. Peter later contrasts the value of **silver** `{{G694}}` and gold with the price of redemption [[1 Peter 1:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4860}}` is derived entirely from its powerful context.
* **Calculating the Cost of Repentance:** The act of jointly computing the value of the magic books was not just an accounting exercise. It quantified the immense worldly sacrifice the new believers made, demonstrating the depth of their conversion.
* **Public Declaration:** By **counting** `{{G4860}}` the value and making it known **before** `{{G1799}}` **all** `{{G3956}}` men, the believers made a powerful public statement. They were renouncing not just a secret practice, but a significant economic enterprise tied to **curious arts** `{{G4021}}`.
* **Tangible Renunciation:** The word underscores a tangible and measurable act of turning away from a former life. The calculation of fifty thousand pieces of **silver** `{{G694}}` gives a concrete scale to their collective decision to follow Christ.
### Summary
While **sympsēphízō** `{{G4860}}` appears only once, its context gives it significant weight. It is more than just a word for calculation; it represents the act of reckoning the material cost of discipleship. The single use in scripture captures a powerful moment of collective repentance, where the immense value of renounced practices was publicly **counted**, solidifying the community's break from their past.
TRV