### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀσύμφωνος (asýmphōnos), Strong's `{{G800}}`, is a compound term derived from the alpha privative (α-, a negative particle equivalent to "un-" or "not") and σύμφωνος (sýmphōnos). The root σύμφωνος itself comes from σύν (sýn), meaning "with" or "together," and φωνή (phōnē), meaning "sound" or "voice." Therefore, σύμφωνος literally means "sounding together" or "in harmony," from which we get our English word "symphony."
Consequently, ἀσύμφωνος carries the core meaning of "not sounding together," "inharmonious," "discordant," or "disagreeing." Figuratively, it denotes a state of being out of accord, lacking agreement, or being in conflict. It describes a situation where elements, persons, or statements do not align or cohere, but rather clash or contradict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the lemma ἀσύμφωνος (`{{G800}}`) itself does not appear in the Greek New Testament. Its meaning, "agree not" or "inharmonious," is derived from its etymological construction as the direct opposite of σύμφωνος.
While ἀσύμφωνος is absent, its positive counterpart, σύμφωνος (`{{G4858}}`), and especially the related verb συμφωνέω (symphōneō, `{{G4856}}`), are found in the New Testament, providing crucial context for understanding the concept of agreement and its antithesis. The verb συμφωνέω appears in several significant passages:
* In [[Matthew 18:19]], Jesus states, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree (συμφωνήσωσιν) on earth about anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Here, συμφωνέω signifies spiritual unity and agreement in prayer, highlighting the power of harmonious petition before God.
* In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, the owner *agrees* (συνεφώνησεν) with the laborers for a denarius a day ([[Matthew 20:2]], [[Matthew 20:13]]), signifying a contractual agreement.
* In [[Matthew 26:59]], the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus "that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward." The underlying implication is that their testimonies did not *agree* or align.
* In [[Acts 5:9]], Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira, asking, "How is it that you have agreed (συνεφωνήθη) together to test the Spirit of the Lord?" Here, συμφωνέω denotes a conspiracy or a joint decision, but one that is spiritually detrimental.
* Perhaps most relevant to the concept of harmony in divine revelation, [[Acts 15:15]] states, "And with this agree (συμφωνοῦσιν) the words of the prophets, just as it is written..." This passage, part of James's address at the Jerusalem Council, asserts that the current work of God among the Gentiles is in perfect harmony and agreement with the ancient prophecies, particularly from Amos. This demonstrates a divine consistency and unity across salvation history.
The absence of ἀσύμφωνος in the New Testament might suggest that the biblical authors preferred to describe disagreement or discord using other terms (e.g., διχοστασία - `{{G1370}}` (dissension), ἔρις - `{{G2054}}` (strife), ἀντιλέγω - `{{G483}}` (to contradict)). Nevertheless, the concept of being "inharmonious" is implicitly understood as the negative state opposite to the divinely desired unity and agreement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are those from which ἀσύμφωνος is formed:
* σύμφωνος (`{{G4858}}`): "harmonious," "agreeing," "in accord." This is the direct antonym, representing the positive state of unity.
* συμφωνέω (`{{G4856}}`): The verb form, "to agree," "to be in harmony," "to conspire." As seen, this verb has significant theological and practical applications in the New Testament.
* φωνή (`{{G5456}}`): "sound," "voice." This root emphasizes the auditory dimension of harmony or discord – things "sounding together" or "not sounding together."
* σύν (`{{G4862}}`): "with," "together." This preposition underscores the relational aspect of agreement or disagreement.
The concept of ἀσύμφωνος stands in stark contrast to biblical themes of:
* **Unity (ἑνότης, `{{G1773}}`)**: Particularly in the body of Christ, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:3, "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
* **Peace (εἰρήνη, `{{G1515}}`)**: The absence of conflict and the presence of well-being, often a result of agreement.
* **Concord/Harmony**: The ideal state for believers, reflecting the divine nature.
Conversely, ἀσύμφωνος relates to concepts of:
* **Discord/Strife (ἔρις, `{{G2054}}`)**: Active contention and disagreement.
* **Division (διχοστασία, `{{G1370}}`)**: The breaking apart of unity.
* **Contradiction (ἀντιλογία, `{{G485}}`)**: Speaking against or opposing.
### Theological Significance
Though ἀσύμφωνος does not appear explicitly in the New Testament, its conceptual opposite, συμφωνέω, carries profound theological weight. The divine expectation for humanity, particularly for the community of faith, is one of harmony and agreement. This is not merely an aesthetic preference but a reflection of God's own unified nature (e.g., the Trinity) and His design for creation.
When the words of the prophets "agree" with God's actions in the world ([[Acts 15:15]]), it speaks to the consistency and trustworthiness of divine revelation and the coherence of God's redemptive plan throughout history. This cosmic harmony stands in contrast to human discord.
For believers, the call to "agree" in prayer ([[Matthew 18:19]]) underscores the spiritual power unleashed when individuals align their wills and voices with each other and, more importantly, with the will of God. Conversely, for Ananias and Sapphira to "agree" to test the Spirit ([[Acts 5:9]]) illustrates a dangerous and destructive form of agreement, one that is in disharmony with divine truth and holiness. This highlights that not all agreement is godly; its moral and spiritual quality depends on its alignment with God's character and purposes.
The absence of ἀσύμφωνος as a direct word in the NT might subtly emphasize the positive ideal of harmony. The New Testament writers consistently champion unity, peace, and mutual understanding among believers, viewing discord as a deviation from the Spirit's leading and a hindrance to the gospel's advance. The very concept of ἀσύμφωνος represents a state contrary to the Spirit of God, which fosters unity and peace.
### Summary
ἀσύμφωνος (`{{G800}}`) signifies "inharmonious" or "disagreeing," derived from its components meaning "not sounding together." While this specific lemma does not appear in the New Testament, its meaning is readily understood as the antithesis of the biblical ideal of συμφωνέω (`{{G4856}}`), "to agree" or "to be in harmony." The New Testament frequently employs the verb συμφωνέω to describe positive spiritual unity (e.g., in prayer, [[Matthew 18:19]]) and the consistency of God's prophetic word ([[Acts 15:15]]). The conceptual absence of ἀσύμφωνος in the biblical text, contrasted with the presence of its positive counterpart, underscores the profound theological value placed on unity, peace, and agreement within the divine plan and among God's people. Discord, though described by other terms, represents a state contrary to the harmonious nature of God and His will for His creation.
TRV