### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synetós**, represented by `{{G4908}}`, is defined as mentally putting together, or sagacious and **prudent**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term describes an individual who is sagacious or discerning, capable of mentally assembling information to form a judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4908}}` in scripture highlights a contrast between human intelligence and divine revelation. In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus thanks the Father for having "hid these things from the wise and **prudent**" while revealing them to "babes" ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]). Similarly, in 1 Corinthians, it is written that God will "bring to nothing the understanding of the **prudent**" [[1 Corinthians 1:19]]. In a different context, Sergius Paulus is described in Acts as a "**prudent** man" who actively sought to hear the word of God [[Acts 13:7]], showing that the quality can also be viewed positively as a form of discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to clarify the concept of prudence and wisdom:
* `{{G4680}}` **sophós** (wise): This term is frequently paired with `{{G4908}}`, describing those from whom God has hidden certain truths [[Matthew 11:25]]. While God is called the "only **wise** God" [[Jude 1:25]], He chooses to confound those who are **wise** in the world's eyes [[1 Corinthians 1:27]].
* `{{G4907}}` **sýnesis** (knowledge, understanding): This noun represents the "mental putting together" that a **prudent** person employs. In [[1 Corinthians 1:19]], this is the very "understanding" of the **prudent** that God will bring to nothing. It can also refer to spiritual **understanding** given by the Lord [[2 Timothy 2:7]].
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): This term describes the **wisdom** that God will destroy [[1 Corinthians 1:19]], but it is also a spiritual gift believers should pray for [[James 1:5]] and a characteristic of Christ himself [[1 Corinthians 1:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4908}}` is centered on the distinction between human and divine wisdom.
* **Human Sagacity vs. Divine Revelation:** The term is most often used to describe a worldly prudence that stands in contrast to the simplicity of faith. Jesus makes it clear that divine truths are hidden from the intellectually **prudent** and are instead revealed to those who are like "babes" ([[Matthew 11:25]], [[Luke 10:21]]).
* **The Nullification of Worldly Prudence:** Paul's declaration in [[1 Corinthians 1:19]] that God will "bring to nothing the understanding of the **prudent**" serves as a core theological statement. It asserts that human cleverness and sagacity are ultimately futile in apprehending God's redemptive plan.
* **Discernment in Service of Faith:** The description of Sergius Paulus as a "**prudent** man" shows that the quality is not inherently negative. His prudence led him to seek out the truth of God's word, demonstrating that a discerning mind, when properly oriented, can be an asset to faith rather than a barrier [[Acts 13:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4908}}` is a word with a dual connotation in scripture. It can refer to a self-reliant human sagacity that acts as an obstacle to receiving divine revelation, a prudence that God chooses to bypass. However, it can also describe the positive trait of a discerning individual who uses their mental acuity to seek out the word of God. The meaning of **synetós** is therefore highly dependent on its context, illustrating the biblical theme that human wisdom must yield to the wisdom of God.
TRV