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 word **συνείδω (syneídō)**, represented by `{{G4894}}`, means **to see completely**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's usage implies a deep level of awareness, from understanding a situation to being secretly informed or conscious of a fact. It describes a knowledge that is more than superficial.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4894}}` is used to convey different kinds of awareness. It is used when Peter **considered** his miraculous escape before seeking out other believers [[Acts 12:12]]. It also describes a state of alert awareness, as when the apostles **were ware** of a plot against them and fled to Lystra and Derbe [[Acts 14:6]]. In a different context, it signifies complicity in a secret act, where Sapphira was **privy** to her husband Ananias keeping back part of the price of the land [[Acts 5:2]]. Finally, Paul uses it to describe his own clear conscience, stating, "For I **know** nothing by myself," while acknowledging that this self-awareness does not ultimately justify him [[1 Corinthians 4:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and implications of this complete seeing or knowing:
* `{{G1344}}` **dikaióō** (to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent): Paul links his own self-knowledge with this term, explaining that even a clear conscience does not mean he is **justified**, as that is the Lord's role [[1 Corinthians 4:4]].
* `{{G350}}` **anakrínō** (properly, to scrutinize, i.e. (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine): This word is used for the act of judgment that surpasses human awareness. Paul states that the Lord is the one who **judgeth** him, contrasting divine scrutiny with his own limited knowledge [[1 Corinthians 4:4]].
* `{{G3557}}` **nosphízomai** (to sequestrate for oneself, i.e. embezzle): This term is directly connected to being "privy" to something. Sapphira’s secret knowledge was of the fact that her husband **kept back** money from the apostles [[Acts 5:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4894}}` is tied to the consequences of what is known.
* **Awareness Demanding Action:** The apostles' awareness of danger prompted them to flee for their lives, showing that this knowledge is not passive but leads to a direct response [[Acts 14:6]].
* **Consciousness Before God:** Paul’s use of the word highlights a key theological point: human self-awareness, even of one’s own integrity, is insufficient for justification. It is God's judgment, not our own self-knowledge, that is ultimate [[1 Corinthians 4:4]].
* **Clandestine Knowledge and Guilt:** The word can describe a shared, secret knowledge that makes one complicit in a sin, as seen when Sapphira was "privy" to her husband's deception, tying awareness directly to moral accountability [[Acts 5:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4894}}` is a potent word describing a complete and consequential awareness. It is not merely about possessing information but about a state of understanding that can lead to life-preserving action, a humble recognition of divine judgment, or shared responsibility in a secret wrongdoing. The word illustrates that in the biblical view, what one truly knows or is aware of has significant practical and moral implications.
TRV