### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **συνείδησις (syneídēsis)**, represented by `{{G4893}}`, defines the concept of **moral consciousness** or **conscience**. It appears 32 times across 30 unique verses in the Bible. The term refers to a "co-perception," an internal awareness that bears witness to one's actions and moral state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4893}}` is used to describe an internal moral faculty. It can be characterized as **good** `{{G18}}`, as when Paul states he has lived in all **good conscience** before God [[Acts 23:1]], or it can be **evil** `{{G4190}}` and in need of cleansing [[Hebrews 10:22]]. Scripture speaks of the blood of Christ purging the **conscience** from **dead** `{{G3498}}` **works** `{{G2041}}` to serve the **living** `{{G2198}}` God [[Hebrews 9:14]]. Conversely, for the **unbelieving** `{{G571}}`, their **mind** `{{G3563}}` and **conscience** can be **defiled** `{{G3392}}` [[Titus 1:15]]. The **conscience** also acts as an internal witness, either **accusing** `{{G2723}}` or **excusing** `{{G626}}` one's actions [[Romans 2:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and state of the **conscience**:
* `{{G2588}}` **kardía** (heart): The **conscience** is closely associated with the **heart**, the center of human thought and feeling. The work of the law is shown written in their **hearts**, with their **conscience** bearing witness [[Romans 2:15]].
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** (good): This term is frequently used to describe a healthy moral state. The goal of the commandment is **charity** `{{G26}}` from a pure heart, a **good** **conscience**, and unfeigned **faith** `{{G4102}}` [[1 Timothy 1:5]].
* `{{G3392}}` **miaínō** (to defile): This word describes the corruption of the **conscience**. For those who are **unbelieving** `{{G571}}`, their **mind** `{{G3563}}` and **conscience** are **defiled** [[Titus 1:15]].
* `{{G772}}` **asthenḗs** (weak): The **conscience** can be described as **weak**, particularly in those with incomplete **knowledge** `{{G1108}}`. For such a person, their **conscience** being **weak** is **defiled** `{{G3435}}` when they act against it [[1 Corinthians 8:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4893}}` is significant, touching on human nature, sin, and redemption.
* **Universal Moral Witness:** The **conscience** acts as evidence of God's law written in the **hearts** `{{G2588}}` of all people, as their **thoughts** `{{G3053}}` either **accuse** `{{G2723}}` or **excuse** `{{G626}}` them [[Romans 2:15]]. This points to an innate moral framework.
* **Cleansing through Christ:** The Old Testament sacrifices could not make the worshipper perfect in regard to the **conscience** [[Hebrews 9:9]]. It is the blood of Christ that purges the **conscience** from **dead** `{{G3498}}` **works** `{{G2041}}` [[Hebrews 9:14]], enabling true service to God.
* **The State of the Believer's Conscience:** A believer is called to maintain a **good** `{{G18}}` **conscience**. This is linked to having **faith** `{{G4102}}` and **charity** `{{G26}}` [[1 Timothy 1:5]]. Putting away a good **conscience** can cause one to **make shipwreck** `{{G3489}}` of their faith [[1 Timothy 1:19]].
* **Potential for Corruption:** Scripture warns that the **conscience** can be **defiled** `{{G3392}}` by unbelief [[Titus 1:15]] or even seared by hypocrisy [[1 Timothy 4:2]], rendering it insensitive.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4893}}` **syneídēsis** is more than just a feeling of guilt or innocence. It is a God-given moral consciousness that bears witness to our alignment with His standards. It can be clear and **good** `{{G18}}` through the work of Christ, or it can be **weak** `{{G772}}` and **defiled** `{{G3392}}`. The condition of one's **conscience** is therefore a critical indicator of their spiritual state and their relationship with God, highlighting the need for both faith in Christ's sacrifice and a life lived in accordance with His truth.
TRV