The Greek word syntíthemai, represented by G4934, is a middle voice verb meaning to place jointly, or figuratively, to consent, bargain, stipulate, or concur. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, often in contexts of conspiracy or formal agreement with significant consequences.
In its scriptural occurrences, G4934 describes agreements made with hostile intent. It is used when the chief priests and scribes covenanted to give Judas money G694 to betray Jesus Luke 22:5. The word also depicts a plot where the Jews G2453 agreed to ask for Paul to be brought before the council G4892 under the pretense of a more perfect inquiry Acts 23:20. Similarly, it is used when the Jews agreed that anyone who did confess G3670 that Jesus was the Christ G5547 would be put out of the synagogue G656 John 9:22. Finally, it describes how the Jews assented to accusations made against Paul, saying G5335 that these things G5023 were true Acts 24:9.
Several related words help clarify the context of the agreements made using G4934:
- G3670 homologéō (to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge): This word for confessing is directly linked to an agreement using G4934. The Jews agreed G4934 on a punishment for anyone who would confess G3670 Christ John 9:22.
- G2065 erōtáō (to interrogate; by implication, to request): The agreement made by the Jews against Paul was specifically to desire G2065 his presence before the council, forming the basis of their conspiracy Acts 23:20.
- G4892 synédrion (a joint session, i.e. (specially), the Jewish Sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal): This term denotes the formal setting for which an agreement was made. The plot against Paul involved an agreement to bring him into the council G4892 Acts 23:20.
- G694 argýrion (money, (piece of) silver): This highlights the transactional nature of a covenant. The agreement with Judas was a covenant to give him money G694 in exchange for his betrayal Luke 22:5.
The theological weight of G4934 is found in its consistent use to describe human pacts formed in opposition to divine will.
- Covenant of Betrayal: The word is used for the infamous covenant to betray Jesus. The chief priests and scribes covenanted G4934 with Judas, sealing their plan with the promise of money G694 Luke 22:5.
- Agreement for Persecution: It defines the formal policy of excommunication against early believers. The Jews agreed G4934 to cast out anyone from the synagogue who confessed Jesus as the Christ G5547, an act of organized opposition to the faith John 9:22.
- Conspiracies Against the Church: The term appears twice in Acts to describe plots against the apostle Paul. The Jews agreed G4934 on a deceptive plan to bring him to the council Acts 23:20 and later assented G4934 to false accusations against him Acts 24:9.
In summary, G4934 is not a word for neutral or positive agreements in the biblical text. Instead, it consistently highlights covenants and conspiracies directed against Jesus and his followers. From the pact to betray the Son of God to the organized persecution of the early church, syntíthemai illustrates how humanity can place itself jointly in opposition to divine righteousness, forming agreements unified in their destructive purpose.
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