### 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.
TRV