### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συνήδομαι (synḗdomai, `{{G4913}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together with," and the root of ἡδονή (hēdonē, `{{G2237}}`), which signifies "pleasure" or "delight." The use of the middle voice is crucial, indicating that the subject performs the action for or upon themselves. Therefore, συνήδομαι conveys a deeply internal and personal sense of pleasure, satisfaction, or delight. It is not merely experiencing pleasure, but rather "delighting with oneself" or "feeling satisfaction concerning" something, implying an internal affirmation or resonance. The semantic range points to a profound, intrinsic agreement or affinity that results in a feeling of joy or contentment within one's inner being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, συνήδομαι (synḗdomai, `{{G4913}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence carries profound theological weight. This unique instance is found in [[Romans 7:22]]: "For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being."
In this pivotal passage, the Apostle Paul is articulating the profound spiritual struggle experienced by the believer. He describes the tension between the "inner man" (ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος), which is regenerated and aligned with God's will, and the "flesh" (σάρξ), which remains susceptible to sin. When Paul states, "I delight in the law of God, in my inner being," he uses συνήδομαι to express a deep, personal, and uncoerced satisfaction with God's moral standard. This is not a superficial appreciation but a profound spiritual resonance. Despite the ongoing battle with sinful inclinations, the core of his being—his renewed spirit—finds genuine pleasure and agreement with the divine precepts. This verse highlights that the problem is not with the law itself, which is holy, righteous, and good, but with the fallen human nature that is unable to perfectly fulfill it. The συνήδομαι here powerfully affirms the regenerate heart's true affinity for God's righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate συνήδομαι (synḗdomai, `{{G4913}}`), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἡδονή (hēdonē, `{{G2237}}`):** The root word for "pleasure," often used in the New Testament to describe sensual or worldly gratification, frequently with negative connotations (e.g., [[James 4:3]], [[Titus 3:3]]). συνήδομαι, by adding σύν and being in the middle voice, elevates the concept from mere carnal pleasure to a deeper, more internal, and often morally or spiritually oriented delight.
* **χαίρω (chairō, `{{G5463}}`):** A more general term for "to rejoice" or "to be glad." While συνήδομαι implies rejoicing, it specifies the internal and reflective nature of that delight, often in response to an internal agreement or conviction.
* **ἀγαπάω (agapaō, `{{G25}}`):** To love, often denoting a volitional, committed, and self-sacrificial love. While delight can be an aspect of love, συνήδομαι focuses specifically on the internal feeling of satisfaction or pleasure.
* **εὐδοκέω (eudokeō, `{{G2106}}`):** To be well pleased, to take pleasure in, or to approve. This term is often used of God's pleasure or approval (e.g., [[Matthew 3:17]]). While similar in concept, συνήδομαι emphasizes the subjective, internal experience of the one delighting.
* **ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος (ho esō anthrōpos):** "The inner man," the phrase used directly with συνήδομαι in [[Romans 7:22]]. This concept refers to the spiritual, renewed self of the believer, emphasizing the locus of this profound delight in God's law.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of συνήδομαι (synḗdomai, `{{G4913}}`) in [[Romans 7:22]] offers profound theological insight into the nature of the regenerate believer and the enduring goodness of God's law.
1. **The Regenerate Heart's Affinity for God's Law:** This verse powerfully demonstrates that the "inner man" of a Christian, having been renewed by the Holy Spirit, genuinely delights in the moral standard of God. This is not a forced or external conformity but an internal, spiritual resonance. It underscores that the believer's true self, despite the ongoing struggle with the flesh, is fundamentally aligned with divine righteousness.
2. **The Goodness of the Law:** Paul's statement affirms the inherent goodness and spiritual nature of God's law. The law is not the source of sin, nor is it flawed; rather, it is holy and righteous. The problem lies with fallen humanity's inability to perfectly obey it. The inner man's delight confirms the law's divine origin and its congruence with God's perfect character.
3. **The Dual Nature of the Believer:** The context of Romans 7 highlights the tension within the Christian life: the internal delight of the renewed spirit in God's law coexists with the persistent struggle against the "law of sin" in the members. συνήδομαι beautifully captures the reality that even in this ongoing spiritual warfare, the believer's deepest desire and satisfaction are found in God's will.
4. **A Glimpse of Future Glory:** This internal delight can be seen as a foretaste of the perfect obedience and complete alignment with God's will that believers will experience in their glorified state, where the struggle with sin will be forever absent. It points to a future where delight in God's law will be unhindered and complete.
### Summary
συνήδομαι (synḗdomai, `{{G4913}}`) is a unique and potent Greek verb that signifies a deep, internal delight or satisfaction, particularly a personal and profound resonance with something. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 7:22]] is critically important, revealing the regenerate "inner man's" genuine and profound delight in the law of God, even amidst the ongoing spiritual struggle with the flesh. This word underscores the spiritual nature and inherent goodness of God's law and highlights the genuine alignment of the believer's renewed spirit with divine righteousness. συνήδομαι thus offers a profound insight into the internal experience of the Christian, where a true spiritual affinity for God's will coexists with the daily battle against sin, pointing to a future hope of complete conformity and joyful obedience.
TRV