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.
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.
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.
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.
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