from σύν and εἴδω; to see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of:--consider, know, be privy, be ware of.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4894 συνείδω (syneídō) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb εἴδω (eidō, `{{G1492}}`), meaning "to see" or "to know." Literally, it can be understood as "to see together" or "to know with." This composite meaning leads to a semantic range that primarily focuses on internal knowledge, awareness, or consciousness.
Its core meaning conveys:
* **To be conscious of:** An internal awareness of one's own thoughts, actions, or state.
* **To be aware of:** To perceive or realize a situation, fact, or external event.
* **To be privy to:** To have secret or shared knowledge, often implying complicity.
* **To consider:** In some contexts, it can imply an internal reflection or recognition.
The definition notes its predominant use in past tenses, suggesting a focus on the state of having become aware or being in a state of consciousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G4894 συνείδω appears in the New Testament in three distinct contexts, each illuminating a facet of its meaning:
* **[[Acts 5:2]]**: "And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet." Here, the form συνειδυίης (syneiduiēs) is used to describe Sapphira's knowledge. It signifies her conscious awareness and complicity in Ananias's deception. The "together" aspect of σύν is evident, pointing to a shared, deliberate knowledge of wrongdoing.
* **[[Acts 14:6]]**: "And they were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about." The participle συνιδόντες (synidontes) describes Paul and Barnabas's realization of the plot against them. This usage emphasizes the aspect of "becoming aware" or "perceiving" a threatening situation, leading to a decisive action (fleeing).
* **[[1 Corinthians 4:4]]**: "For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord." Paul uses the verb συνείδω (syneídō) in the first person singular: "οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα" (ouden gar emautō synoida), which literally translates to "for I am conscious of nothing against myself." This is a profound statement about his clear conscience regarding his ministry and conduct. It signifies an internal self-assessment where he finds no fault or wrongdoing of which he is aware, though he immediately defers ultimate judgment to the Lord. This occurrence is pivotal for understanding the word's connection to the concept of conscience.
### Related Words & Concepts
* εἴδω (eidō, `{{G1492}}`): The root verb, meaning "to see, perceive, know." συνείδω builds upon this by adding the nuance of "seeing/knowing together" or "completely," often internally.
* συνείδησις (syneídēsis, `{{G4893}}`): This is the noun form, meaning "conscience." It is directly derived from συνείδω and is the most prominent related term. While συνείδω is the act of being conscious or knowing, συνείδησις refers to the faculty itself—the inner moral sense that distinguishes right from wrong. The usage in [[1 Corinthians 4:4]] directly links the verb to this noun concept.
* γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`): A broader verb meaning "to know," often implying experiential knowledge or coming to know. συνείδω is more specific, focusing on internal awareness or shared, often secret, knowledge.
* οἶδα (oida, `{{G1492}}`): Often used interchangeably with εἴδω and meaning "to know" (a state of knowing, often implying full understanding).
* Concepts: Awareness, consciousness, moral discernment, complicity, perception, self-judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4894 συνείδω primarily revolves around the concepts of human consciousness, moral accountability, and the nature of self-awareness before God.
1. **The Clear Conscience and Divine Judgment:** The most significant theological insight comes from [[1 Corinthians 4:4]]. Paul's declaration, "I know nothing by myself," highlights the importance of a clear conscience in Christian living and ministry. It's not a claim of sinless perfection, but an assertion of integrity and faithfulness in his service, of which he is personally συνείδω (conscious). Crucially, he immediately qualifies this by stating, "yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord." This emphasizes that human self-awareness, even a clear conscience, is ultimately subordinate to God's perfect and final judgment. It underscores the truth that while a clear conscience is vital for peace and boldness, it is God's assessment, not our own, that determines ultimate righteousness.
2. **Complicity and Moral Accountability:** The usage in [[Acts 5:2]] concerning Sapphira's complicity in the deception of Ananias underscores the principle of moral accountability stemming from conscious knowledge. Her συνειδυίης (being privy to it) meant she was fully aware of the lie and thus shared in the guilt and consequences. This illustrates that conscious participation or knowledge of sin makes one accountable before God.
3. **Divine Providence and Human Awareness:** While not explicitly a theological statement, the use in [[Acts 14:6]] where Paul and Barnabas "became aware" of a plot suggests a human capacity to perceive dangers, which can be seen as part of God's providential care, allowing His servants to act wisely in perilous situations.
In essence, συνείδω illuminates the human capacity for internal awareness, both of one's own moral state and of external realities, always implicitly or explicitly pointing to the ultimate standard of God's knowledge and judgment.
### Summary
G4894 συνείδω (syneídō) is a Greek verb derived from σύν (together with) and εἴδω (to see/know), conveying the meaning "to be conscious of," "to be aware of," or "to be privy to." Its biblical occurrences demonstrate its application in various contexts: indicating complicity through shared knowledge ([[Acts 5:2]]), signifying the perception and realization of circumstances ([[Acts 14:6]]), and most notably, describing the state of one's inner moral awareness or conscience ([[1 Corinthians 4:4]]). Theologically, συνείδω is crucial for understanding the concept of a clear conscience and human accountability before God. Paul's use of the term highlights that while self-awareness of one's integrity is important, it is God's ultimate judgment that truly justifies. The word thus bridges human internal perception with divine omniscient scrutiny, emphasizing the profound connection between our inner state and our standing before the Almighty.
TRV