### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συνίημι (syníēmi, `{{G4920}}`) is a compound formed from the preposition σύν (syn, "with," "together") and the verb ἵημι (hiēmi, "to send," "to throw," "to set in motion"). Literally, it conveys the idea of "sending together" or "putting together." Metaphorically, when applied to the mind, it signifies the act of "putting concepts together" or "connecting ideas" to form a coherent grasp of truth. This process leads to comprehension, understanding, and perception. The semantic range extends from merely "perceiving" or "grasping" to a deeper, more profound "understanding" that results in wisdom or discernment. The base definition provided further highlights an important implication: "to act piously," suggesting that true understanding is not merely intellectual but leads to appropriate, righteous behavior. English translations often render it as "consider," "understand," or "be wise."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συνίημι appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels and Pauline epistles, often in contexts related to spiritual perception and the reception of divine truth.
In the Gospels, Jesus often uses συνίημι when discussing the comprehension of His parables. For example, after explaining the parable of the sower, Jesus asks His disciples, "Have you understood all these things?" [[Matthew 13:51]]. This question underscores that the parables were not merely stories but vehicles for profound spiritual truth requiring discernment. Similarly, in Mark's account, the purpose of parables is explained in terms of who is given the ability to understand: "so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven" [[Mark 4:12]]. This echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah `{{H3478}}` (Isaiah 6:9-10) and highlights a divine purpose in the selective revelation of truth, where some are granted understanding and others remain spiritually dull, often due to their own hardened hearts.
Pauline epistles also emphasize the critical need for συνίημι. In Romans 3:11, quoting Psalm 14:2, Paul asserts, "There is none who understands; there is none who seeks for God" [[Romans 3:11]]. Here, the lack of understanding is presented as a fundamental human failing, a spiritual blindness that prevents humanity from seeking God. Conversely, in Ephesians 5:17, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" [[Ephesians 5:17]]. This verse directly links συνίημι with discerning God's will, implying that true understanding leads to wise and obedient living, aligning with the "act piously" aspect of the definition. Colossians 1:9 similarly prays that believers "may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" [[Colossians 1:9]], indicating that συνίημι is an essential component of spiritual maturity and discernment.
The book of Acts also features this term, notably in the context of Israel's spiritual resistance. In Acts 28:27, Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 again, lamenting, "For the heart of this people has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them" [[Acts 28:27]]. This passage powerfully illustrates that the inability to συνίημι is often a result of willful spiritual closure, leading to a state where divine healing and salvation are not experienced.
### Related Words & Concepts
συνίημι is closely related to several other Greek terms that describe various facets of knowledge, wisdom, and mental apprehension:
* νοῦς (nous, `{{G3563}}`): Refers to the mind, intellect, or understanding itself, often the faculty by which one συνίημι.
* γνῶσις (gnōsis, `{{G1108}}`): Denotes knowledge, often factual or intellectual. συνίημι goes beyond mere γνῶσις to a deeper comprehension.
* σοφία (sophia, `{{G4678}}`): Wisdom, often practical and ethical, which is the outcome of true συνίημι.
* ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, `{{G1922}}`): Full, precise, or experiential knowledge, a more complete understanding than simple γνῶσις.
* φρονέω (phroneō, `{{G5426}}`): To think, to have understanding, to be minded in a certain way, often with an ethical connotation.
* ἀσύνετος (asunetos, `{{G801}}`): The antonym, meaning "without understanding" or "foolish," highlighting the negative state of lacking συνίημι.
* In the Septuagint, συνίημι often translates the Hebrew בִּין (bin, `{{H995}}`), meaning "to discern," "to understand," or שָׂכַל (sakal, `{{H7919}}`), "to be wise" or "prudent," particularly in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Psalms). These Hebrew terms also carry the sense of putting things together mentally to gain insight and act wisely.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συνίημι is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Revelation and Human Reception:** συνίημι is central to the process of receiving and apprehending God's revealed truth. It is not merely hearing words but grasping their divine intent and spiritual implications. Without συνίημι, revelation remains opaque.
* **Spiritual Understanding as a Divine Gift:** The New Testament often portrays true συνίημι of spiritual matters as a gift from God, enabled by the Holy Spirit. The natural human mind, apart from divine illumination, cannot συνίημι the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). This highlights human dependence on God for spiritual insight.
* **Foundation for Discipleship and Obedience:** A deep συνίημι of Christ's teachings, the nature of the Kingdom, and God's will is indispensable for authentic discipleship. It moves individuals beyond mere intellectual assent to a transformative understanding that shapes their actions and choices, leading to the "pious" living mentioned in the definition.
* **Moral and Ethical Imperative:** The implication "to act piously" underscores that συνίημι has direct ethical consequences. True understanding leads to righteous behavior, while a lack of συνίημι often results in foolishness, disobedience, and sin.
* **Responsibility and Accountability:** While understanding is a gift, individuals are also held accountable for their response to truth. The repeated calls to "understand" and the warnings against spiritual dullness imply a human responsibility to open one's heart and mind to God's Word, lest one be judged for willful ignorance.
* **Distinction between Head and Heart Knowledge:** συνίημι often implies a holistic understanding that engages not just the intellect but also the heart and will, leading to a changed life. It transcends mere intellectual apprehension to encompass spiritual perception and discernment.
### Summary
συνίημι (syníēmi, `{{G4920}}`) denotes a comprehensive and insightful understanding, stemming from the mental process of "putting things together" or connecting disparate pieces of information to form a coherent whole. In the New Testament, this understanding is predominantly spiritual, referring to the discernment of divine truth, the comprehension of God's Word, and the apprehension of His will. It is frequently presented as a gift from God, essential for grasping the mysteries of the Kingdom and the teachings of Christ. Crucially, συνίημι is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound comprehension that leads to wise, discerning, and pious living. Its absence signifies spiritual dullness, blindness, or even willful resistance to truth, often leading to spiritual consequence. Thus, συνίημι is foundational to genuine faith, discipleship, and a life lived in accordance with God's purposes.
TRV