συνίημι

syníēmi /soon-ee'-ay-mee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom σύν and (to send)
Meaningto put together, i.e. (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously
KJV usageconsider, understand, be wise.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word syníēmi, represented by G4920, means to put together, or mentally comprehend. It appears 31 times across 25 unique verses in the Bible. The term goes beyond simple knowledge, pointing to the ability to synthesize information and grasp its deeper meaning, often in a spiritual context. By implication, it can also mean to consider, or to act wisely.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G4920 is frequently used to distinguish between merely hearing a message and truly grasping its significance. In the parable of the sower, the one who hears the word but does not understand it is vulnerable to the wicked one Matthew 13:19, whereas the one who hears and understands is the one who bears fruit Matthew 13:23. The term is also central to the prophecies of Isaiah, which are quoted to explain why some could hear and see yet fail to understand or perceive spiritual truth (Matthew 13:14, Acts 28:26). Ultimately, this understanding is presented as a divine gift, as when Jesus opened the disciples' minds so they could understand the scriptures Luke 24:45.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual comprehension:

  • G191 akoúō (to hear): This is the necessary first step to understanding. The link is made explicit in commands like "Hear, and understand" Matthew 15:10.
  • G1492 eídō (to see; to know): This word for seeing or perceiving is often paired with hearing, where a failure in both leads to a lack of understanding. A key example is "seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand" Mark 4:12.
  • G3563 noûs (the intellect, mind): This refers to the faculty of comprehension. It is the mind that must be opened for one to understand the scriptures Luke 24:45.
  • G3539 noiéō (to exercise the mind, comprehend): This term is used alongside syníēmi to emphasize a failure of mental and spiritual grasp, as when Jesus asked the disciples, "perceive ye not yet, neither understand?" Mark 8:17.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4920 is significant, highlighting key aspects of the human relationship with God.

  • Prerequisite for Fruitfulness: True understanding is directly linked to a productive spiritual life. It is the good ground that receives the seed of the word and "beareth fruit" Matthew 13:23.
  • Indicator of a Hardened Heart: A lack of understanding is a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem. The disciples' failure to consider the miracle of the loaves was because their heart was hardened Mark 6:52. Paul quotes the Old Testament to state that in our fallen nature, "There is none that understandeth" Romans 3:11.
  • Connection to Wisdom: To understand is to be wise. Believers are instructed not to be unwise, but to be "understanding what the will of the Lord is" Ephesians 5:17. Those who measure themselves by human standards are described as "not wise" 2 Corinthians 10:12.

Summary

In summary, G4920 is far more than a word for intellectual activity. It represents the crucial synthesis of divine truth in the mind and heart. It defines the difference between passive hearing and active, fruitful faith. Whether a person can understand spiritual matters serves as a diagnostic for the condition of their heart, and achieving this comprehension is presented as a key component of living wisely in accordance with God's will.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 26 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 6×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Infinitive 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 25 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Matthew (9 verses).

9
Matthew
5
Mark
4
Luke
3
Acts
2
Romans
1
2 Corinthians
1
Ephesians

Verse Explorer

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