### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **syneudokéō**, represented by `{{G4909}}`, means to think well of in common or to feel gratified with. It is translated as to **assent to**, **allow**, **be pleased**, or **have pleasure**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, indicating a specific and focused application in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4909}}` often carries a sense of moral approval or active consent, sometimes with severe consequences. It describes Saul **consenting** to the death of Stephen, an act that coincided with the start of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem ([[Acts 8:1]], [[Acts 22:20]]). The word is also used to condemn those who, despite knowing God's judgment that certain actions are worthy of death, not only commit them but also **have pleasure** in others who do them [[Romans 1:32]]. In a different context, it describes the positive agreement of an unbelieving spouse who is **pleased** to live with a believer, thereby sanctioning the marriage [[1 Corinthians 7:12-13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4909}}` is found:
* `{{G337}}` **anairéō** (slay, put to death): This term for violent killing is directly linked to `{{G4909}}` in Paul's testimony, where he recounts **consenting** to Stephen's death and guarding the clothes of those who **slew** him [[Acts 22:20]].
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution): The consent to Stephen's death is immediately followed by a great **persecution** against the church, showing how assent to violence can lead to wider affliction [[Acts 8:1]].
* `{{G4238}}` **prássō** (commit, practise): This word describes the habitual performance of actions. It is used in connection with `{{G4909}}` to show that taking pleasure in those who **commit** evil is a condemnable act in itself [[Romans 1:32]].
* `{{G615}}` **apokteínō** (kill): Jesus uses this word when accusing the leaders of their complicity, stating they **allow** the deeds of their fathers who **killed** the prophets [[Luke 11:48]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4909}}` centers on the moral responsibility of agreement and approval.
* **Culpability by Consent:** The word demonstrates that one can be held accountable not just for their own actions, but for approving of or consenting to the sins of others. This is powerfully illustrated by Saul **consenting** to Stephen's martyrdom [[Acts 22:20]] and by the condemnation of those who **have pleasure** in unrighteousness [[Romans 1:32]].
* **Generational Complicity:** In [[Luke 11:48]], Jesus uses the term to show that by building sepulchres for the prophets their fathers killed, the current generation was **allowing** or approving of those past deeds, thereby sharing in the guilt.
* **Sanctifying Agreement:** In a positive application, the word is used in 1 Corinthians to establish marital stability. The unbeliever who is **pleased** to remain provides the necessary consent for the union to continue under God's blessing [[1 Corinthians 7:12-13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4909}}` is a potent term that moves beyond passive acceptance to active, heartfelt agreement. It serves as a crucial theological marker for understanding accountability, showing that one's consent can either align them with sinful acts, like the persecution of the church, or affirm a righteous state, as in a sanctified marriage. The word underscores that what a person approves of is as morally significant as what they do.
TRV