neuter of a presumed derivative of a compound of σύν and the base of ἑδραῖος; a joint session, i.e. (specially), the Jewish Sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal:--council.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synédrion**, represented by `{{G4892}}`, refers to a **council** or a joint session. It appears **22 times** in **22 unique verses**. It is used specifically to denote the Jewish Sanhedrin, the highest court of justice, but can also refer to subordinate tribunals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4892}}` is primarily the setting for major confrontations between religious authorities and Jesus and his followers. The **council**, comprising chief priests, elders, and scribes, is where the decision was made to seek false witness against Jesus to put him to death ([[Matthew 26:59]]; [[Mark 14:55]]). It was this body that, after holding a consultation, bound Jesus and delivered him to Pilate [[Mark 15:1]]. Later, the apostles were brought before the **council** for teaching in Jesus's name [[Acts 5:27]], and Stephen was brought before them prior to his martyrdom [[Acts 6:12]]. Paul also stood before the **council** to defend himself [[Acts 23:1]]. The term is also used more generally to warn believers that they will be delivered up to **councils** as part of their persecution [[Matthew 10:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the nature and composition of the **council**:
* `{{G1087}}` **gerousía** (senate): This term appears in parallel with `{{G4892}}` when the high priest called the **council** together with all the **senate** of the children of Israel [[Acts 5:21]], indicating it refers to the same assembly of elders.
* `{{G4244}}` **presbytérion** (elders): This word identifies the members making up the **council**. The **elders** of the people, chief priests, and scribes assembled and led Jesus into their **council** [[Luke 22:66]].
* `{{G4824}}` **symboúlion** (consultation, counsel, council): This term describes the deliberative action of the **council**. The chief priests held a **consultation** with the whole **council** before delivering Jesus to Pilate [[Mark 15:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4892}}` is tied to its role as the seat of human religious authority in conflict with divine truth.
* **Center of Religious Opposition:** The **council** is consistently portrayed as the organized body of religious leadership that opposed Jesus and his followers. It sought to put Jesus to death [[Matthew 26:59]] and questioned the apostles for preaching [[Acts 5:27]].
* **Instrument of Persecution:** Jesus warned that his followers would be delivered up to **councils** [[Mark 13:9]] and scourged in synagogues, establishing the **council** as a key instrument of persecution against the early church.
* **Symbol of Human Judgment:** In his teachings, Jesus uses the **council** to illustrate a level of accountability for sin. He places being "in danger of the **council**" as a more severe consequence than "the judgment," but less than "hell fire" [[Matthew 5:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4892}}` **synédrion** is more than just a judicial body; it is a central element in the passion narratives and the story of the early church. It represents the formal structure of Jewish religious authority that acted to condemn Jesus and persecute his disciples. The word consistently appears in contexts of trial, judgment, and opposition, highlighting the conflict between the established religious system and the message of the gospel.
TRV